PUNTA CANA
As the sun rises in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana awakens to the lapping ocean - clear, unspoiled blue brushing up against the pristine stretches of sugar-white sand and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Swaying coco palms in the backdrop. A thriving tourism industry fuels the region, and with such plentiful ingredients as sun, sand, and sea, it's no wonder. Take a merengue or bachata lesson. Explore the local life, the sugarcane fields, local fishing villages and the countryside on any of the popular guided safari jeep tours makes a fun day.
All-Inclusive Resorts. If you want everything in one package, Punta Cana is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for the
aIl-inclusive concept. If you don't leave the resort or indulge yourself in the gourmet inclusive dining or spa treatments (and many guests do not), aside from a souvenir, you'll likely spend very little beyond the upfront costs. Drinks, food, activities, entertainment: it's all included.
So Many Excursions. Beyond the gates of your resort there are many opportunities to leave your chaise longue behind and explore the surrounding area. The following excursions are all extremely popular:
Aquatic Speedboat Tour: Cruise along the coast in a speedboat to a magnificent snorkeling spot.
ATV Tour: Get off the beaten path in a four-wheeler for an insider's view of the local countryside for half a day.
Bávaro Runners: Tour the local countryside for the full day, with stops at sugarcane fields, cocoa plantations, and a typical Dominican home for authentic Dominican lunch.
Catalina Island: Sail to this uninhabited, pristine 6 square mile island off the coast of La Romana. It's a secluded spot that's fabulous for snorkeling and diving. The all-day tour (9 hours) starts by bus from the hotels to Bayahibe
(90 minutes); from there, you take a boat to the island. There's also a stop along the way to tour Altos de Chavón.
Manatí Park: Exploring the park.
Marinarium: One of our favorites. Snorkeling among nurse sharks and sun rays on a coral reef.
Outback Safari: A half-day or full-day adventure takes you through the back roads to visit a cocoa plantation, local craft stores, a typical Dominican home, a cigar factory, and a secluded beach for some Boogie boarding.
Samaná Whale Watching: From January through March, head out to watch the wintering humpback whales that return to Samaná in droves for their mating and birthing season.
Santo Domingo: Full-day tour of the colonial capital, visiting the first cathedral in the New World and other architectural, historical, and cultural points of interest.
Saona Island: Get taken to the charming fishing village of Bayahibe, where you will board a Catamaran to Saona Island. Spend the morning taking in the natural beauty is of this national park with it's pristine white beaches and Caribbean waters. Volleyball, meringue and salsa dancing and an open bar will be followed by a barbecue/buffet lunch. After lunch you head back to the mainland, with a stop for a swim in a natural swimming pool to swim and take pictures of the starfish, there's a lot of them around! You will be brought back to Bayahibe, where you'll board a bus for Altos de Chavon, a perfect recreation of a 15th century Mediterranean village. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the impressive amphitheater, small church, art galleries, boutiques and a great view of Rio de Chavon.
Zip Lining: A half-day canopy tour that will have you swinging across Anamuya Pond on 10 different steel cables (the longest of which is 820 feet) from platforms spaced across a one-mile stretch of Taino Mountain. A 45-minute drive aboard a safari truck brings you to the welcome center, where qualified guides provide instruction and safety training.
As the sun rises in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana awakens to the lapping ocean - clear, unspoiled blue brushing up against the pristine stretches of sugar-white sand and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Swaying coco palms in the backdrop. A thriving tourism industry fuels the region, and with such plentiful ingredients as sun, sand, and sea, it's no wonder. Take a merengue or bachata lesson. Explore the local life, the sugarcane fields, local fishing villages and the countryside on any of the popular guided safari jeep tours makes a fun day.
All-Inclusive Resorts. If you want everything in one package, Punta Cana is one of the top destinations in the Caribbean for the
aIl-inclusive concept. If you don't leave the resort or indulge yourself in the gourmet inclusive dining or spa treatments (and many guests do not), aside from a souvenir, you'll likely spend very little beyond the upfront costs. Drinks, food, activities, entertainment: it's all included.
So Many Excursions. Beyond the gates of your resort there are many opportunities to leave your chaise longue behind and explore the surrounding area. The following excursions are all extremely popular:
Aquatic Speedboat Tour: Cruise along the coast in a speedboat to a magnificent snorkeling spot.
ATV Tour: Get off the beaten path in a four-wheeler for an insider's view of the local countryside for half a day.
Bávaro Runners: Tour the local countryside for the full day, with stops at sugarcane fields, cocoa plantations, and a typical Dominican home for authentic Dominican lunch.
Catalina Island: Sail to this uninhabited, pristine 6 square mile island off the coast of La Romana. It's a secluded spot that's fabulous for snorkeling and diving. The all-day tour (9 hours) starts by bus from the hotels to Bayahibe
(90 minutes); from there, you take a boat to the island. There's also a stop along the way to tour Altos de Chavón.
Manatí Park: Exploring the park.
Marinarium: One of our favorites. Snorkeling among nurse sharks and sun rays on a coral reef.
Outback Safari: A half-day or full-day adventure takes you through the back roads to visit a cocoa plantation, local craft stores, a typical Dominican home, a cigar factory, and a secluded beach for some Boogie boarding.
Samaná Whale Watching: From January through March, head out to watch the wintering humpback whales that return to Samaná in droves for their mating and birthing season.
