Sports and leisure activities Dominican Republic

Guavaberry Golf & Country Club is home to the first 18-hole golf course to be built in the Dominican Republic. Designed by Gary Player, the course was laid out on gently sloping hillsides and traverses several rock formations. There is also a riding school here, opened in 2004, perhaps one of the most complete in the country (qualified staff and veterinarian). One can try galloping in the heart of vast virgin areas.

This PADI diving center is the region's specialist. It offers a wide range of dive sites, just 20 minutes from Bayahibe. The Parque Nacional del Este, with its many varieties of coral and fish, is ideal for Open Water and Advanced divers. You can also visit the exceptional wreck of the St George. Excursions to Isla Catalina, Peñon or Isla Saona offer the chance to combine dives in the company of sharks, corals and an incredible amount of marine life. Friendly, professional team.

The diving center is located in the heart of the village. Padi certified, it offers different diving formulas and excursions: half-day baptism, courses for children (8-12 years), diving trips to Saona Island (2 dives, buffet on the beach, stop at the natural pool and visit the mangrove), diving day in Catalina Island to meet sharks and practice snorkeling, diving in the Este National Park (wreck of the St. George, a sunken boat for the attention of divers) and night dives for the more experienced.

The best teacher you'll ever have! Originally from the USA, Craig will motivate you, encourage you and pull you up to become a wave tamer (with a little work). He'll find the perfect spot for you to surf at your level and accompany you into the water to help you choose the best waves to catch, safely. Even though he only speaks English, Craig is positive and motivating, and is sure to be the best teacher for you if you want to learn to surf.

Prokite is the only club on the beach whose manager is French (he comes from the North of France). In addition to its French-speaking asset, it is one of the most serious clubs of the area which will enable you to learn and evolve quickly. With the latest equipment, talky-walky integrated in the helmet to communicate easily, flexible schedules, the club offers 3 different formulas: private lessons, rentals with supervision (accompaniment, set-up, and assistance), and pure rentals. Credit cards and online payments are accepted.

Horseback riding in the Dominican campo with Tommy, a young ranchero who recently took over the family business. He proposes for the little ones, from 4 years old, and the older ones, the visit of a typical village, of the mountains, a refreshing swim in a magnificent river and the immersion in the Dominican culture with a lunch stop. The landscapes are splendid and restful and the atmosphere extremely friendly. Moreover, we appreciate the French-speaking welcome. A great experience to share with family or friends.

The centre offers packages for classic dives in about twenty sites in the area, but also organises diving excursions, such as the discovery of the wrecks of Embassy, the caves of Taina or the underwater national park of La Caleta during a whole day. There is also the possibility to do a first dive for novices, but also, for experienced divers, to do exceptional night dives. Don't hesitate to call us to know the agenda of the week and the state of the sea.

You don't need to be a kayaking expert to make these excursions through the most beautiful and wild landscapes of the northern coast. On this four-hour "eco-adventure", you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Jamao River, have lunch in a local's house under the shade of a big tree, swim in calm waters and have a few scares while rowing in the rapids. They also offer canyoning, just as exceptional. You will be in the company of real experienced professionals, which is not always the case in Cabarete!

Certified PADI, the Dive Cabarete centre has been taken over by Jane and Chris, a very competent English couple who are working hard to develop diving in this temple of surfing, which is no small task! In fact, it is the only address dedicated exclusively to the discovery of the underwater world in the area. You can spend hours talking to these passionate people who will help you discover exceptional spots. An excellent address, for beginners as well as for the more experienced. Also snorkelling trips.

After having toured the main kitesurfing spots in the world, John decided to leave his native England to open this school on Kite Beach. The Cabarete Kite Club is one of the first clubs to open on the American continent, and the oldest in Cabarete, which gives it a certain legitimacy and experience. The club offers courses for all levels with IKO certified instructors (some of whom speak French), and the rental of approved equipment. It is also possible to practice stand-up paddle.

Caribbean Lake Park is a brand-new water sports and activity park, the ideal place to have fun! Opened in 2022, the complex is packed with adrenalin-pumping activities to ensure you have a great day out. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate or expert in one of these disciplines, there's plenty to keep you entertained: wake-boarding, fly-boarding, stand-up paddle, inflatable catapults, cable-drawn buoys, zip-lines... The choice is yours! Restaurant on site.

