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Top five shore excursions in the Dominican Republic
Dropping anchor in the Dominican Republic on your next cruise? Check out our top five shore excursions.
A Dominican Republic cruise covers everything from sandy beaches and snorkelling sessions to zip-lining adventures and city tours. And if your adventure begins in the rustic town of Samana, the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, or the untouched Isla Catalina, there’ll be plenty to dive into in this Caribbean paradise. So, whether you’re a thrill seeker, sun tanner or both, we’ve got a line-up of experiences that’ll tick all your holiday boxes.
Once you’ve got all the inspo, check out our Dominican Republic cruises.
Once you’ve got all the inspo, check out our Dominican Republic cruises.
1. Sail and snorkel
Hop off the ship and onto a catamaran to set sail along Dominican Republic’s tropical coastline. Once you’re onboard, you can kick back in the shaded lounge or stretch out on the sun deck. Tan incoming! Fancy a dip in the clear waters? Thanks to a snorkelling stop along the way, there’s time to spot some exotic fish.
2. 4x4 tour
Your destination? Off the beaten track. Your mode of transport? A 4x4. And your guide? The ultimate Dominican Republic insider. You’ll see a different side to the island on this tour – the agenda includes a visit to a traditional house where you’ll meet a local family and taste freshly-brewed coffee.
3. Santo Domingo City tour
Get your culture fix sorted and tick off some of Santo Domingo’s UNESCO-rated sights. You’ll visit the capital’s top spots like Fortaleza Ozama – a 16th-century Spanish castle – Santo Domingo Cathedral and the grand Alcazar de Colon building.
4. Zip-line adventure
Are you an adventure lover looking to see more of the island’s natural side? It’s time to step up to the platform. With ten lines connecting tree-top to tree-top, you'll zoom through the rainforest and score some insta-worthy views of the jungle scenery. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
5. Caves of Wonder
Fancy stepping back in time? On this underground adventure, you’ll wander through an extensive cave system that spans over 800 metres. Once inside, you’ll pause at a natural pool, and further on in, take a look at Native Taino Indian paintings – preserved in near-perfect condition. The journey doesn’t end there, though. There’s also a visit to Altos de Chavon – a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village and the home of a 5,000-seat Grecian amphitheatre.
Ready to kick-start your next Caribbean adventure?
Check out our cruise deals page and set sail for less.
And once you’ve booked, you can head to the Marella Cruise Control website to lock in your favourite experiences before you go.
Plus, find out the best time to visit the Dominican Republic, or learn more about our Cruise & Stay holidays.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Conor Braniff
Last updated: 05.03.2025