Santo Domingo: Full-day tour of the colonial capital, visiting the first cathedral in the New World and other architectural, historical, and cultural points of interest.
Saona Island: Get taken to the charming fishing village of Bayahibe, where you will board a Catamaran to Saona Island. Spend the morning taking in the natural beauty is of this national park with it's pristine white beaches and Caribbean waters. Volleyball, meringue and salsa dancing and an open bar will be followed by a barbecue/buffet lunch. After lunch you head back to the mainland, with a stop for a swim in a natural swimming pool to swim and take pictures of the starfish, there's a lot of them around! You will be brought back to Bayahibe, where you'll board a bus for Altos de Chavon, a perfect recreation of a 15th century Mediterranean village. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the impressive amphitheater, small church, art galleries, boutiques and a great view of Rio de Chavon.
Zip Lining: A half-day canopy tour that will have you swinging across Anamuya Pond on 10 different steel cables (the longest of which is 820 feet) from platforms spaced across a one-mile stretch of Taino Mountain. A 45-minute drive aboard a safari truck brings you to the welcome center, where qualified guides provide instruction and safety training.
RIVIERA MAYA
Cancún/Riviera Maya is a great place to experience 21st-century Mexico since it has everything you'd want in a vacation, including shopping, sports, spas, and beaches. Here you'll find all-inclusive resorts for every budget, exceptional food, Mexican culture,and natural beauty within minutes of the world-famous Mayan ruins.
Culture. Surrounded on three sides by lagoon, bay and sea, Cancun offers a variety of vacation experiences. You'll find some of the world's best beaches with wide expanses of silky white sand as far as the eye can see. Cancun is naturally situated in subtropical jungle perfect for exploration and adventure. Hop on a jet ski or charter a boat for some deep sea fishing and spend a leisurely day at sea. Pristine reefs exist for snorkeling and diving. Relax overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea in a hammock, or pamper yourself at a world-class spa. Discover ancient Mayan cities including Tulum, the only archaeological site located by the sea and Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Visit Xel-Há, the world's largest natural aquarium, and Xcaret, where you'll see fascinating indigenous wildlife and can snorkel in underground rivers and cenotes.
Cancún/Riviera Maya is a great place to experience 21st-century Mexico since it has everything you'd want in a vacation, including shopping, sports, spas, and beaches. Here you'll find all-inclusive resorts for every budget, exceptional food, Mexican culture,and natural beauty within minutes of the world-famous Mayan ruins.
Culture. Surrounded on three sides by lagoon, bay and sea, Cancun offers a variety of vacation experiences. You'll find some of the world's best beaches with wide expanses of silky white sand as far as the eye can see. Cancun is naturally situated in subtropical jungle perfect for exploration and adventure. Hop on a jet ski or charter a boat for some deep sea fishing and spend a leisurely day at sea. Pristine reefs exist for snorkeling and diving. Relax overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea in a hammock, or pamper yourself at a world-class spa. Discover ancient Mayan cities including Tulum, the only archaeological site located by the sea and Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Visit Xel-Há, the world's largest natural aquarium, and Xcaret, where you'll see fascinating indigenous wildlife and can snorkel in underground rivers and cenotes.
JAMAICA
Come to Jamaica and feel all right! Nothing is a problem on this island paradise where reggae, romance and the Caribbean sun come together. Accommodations range from charming inns to luxurious resorts. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation concept, you won't find an island that does it better. Jamaica is the birthplace of Bob Marley's reggae, and home to many celebrated music festivals. Wherever you go in Jamaica, the friendly smiles of its people and the natural beauty of the island will keep you coming back.
Montego Bay. Ideal for those who are limited to a short stay. Discover a variety of amazing beaches, a bustling town and many sites including the Rosehall Great House.
Ocho Rios. Particularly known for its spectacular waterfalls, sprawling beaches, tropical gardens and fern gullies. For a memorable adventure, climb the 700-foot cascading waterfalls of Dunns River Falls.
Negril. The "Capital of Casual", Negril is the most secluded, lush part of the island. Located at the western tip of the island it is known for its amazing sunsets and gorgeous Seven Mile Beach.
Runaway Bay. History says slaves once used this area as an escape route. A short distance west of Ocho Rios and home to several resorts. Visit the Seville Great House and Nine Miles, birthplace of the iconic Bob Marley.
Come to Jamaica and feel all right! Nothing is a problem on this island paradise where reggae, romance and the Caribbean sun come together. Accommodations range from charming inns to luxurious resorts. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation concept, you won't find an island that does it better. Jamaica is the birthplace of Bob Marley's reggae, and home to many celebrated music festivals. Wherever you go in Jamaica, the friendly smiles of its people and the natural beauty of the island will keep you coming back.
Montego Bay. Ideal for those who are limited to a short stay. Discover a variety of amazing beaches, a bustling town and many sites including the Rosehall Great House.
Ocho Rios. Particularly known for its spectacular waterfalls, sprawling beaches, tropical gardens and fern gullies. For a memorable adventure, climb the 700-foot cascading waterfalls of Dunns River Falls.
Negril. The "Capital of Casual", Negril is the most secluded, lush part of the island. Located at the western tip of the island it is known for its amazing sunsets and gorgeous Seven Mile Beach.
Runaway Bay. History says slaves once used this area as an escape route. A short distance west of Ocho Rios and home to several resorts. Visit the Seville Great House and Nine Miles, birthplace of the iconic Bob Marley.