The diving center is located in two of the most beautiful hotels on the island. It welcomes both beginners and experienced divers, thanks to the quality of its equipment and especially to the training of its instructors, who are always attentive to your needs. The activities offered are vast and range from the initial training to the professional level. The atmosphere is excellent and friendly. A very good address to spend a dream vacation.

This kitesurfing facility has been run by a team of IKO-certified instructors since 2007. They subsequently trained a team of international instructors to run the courses. Yannick, a French expatriate, is in charge. Las Terrenas has several spots open from December to September, each of varying degrees of difficulty. Ideal for beginners and those wishing to perfect their technique. You can also rent equipment (including stand-up paddles).

It's not just a simple bike rental company, from touring bikes to mountain bikes and fat bikes, Real Bike Shop offers private or group rides. Repair, maintenance, and seriousness are the assets of this former mechanic of professional cycling teams. On the road, in the forest or in the mountains, the rides are particularly enjoyable. For group rides, each level is respected in order not to penalize anyone. Long-term rentals are also possible. Perfect to discover the surroundings.

Adventures Land Caballos Punta Cana promises an exceptional moment in its ranch installed on the beach of Punta Cana for over a decade now. It is one of the best places to go for an excursion in optimal conditions. Walking on the beach, horseback riding at sunset, Segway, or buggy, Adventures Land offers solutions for all families or friends wishing to discover the best of Punta Cana.

This zipline park is one of the biggest in the Caribbean! In total, there are no less than 12 zip lines that will allow you to fly above the canopy of El Valle. At an altitude of 100 meters, the first of the lines that you will take is more than 300 meters long at full speed (and it is not the only one)! As far as safety is concerned, there is no need to worry: the participants are harnessed to double harnesses through which three safety cables pass. What do you think? Are you ready to take the high road?

This foundation, which has been in existence since 2015, offers music lessons to local underprivileged children to give them the opportunity to grow and even find a vocation. If you wish, it is possible to get involved as a volunteer by filling out the form on the NGO's website. The foundation also organizes the Jazz Festival (early November) which is one of the biggest cultural and musical events in the Caribbean. It takes place in several cities like Santiago, Cabarete or Puerto Plata.

The beach of Buen Hombre is located in one of the windiest areas of the island. It is therefore a paradise for kitesurfing. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced kiteboarder, the Buen Hombre kiteboarding team will welcome you with dynamism and a smile for a wonderful experience of this water sport. You can choose between individual lessons, board rental, all inclusive stay in one of the adjacent bungalows... But also kayak, motorbike and quad rental to explore the surroundings. Contact us by mail; we will tell you which formula is best suited to your needs.

This attraction proposed in Samana is aimed at families as well as youth groups. It is a course of 12 zip lines that will allow you to discover this beautiful natural site in a different way. Other activities include a walk on the wild El Vallee beach, swimming in the Lulu waterfall, lunch on the beach with local products (fruit, chocolate, bananas, coffee and hot chocolate and the famous local aphrodisiac drink Mamajuana). All offers are on the agency's website.

At La Hacienda Park, you'll find the longest and fastest zip lines in the country, as well as a unique chairlift. You can combine these experiences with horseback riding, nature safaris, plantation tours, local cuisine tastings and many other activities. The activities have been designed for a great day out with family and friends, and fit in with the theme of "discovering the jungle and the environment". Not bad for those who want to enjoy nature and have fun at the same time!

Tony and his team of 8 professional pilots will take you for a ride in the air in Jarabacoa and all around the country. The Duarte peak and the mountain range seen from above are worth a look! He also organizes paragliding courses over several days in the Jarabacoa area, so you can come back from the Dominican Republic with a newly acquired skill. The experience is truly unforgettable. To prolong the pleasure, Flying Tony also offers rafting, canyoning, horseback riding or hiking.

This studio invites dance enthusiasts to discover the captivating world of pole dancing. Thanks to a team of qualified and passionate teachers, everyone can learn the graceful and sensual movements of this artistic discipline. Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun way to get into shape, or a more advanced dancer, the studio offers classes to suit all levels. Plus: The Santo Domingo Pole Summer festival, in early October, for even more workshops!

