If you are looking to vacation in the Dominican Republic,
be sure to read today's article by Stuart Cheese.

Have a fabulous weekend,

Kim
The Travel Mama



Booking A Holiday, Tour Or Vacation In The Dominican Republic
By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World
Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have
been to so that is why I try to give a good opinion on those
places I have visited in order that you can make an informed
decision for yourself. Here then, are my top suggestions for
sites to take in during your holiday in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is a part of the world that offers
everything that you could wish for from a tropical holiday.
With its warm crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and
coconut palms you would be forgiven if you feel you have
found paradise. As if this was not enough there is plenty of
diverse wildlife to experience and if history is your thing
then you do not have to look too far to satiate your
curiosity.

Firstly let me tell you about Samana Bay where the waters are
warm and the surrounding islets are bordered by coconut palm
beaches, a tropical paradise. Between the months of March and
November those same waters are home to humpback whales,
turtles, seals and a selection of bird life.

You can experience the whales very close up in fact so close
that you can hear the gentle exhalation of air that spouts
up in a fine mist as these beautiful creatures surface.

Some of the fishermen may invite you onto their fragile
craft to get closer to these magnificent creatures. It is
better to resist the temptation as to do so, not only are
you putting yourself at danger because of the lack of safety
equipment such as life vests etc, and some fishermen and
tourists lack of knowledge could cause harm to these
creatures by their behaviour.

Whales are air-breathing mammals that are warm-blooded
fascinating creatures. These amazing mammals nurture their
young with mother's milk which makes it devastating to think
that because they have been so viciously hunted their
numbers have decreased by an estimated 98%.

On the same theme the Los Haitises National Park envelopes
thick mangrove forests, jungle-covered islands and of course
the Hump backed whales again. Here you will also find some
very strange rock formations which emerge from the sea like
weird creatures.

The park is also home to bird-filled caves like the Cueva
del Angel and other caves which house stalactites and
stalagmites. In the months of January and February 80% of
the world's humpback whales mate and have their young in
the waters off the Los Haitises.

On the Samana Peninsular in the mystical low cloud of a
tropical forest, you will find this countries' most wonder-
ful attractions known as the Limon Waterfall which is 180
feet in height.

You have the choice of a 2 hour horseback ride or an equally
amazing adventure of trekking through the tropical vegetation
of a rain forest to reach the stunning waterfall.

You will be rewarded for your efforts when you reach the falls
as it is a solid mass of greenery, the product of hundreds of
ferns and the high humidity. At the bottom of the cascade you
will find a natural swimming pool where you can enjoy a
welcoming dip after your journey. You will have the chance to
discover some of the tourist stops along the way which have
been set up by some of the local community groups.

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World
Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of
travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Dominican
Republic Specialists.