Golf

The Guavaberry Championship Golf Course (Km 55, Nuevo Autovia del Este, Juan Dolio, tel. 809/333-4653, fax 809/333-3030, www.guavaberrygolf.com, greens fees US$99) has 7,156 yards and was designed by the South African–born professional golfer Gary Player. This course is a par-72, 18-hole course with rolling hills, wide fairways, and several sets of trees to challenge you. The amenities include a gourmet restaurant, pro shop, piano bar, meeting rooms, pool, and terraces. Reservations are recommended. Special packages can be arranged through the all-inclusive resorts or via the website for Guavaberry.

Diving and Snorkeling

Many dive sites are accessible from this area. The coral reefs offshore create a wonderful viewing spot for different types of coral and fish. If you have an underwater camera, take it! Most of these excursions can be booked with the resorts or through independent dive centers such as Neptuno Dive (on the Juan Dolio beach next to the Barceló Capella resort, tel. 809/526-2005, fax 809/526-1378, www.neptunodive.com, US$36 for one dive), which is one of the best. Everyone, from beginners (they will start you in the pool and work you up to the ocean) to those seeking instructor development courses, is welcome to take one of the many classes.

If you want to brave the ocean after nightfall you’ll need to pay an additional US$20. Excursions such as a day dive to Isla Catalina, which includes the bus and boat ride out to the island, lunch, and drinks, will cost US$69, or try cave diving at Cueva Taína (their most popular dive) for US$69 (for an additional fee, you can take a horseback ride around the cave site) and to some of the offshore reefs with depths ranging 10–30 meters. Paying in advance over the Internet will save you 20 percent. Prices listed here do not include the 16 percent tax.

Tours

If touring places like Isla Saona (US$65), Isla Catalina (US$65), or Santo Domingo (US$45) or going on a truck safari (US$65) is for you, then contact Faenza Tours (Juan Dolio, Villas del Mar, Calle Principal, tel. 809/526-1713, cell 829/340-0392, faenzarentacar [at] yahoo [dot] com). They also rent four-wheel ATVs for US$55 for three hours. Other packages and rentals are available. It is best to secure a spot in your tour 2–3 days in advance as spots fill up.

© Ana Chavier Caamaño from Moon Dominican Republic, 4th edition