CARB

Indulge in the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean combined with the exclusive, all-inclusive amenities of the five-star Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus. Located in the fishing village of Bayahibe on a long, sandy beach, the resort resembles a quaint Caribbean village on the outside and an opulent hacienda within. The vistas of sand and sea are magnificent and the resort offers a host of facilities. Along with separate pools for children and adults, options include tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball and non-motorized aquatic sports.

Altos de Chavón is an architectural wonder, a place of inspiration, learning and artistic expression in a breathtaking setting. Perched high above the Chavón River with jaw-dropping views of the ocean in the distance, this exquisite La Romana landmark is a replica of a16th-century Mediterranean village in stone. It was meticulously designed by Dominican architect, Jose Antonio Caro, and Italian master designer and cinematographer, Roberto Coppa, and every detail was handcrafted by local artisans.

This small island only 6 miles long is renowned for its crystal clear waters, diverse marine ecosystems and impressive coral reefs, and the snorkeling here is simply fantastic. Journey by Zodiac to the top spots around the island where you may spot a wide selection of corals and sponges of all different shapes, colors and sizes such as vase sponge, fire coral, sea pen, sea cucumber, sea fan coral, Elkhorn coral and leather coral.

Spend a morning relaxing on the sun decks or shady lounge areas of a catamaran as you sail along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic to the prestigious Casa de Campo Resort Marina, admiring the lush coastal scenery along the way.

Bordering the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is among the top five fishing areas in the world — especially off the coast of Catalina Island where waters teem with big game fish. Cruise out into the open ocean aboard a late-model 47-ft. Bertram, an exceptionally able and well- equipped sport fishing boat. Angle for a Blue Marlin or Sailfish under the warm Caribbean sun, trolling the lure while sipping a cold brew and taking in views of the open sea.

Travel by minibus to embark your boat at Castle Comfort Lodge. Following a briefing by your captain, enjoy a scenic glide along Dominica's southwestern shores to the Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve in beautiful Soufriere Bay. Situated in an extinct volcanic crater, the dive area is renowned for its volcanic rock formations brimming with colorful corals and sponges of all types. Possible sightings include green sea turtles, porcupinefish, frogfish, barracuda and much more. You will be at a maximum depth of 60 feet for approximately 40 minutes on your first dive.

Two of Dominica's must-see waterfalls, Trafalgar and Emerald Pool, are showcased on this guided adventure by air-conditioned minibus. Your scenic journey begins with a visit to Morne Bruce to enjoy panoramic views of the island from a 400-foot elevation, and then continues to the beautiful Botanical Gardens. This lush, 40-acre site is home to an array of exotic flora and fauna, including the island's endemic Sisserou and Jaco parrots. Your next stop is the village of Trafalgar where a guided, ten-minute trek leads you to a platform for viewing the town's spectacular twin waterfalls.

Staying within roughly seven miles of the coastline, your guided excursion begins shortly after leaving the dock, when the outriggers are deployed and lines are in the water. Depending on the season, keep your eye out for blue marlin, salt fish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, mackerel, kingfish, barracuda and more. Choose between artificial or fresh bait (when available). The boat follows a tag-and-release policy for all billfish and is an active member of the Billfish Foundation.

Set off on a short drive to the launch point of your tubing adventure at beautiful Layou River. Following a safety briefing, you'll be provided with a life vest, modified inner tube and paddle. Once all participants are in the water, embark on your scenic journey. Soak up the sun and the lush, green landscape as you spin and swirl in the gentle currents of this winding river. Your adventure pauses briefly so you can enjoy a popular Dominican pastime -- river bathing.

Enjoy a scenic catamaran glide along Dominica's southwest coastline to the Soufriere-Scott's Head Marine Reserve in Soufriere Bay. Along the way, marvel at a dramatic landscape of lush green mountains soaring to the clouds and quaint fishing villages scattered along the ocean's edge. Seabirds circle in the skies above and, sometimes, a sea turtle pops up for a quick peek at the boat.