Santo Domingo Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Santo Domingo tours and things to do in the oldest city in the Americas: wander the cobbled Colonial Zone with its first cathedral and Alcázar de Colón, explore the crystal lagoons of Los Tres Ojos, sail a catamaran to the idyllic Saona Island, snorkel turquoise reefs, and dive into Dominican adventure. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
rating
Explore Santo Domingo by interest
Whatever brings you to Santo Domingo — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Santo Domingo
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Colonial Zone
Oldest city.
Los Tres Ojos
Cave lagoons.
Saona Island
Beach paradise.
First Cathedral
Colonial landmark.
Catamaran
Snorkel cruise.
27 Waterfalls
Damajagua.
Alcázar de Colón
Columbus palace.
Boca Chica
Beach bay.
Day trip awaySaona Island
Beach paradise.
City awayLos Tres Ojos
Cave lagoons.
Day trip away27 Waterfalls
Damajagua.
30 min awayBoca Chica
Beach bay.
Coast awayCatamaran
Snorkel cruise.
City awayColumbus Lighthouse
Grand monument.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Santo Domingo visitor asks before booking.
Winter (Dec–Apr)
Dry, sunny and ideal — the peak season.
Spring (May–Jun)
Warm and quieter, with brief showers.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Wetter, in the hurricane season; fewer crowds.
Peak (Dec–Mar)
Perfect weather and busiest — book ahead.
For the sea
Winter offers the calmest, clearest water.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
The Colonial Zone and Los Tres Ojos.
Two days
Add a Saona Island trip.
Three days
Add adventure and the beaches.
For history
The Colonial Zone and cathedral.
For the sea
Saona Island and catamaran cruises.
With kids
Los Tres Ojos and Saona.
On foot
The Colonial Zone is compact and walkable.
Tours & transfers
Tours include transport to islands and adventures.
By road
Excursions reach Saona, Boca Chica and beyond.
By boat
Catamarans and speedboats reach Saona Island.
Where to stay
Stay in the Colonial Zone or along the Malecón.
Dominican peso
The DR uses the peso; US dollars are widely accepted.
Walk the old city
Explore the Colonial Zone, the Americas’ oldest.
Los Tres Ojos
See the crystal cave lagoons in the city.
Sail to Saona
Take a catamaran day trip to Saona Island.
Catamaran cruise
Snorkel reefs and natural pools by boat.
Adventure day
Try ziplines, ATVs or the 27 Waterfalls.
Winter visit
Come December to April for the best weather.
Saona trips
Saona Island tours sell out — book ahead.
City tours
Colonial Zone tours fill up — reserve early.
Catamaran cruises
Snorkel cruises book out — reserve ahead.
Adventure tours
Zipline and waterfall trips fill up — book ahead.
Los Tres Ojos
Combined city tours sell out — reserve early.
Peak season
December to March is busiest — book everything ahead.
City tour
Around $40–80 for a Colonial Zone tour.
Saona Island
About $75–130 for a Saona Island day trip.
Catamaran
Roughly $60–110 for a snorkel catamaran cruise.
Adventure
Around $90–150 for a zipline and waterfalls tour.
Los Tres Ojos
About $40–70 for a city and Tres Ojos tour.
How to save
Choose combined city-and-nature tours to save.
Santo Domingo through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Dry & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- Family season.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wetter.