The resort of Punta Rusia is located in the north-west of the Dominican Republic. It is distinguished by its climatic features, as it has the lowest density of precipitation in the country. There are ideal conditions for fans of beach holidays and connoisseurs of adventure. The resort is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The water temperature near the shore is never below +25 degrees.
Along the coast there is a huge number of fish and marine animals. Punta Rusia is in demand among divers. Even snorkeling will allow you to get acquainted with the underwater world and give a lot of positive impressions. Within the resort there are a large number of attractions, including those of natural origin. In 1493, Columbus built the first fortress here. The city has an amber museum. Visitors will be able to get acquainted with this amazing stone, which was used at the beginning of the film “Jurassic Park”. The amber mine itself is located between Puerto Plata and Santiago. The name of the settlement of Punta Rusia was also given by Columbus. In translation, it means “brown peaks”.
The resort has a large selection of hotels of different categories. All of them guarantee a calm and proper rest.
- 1 Instagram place Mirador Brisas del Atlntico
- 2 Cayo Arena Island
- 3 Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata
- 4 Cable car and isabel de Torres mountain
- 5 Fun City amusement park with karting
- 6 Monte Cristi National Park
- 7 Mirador del Sendero de las Cruces
- 8 Fricolandia (Fricolandia)
- 9 Attractions Punta Rusia on map
Instagram place Mirador Brisas del Atlntico
This place is created for those who want to relax from the daily bustle and be alone with nature. To some extent, Mirador Brisas del Atlntico is an observation deck that offers excellent views of the surrounding resort and the Atlantic Ocean. For visitors, several locations for a photo shoot are equipped. There are endless swings, a huge chair, the Atlantic Ring, the door of paradise. Many come here with professional photographers. But even on your own you can make a lot of bright and unique photos.
Geographically, this place belongs to the hotel Brisas Del Atlantico in Punta Rucia, located on a hill. Vacationers can enjoy an unforgettable view from a spacious panoramic balcony. For visitors to the location there is a souvenir shop.
Cayo Arena Island
The Dominican island of Cayo Arena is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This name the island received because of the complete lack of vegetation on it, that is, completely empty, like an arena. However, despite this fact, even the locals call the islet Paradise, and in Spanish its name sounds especially attractive “Cayo Paraiso”.
Cayo Arena is a small shoal among the Atlantic Ocean. The island is covered with snow-white sand, which is perfectly combined with azure ocean waters. Due to the lack of vegetation for maximum comfort of vacationers, huts with a roof of palm leaves are installed. Not only do they serve as a shelter from the hot sun, but they are also an excellent scenery for a memorable photo shoot.
Paradise Island is of coral origin. Next to it there is a picturesque coral reef, the surrounding waters are considered an ideal place for snorkeling.
In 2013, CNN News Compiled a Ranking of the 100 Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth. Cayo Arena took 34th place in it. Journalists noted that this tiny piece of land, surrounded on all sides by such clear water that it will not be difficult to see the bottom. And the color of the ocean in these places changes from bizyuze-blue to the color of aquamarine. In 2020, Forbes magazine included the island in the list of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. The publication noted that this place is ideal for a secluded holiday, especially during the post-coronavirus vacation.
It is better to go to the island in the morning, during this period the water here is especially clean. It’s always windy here, launching a drone and making a beautiful photo or video is problematic. It is worth taking some bread or bananas with you on a trip. Around the island there are many tropical fish, it will be especially interesting to feed them while swimming with a mask. You can get to the Cayo Arena by high-speed boat. The one-way journey takes about 30 minutes. A boat or catamaran is rented on the beach of Punta Rusia or La Ensenada.
Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata
Ocean World Adventure Park is a real entertainment complex, which includes a marina, a theater, a casino, restaurants and bars, shops and discos. Designed for those who want to have fun and active time.
The park is known all over the world for its stunning landscaped areas and inhabitants. On its territory, natural pools have been created in which dolphins live. Every day for visitors there are fascinating shows with dolphins and sea lions. The creators of the park made sure that a large selection of entertainment was available to the departing. And one of these is a unique opportunity to swim in an aquarium with tropical fish. No less interesting will be a visit to the grotto with tigers, in which through the glass you can take photos with one of the most ferocious predators of the planet.
On the territory of the park there is an area with tropical birds. Some of them live in huge cages, with some you can communicate closer and even hold them in your arms.
Ocean World Adventure Park was founded in 2004, it is located 5 kilometers from Puerto Plata. During its existence, the park has been awarded several prestigious awards – “Thomson Award”, “The best entertainment complex in the Caribbean”. Open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. The cost of the entrance ticket (for March 2022) is $ 69. This price includes the opportunity to swim in an aquarium with tropical fish, get acquainted with local birds, watch a dolphin show, visit a tiger grotto. Lunch is also included.
