Dominican Republic (east) holidays

Things to do

Watch clever dolphins, parrots and sea lions perform in amazing shows at Manati Park. See sea turtles nesting on the beaches at Eastern National Park, as well as other marine animals, like manatees and bottlenose dolphins. Feel like a tropical castaway on Saona Island, its stunning beaches the setting for the famous Bounty adverts. Visit Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital and the New World's oldest city, with its stunning colonial architecture.

Explore your destination

Outback Jeep Safari
A firm favourite, taking in the island's real tastes, sights and way of life by open-top jeep, you'll scramble through villages and tropical scenery before boogie-boarding at a beautiful beach. With an open bar all day, this is non-stop fun.

POP from approx. £39pp (adult); £19pp (child)
PUJ from approx. £42pp

Helicopter Rides
A sightseeing tour in the sky, this is an unforgettable and thrilling experience. The best way to see the island, you'll spot turquoise waters, picture postcard beaches and dancing palm trees with a bird's-eye view of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.

POP from approx. £37/£103pp (adult)
PUJ from approx. £37pp (adult)

Ocean World Dolphins
Making friends with Ocean World's playful dolphins is the experience of a lifetime: you'll feed them, hug them and even steal a kiss. A memorable day, you'll also see acrobatic sea lions, fearsome sharks and a white tiger taking a dip.

POP from approx. £57/£77pp (adult); £42/£64pp (child)

Saona Island
To taste the real Caribbean, a trip to Saona Island is perfect; you'll cruise in a catamaran, chill on soft white sands, swim in crystal waters and zoom across the sea in a speedboat, in true James Bond style.

POP from approx. £126pp (adult); £107pp (child), including flight across island
PUJ from approx. £48pp

Please note: for further details, please speak to your Representative in resort. This is an example guide only and excursions and prices will be subject to change according to season, availability and demand.

Food and drink

Native Dominican cooking mixes Spanish influences with local produce, with favourites like pork, goat meat, rice and beans regular ingredients. Tuck into local dishes including La Bandera, meaning 'the flag', made of white rice, red beans, stewed meat, salad and fried plaintain. You'll also live the island life enjoying plenty of fresh fish and seafood; tomatoes, papaya, mangoes and passion fruit.

Evening Flavour

Move your feet to reggae and merengue, the Dominican Republic's famous national music and dance, in nightspots full of Caribbean character. You can also party under the stars at the weekly Stargazing Rock n' Roll Party in Punta Cana, with live music on the beach.

Shopping

Bargain hunt in Bávaro Plaza, Punta Cana, and get bartering for ceramics, hand-made souvenirs and silver; cigars and rum. Or, for somewhere a little different, wander the cobbled paths in Altos de Chavon, a colourful village showcasing the Dominican Republic's arts and crafts, with workshops, galleries and shops.

Information

Language: Spanish. Currency: Dominican Peso. US Dollar travellers cheques are recommended. Credit cards are accepted. Credit cards and Cirrus cards can be used in a number of cashpoint machines. Standard GMT: - 4 hrs. Dominican Republic Tourist Office: 18-21 Hand Court, High Holborn, London WC1V 6RZ. Tel: 020 7242 7778. www.dominicanrepublic.com

For essential information on visas, departure taxes, vaccinations and other issues {please read page xxx} click on info at the top of the page.

Travel money

Peso

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.

Travel foundation

First Choice is supporting The Travel Foundation, the UK charity caring for places you love to visit. With your help, in the Dominican Republic the Travel Foundation is supporting local people, helping farmers supply fresh produce to hotels and making it easier for craftspeople to create and sell good quality souvenirs. Find out more at www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk.