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With its paradisiacal beaches, lush forests, spectacular mountains, and warm culture, the Dominican Republic is full of landscapes as diverse as they are captivating. Each region has its own character, natural treasures, and atmosphere. But if we had to choose… what is the most beautiful side of the island? South-East, North, or South-West? Here is an overview of the main tourist areas to help you make your choice.
The South-East of the Dominican Republic is without a doubt the most emblematic region of the country. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, it offers postcard-perfect landscapes: white sand beaches lined with coconut trees, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and ever-present sunshine. This is where you’ll find Bayahibe, a former fishing village that has become a key starting point for exploring the marine treasures of the region.
Bayahibe has managed to preserve its authenticity while developing sustainable tourism, far from the hustle and bustle of large hotel complexes. Its charm lies in its tranquility, its proximity to the Cotubanamá National Park, and above all in the excursions it allows to some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.
Among them, Saona Island is a true natural gem, accessible only by boat. Designated a protected reserve, it attracts visitors with the clarity of its waters, the softness of its beaches, and the abundance of marine life. Whether you choose an affordable group trip, a catamaran cruise, or a private speedboat charter, the experience is always unforgettable.
👉 Board our luxury catamaran excursion to Saona
👉 Discover our affordable excursion to Saona Island
👉 Enjoy an exclusive day aboard our private catamaran Quetzal
The South-East is therefore the ideal destination for travelers looking for relaxation, paradisiacal landscapes, and high-end maritime activities, in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.
The North of the Dominican Republic, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, offers a completely different side. Here, wild nature, wind-swept beaches, and a freer, more bohemian atmosphere take center stage. The north coast is an exploration ground for travelers in search of authenticity, sport, and adventure.
Cities like Puerto Plata, Cabarete, or Las Terrenas embody this northern spirit. Puerto Plata combines history and nature, with its colorful colonial center and its unique cable car leading up to Mount Isabel de Torres. Cabarete, for its part, has become the Caribbean capital of kitesurfing, attracting a young, dynamic, and international community. Further east, Las Terrenas offers a subtle blend of fishing village and elegant seaside resort, with its long quiet beaches and beachfront restaurants.
Further on, the Samaná Peninsula reveals spectacular landscapes between jungle, waterfalls, and virgin beaches. Every year, between January and March, humpback whales come to mate in the bay, offering a breathtaking natural spectacle. The region is also full of lesser-known treasures, such as the caves of Los Haitises National Park or the secluded beaches of Rincón and Frontón.
👉 From January to March, come watch humpback whales with Quetzal Excursions
The North seduces with its diversity, its freedom, and its natural spirit. It’s a region to be discovered independently, for curious souls and lovers of wide open spaces.
Less known to the general public, the South-West of the Dominican Republic nevertheless harbors unsuspected cultural and natural riches. This is where you’ll find Santo Domingo, the capital of the country and the first colonial city on the American continent. Its historic center, the Colonial Zone, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true open-air museum: cobbled streets, colorful houses, cathedrals, fortresses… Every corner tells a piece of Caribbean history.
Beyond the capital, the South-West unveils a wild and preserved nature, still little explored. The Barahona region, between sea and mountains, is full of secret beaches, waterfalls hidden in the heart of the forest, and breathtaking panoramas. Further south, Bahía de las Águilas, located in the Jaragua National Park, is often cited as the most beautiful beach in the country. Isolated, immaculate and protected, it stretches for several kilometers without a single building.
The South-West will delight travelers in search of culture, raw landscapes, and authenticity, far from mass tourism. A perfect region to combine urban getaway in Santo Domingo and off-the-beaten-track adventure in an untouched environment.
👉 Discover Santo Domingo in an unforgettable way with Quetzal Excursions
Paradisiacal beaches of the South-East, wild and sporty atmosphere of the North, historical depth and untouched nature of the South-West… Each side of the Dominican Republic has something unique to offer. The most beautiful? It depends on what you are looking for. But one thing is certain: wherever you go, you will find a rich, generous, and unforgettable island.
Based in Bayahibe, Quetzal Excursions is a local agency specialized in small-group sea trips to Saona, Catalina, and the most beautiful hidden gems of the Dominican Republic. We focus on comfort, safety, and authenticity, aboard high-end boats with a professional crew.
📱 CONTACT US ON WHATSAPP : +1 (809) 979-7359
Contact Quetzal Excursions to plan a trip to Saona Island from your place of stay, with included transport, small group, professional guide, and high-end services.