The school is based in Playa Bonita, one of the most beautiful beaches. Carolina offers lessons for all ages and levels in a friendly atmosphere, in English, Spanish and French. This young Dominican woman, used to surfing and kitesurfing competitions, is a true passionate. Possibility of surf trip over several days with camp, or individual or group lessons, or simply to rent her board... Carolina is a mine of information on culture, nature and Dominican life. A beautiful meeting.

Run by Stéphane, a Frenchman, the Las Galeras Sea and Sun excursion agency offers a whole range of activities mainly focused on the sea. Taking advantage of his good knowledge of the place, Stéphane proposes boat excursions in the surroundings of Playa Fronton, but also big game fishing trips, moving encounters with whales passing by. It is also possible to plan buggy trips. A serious agency that lives up to its name: the sea and the sun are always there.

The Dive Academy, whose offices are located in the center of Las Terrenas, is a diving center (SSI and NAUI certified). It is on board of a 35 feet long catamaran that we go to discover the surroundings, for trips going from 3 hours to the whole day. As for diving, there are many options, from the first dive to the dive trips in the bay of Samana, including training courses. Whale watching trips are also available, from Samana or Cabo Cabron, depending on the weather. Audrey speaks French.

Away from the other schools (on the left when you arrive on the beach), Pauhana has been here for a long time. The young team of certified surfers and teachers is friendly, and will be happy to introduce you to the delicate art of surfing or to improve your skills. Possibility to stay at the Hook Cabarete B&B. Contact the team for more information. Dynamic atmosphere and warm welcome. Progress in surfing whatever your level !

The instructors at 321 Take Off teach all types of water sports, including swimming. In a roots spirit while remaining very professional, this address will seduce the lovers of water sports! The riders' school, as they call it, also offers day trips combining surfing in the morning, stand-up paddle resting in a lagoon for lunch (although this requires balance...) and kitesurfing in the afternoon. All this with a transport service that drops you off and picks you up at the departure and arrival points. Good atmosphere guaranteed!

Located on Playa la Ballenas, Cocokite-fishing is a hybrid agency offering both big game fishing and kitesurfing trips. On the fishing side, you will get the best from Patrick, an experienced fisherman who has been fishing in Dominican waters for more than 20 years. On the kitesurfing side, Ambre will take care of you and will even offer you a short film of your exploits on the waves (120 US$ for a 2 hour trip). Family packs are available. The agency is the only one in the area to offer wake-boarding trips. A very professional address!

With no less than 8 dive sites in the vicinity, the village of Pedernales is one of the main spots in the country to dive and discover the Dominican seabed, particularly rich in the region, which preserves intact corals and abundant fauna, including many sea turtles. Set up by an Italian couple, this ESA certified diving center takes you to explore the underwater treasures of the Jaragua National Park and the southwest coast. An unforgettable experience (suitable for all levels).

The two tour companies of Jarabacoa have merged to form Jabaventura and offer, among other things, rafting (descent on the Rio Yakue del Norte, classified as category 3 and 4 on a scale of 5, i.e. quite rough, from 6 to 10 km), canyoning on the Salto Baiguate and other places depending on the time of the year. But also trekking on the Pico Duarte and other trails like the Valle del Tetero. For those who love strong adventures, this is your first choice.

Johnny fell in love with Las Terrenas and decided to give up everything to come and live there. Since then, he shares his passion for the sea, the beautiful beaches and fishing! Tailor-made programs or guided outings on his well-equipped boat where he only receives small groups. His wife also runs a very good restaurant-bar, the Calypso Bar (at the same address). Two types of excursions: on Jackson or playa Escondida, with stops on other beaches (BBQ included to be tasted on the beach, open bar and aperitif with music on the boat). Unforgettable!

It is just a few steps away from the National Palace of Santo Domingo, a few cuadras west of the colonial center, that you will find this rather famous dance studio. If Cindy Sosa's studio works more specifically with residents, it is also possible to take classes on a more occasional basis when visiting the city. Whatever your level, here you will learn the basics of bachata (or perfect your knowledge). Saborrr !

Located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Krav Maga Dominicana is a self-defense club offering courses for all levels.