The island of Hispanola is the second largest island in the Caribbean, second only to Cuba. The Dominican Republic is the largest part that it shares with Haiti.

It has a variety of terrain, mountains, beautiful beaches, and clear turquoise waters. Agriculture is a very large industry with a large variety of fruits and vegetables being grown. Coffee, sugar and rum are the major exports along with a selection of tropical fruits.

The Dominican Republic boasts the highest mountain in the Caribbean over 10,000 ft. named Pico Duarte. Hiking excursions are available for one day or multiple day trips and all levels of expertise.

You can enjoy all kinds of water sports. The town of Cabarete is the windsurf capital of the world. The world championships are held there every year. Beautiful beaches, wind and waves along with the quaint shops make it a great place to be when you're not out on the boards. There is also scuba diving, kite surfing, catamaran sailing, fishing, deep sea fishing, and of course, swimming and sunbathing. Name your pleasure, you will find it here.

Venture to the top of the mountain to have lunch at one of the several restaurants. Soak in a spectacular view out to the ocean or over the second largest city in the country Santiago. If you choose to stay at the beach, one of the many bars or restaurants is a good place to decide whether to join in a volleyball game or the native pastime of dominoes.

Plan a trip to Samana from the end of December to March, where you can partake in a whale watching tour. The humpback whales come here every year to spawn. There are many guided day trips available. Best to reserve to avoid disappointment.

The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata is an interesting and fascinating look into the past. There are guided tours of the history of Amber and many specimens to view. A reputable gift shop with many unique designs of jewellery is on-site and you can purchase Larimar, a semi-precious (turquoise blue colour like the ocean) stone found only on this island as well as the Amber for which it's renowned.

There is a Marineland type Dolphin Park, located near Cofresi, which is just the other side of Puerto Plata and about 45 minutes from Sosua.