A water park has recently been opened on the territory of the park, its visit is paid additionally. Separately, you will have to pay for a photo and an individual opportunity to communicate with local residents.
Official website: www.oceanworld.net
Cable car and isabel de Torres mountain
Isabel de Torres is one of the main attractions of Punta Rusia. There is a national park with a huge variety of different plants. The hill is 800 meters high, and the park itself covers an area of 9 square miles. The name Mount Isabel de Torres was given by Christopher Columbus in honor of the queen who financially sponsored his expedition.
At the top of the hill stands a statue of Christ with open arms. To some extent, it is a smaller copy of the statue located in Rio de Janeiro.
To get to the top, you should use the cable car. The modern lift is equipped with comfortable cabins, it is the pride of the Dominican Republic. The cable car starts west of Puerto Plata, right on the highway to Amber. During the ascent from the cabin there are picturesque views of the national park. Each cabin accommodates up to 20 people, all seats are standing. This makes it possible to move from one window to another and enjoy a panoramic view. The length of the lift is 2730, it moves at a speed of 8 meters per second.
Also, a winding asphalt road leads to the top of the mountain, you can drive along it on a bike or motorcycle. Some tour companies offer walking tours of the hill. Such a walk takes about 2 hours one way, and the route passes through a dense forest. The guide will tell you about the plants of the park, and there are at least 600 varieties of them along the way. There are about 15 rivers and streams in the park. From the top you can see the Atlantic Ocean. Hiking on isabel de Torres is only allowed for adults.
Official website: www.telefericopuertoplata.com
Fun City amusement park with karting
Tourists who decide to distract from a beach holiday should definitely visit the Fun City amusement park. It will be fun for both adults and children. It is located near the hotels of the Costa Dorada and Playa Dorada.
Fun City is considered the largest karting center in the entire Dominican Republic. On its territory there are several tracks of different levels of complexity. Cars can rotate, accelerate, run over each other. And at the same time there is a competition, who will get to the finish line first. Fun tracks are named – Cyclone, Sprint, Bumper Cars, Grand Prix.
While adults will drive cars, children can play on the playground. Also in the park there is a covered terrace, a lounge and a dining room. Locals often come here to brightly celebrate a birthday, but tourists just to have fun.
The park is open all day. You can get here by public transport and by private car. There is a large parking lot for guests. The friendly staff helps visitors learn their skiing skills and teaches them safety rules.
Official website: http://www.funcity-gokarts.com/
Monte Cristi National Park
One of the beautiful natural attractions of the city of Monte Cristi is the national park of the same name. It covers an area of 530 square kilometers. and is an ideal place for ecotourists. Geographically, the park is located in the northwestern part of the Dominican Republic and borders with Haiti. Monte Cristi is located in the driest area of the country, rains are very rare here.
There are several natural zones in the park – dry subtropical, mangrove forests, the island natural zone of nearby islands. The islands are also interesting from the point of view of visiting, as they still preserve virgin untouched nature. On the beaches covered with snow-white sand, there are many birds that fly here to nest. The maximum variety of birds is characteristic of the month of May. In addition, turtle eggs are laid on the island beaches. They crawl ashore every year to continue their lineage.
The northern part of the national park is a real paradise for divers. Near the shore there is a well-preserved coral reef, many people can only dream of such a spectacle. At the bottom of the bay is a cemetery of sunken ships. Here you can see about 180 sailboats.
Mirador del Sendero de las Cruces
In Punta Rusia there is one of the most beautiful observation platforms and location for bright unforgettable photos – Mirador del Sendero de las Cruces. This place harmoniously combines the colors of La Playa del Morro and the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists are advised to come here in clear weather. Only then there are magnificent views of the boundless ocean.
For the most vivid photo shoot on the hill there is a swing. With the right angle, you can take a photo of the flight into the abyss.
Fricolandia (Fricolandia)
Fricolandia is an incredibly beautiful place on the rock. Here you can not only enjoy the unforgettable natural beauties, but also hide from civilization. This place received its name in honor of one young man Friko. He, along with his friends, loved to relax on the rock and, being inspired by the stunning views, decided to create here a real paradise for travelers.
Right on the rock they built a bar-restaurant. In a short time, it has become so popular that even guests from abroad try to get here. Every year on his birthday, Friko arranges a real party, where the most popular pop stars come. The rest of the time, the restaurant is perfect for a relaxing mental rest.
Several descents lead from the cliff into the water. The ocean in this place has an incredibly beautiful turquoise hue. For unforgettable photo shoots, swings are installed, and for a secluded rest, gazebos are equipped.
Official website: https://perfildigitalrs.instabio.cc/Fricolandia
Almost all the sights of Punta Rusia are suitable for a quiet and relaxing holiday. In the parks you can go hiking, take great photos on the rocks, enjoy a heartfelt meal in restaurants and only in amusement parks can you give free rein to emotions and actively spend time.
Attractions Punta Rusia on map
