Santo Domingo · Dominican Republic
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.
222 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Santo Domingo
Private Transfer between Santo Domingo Airport and Punta Cana
from$155/ person
via Viator
Punta Cana
Private Transportation From To Airpot and Punta Cana Hotels (1-6)
from$55/ person
via Viator
Santo Domingo
Private transfer between Santo Domingo Airport and Punta Cana
from$150/ person
via Viator
Good for families in Santo Domingo
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
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.
What to see
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.
30 toursView tours
Los Tres Ojos
Cave lagoons.
20 toursView tours
Saona Island
Beach paradise.
20 toursView tours
First Cathedral
Colonial landmark.
15 toursView tours
Catamaran
Snorkel cruise.
15 toursView tours
27 Waterfalls
Damajagua.
20 toursView tours
Alcázar de Colón
Columbus palace.
15 toursView tours
Boca Chica
Beach bay.
15 toursView tours
Day trip awaySaona Island
Beach paradise.
from €75View trips
City awayLos Tres Ojos
Cave lagoons.
from €40View trips
Day trip away27 Waterfalls
Damajagua.
from €90View trips
30 min awayBoca Chica
Beach bay.
from €45View trips
Coast awayCatamaran
Snorkel cruise.
from €60View trips
City awayColumbus Lighthouse
Grand monument.
from €35View trips
Practical guide
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.
When to visit
Santo Domingo through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Winter (Dec–Apr)
Dec–Apr
- Best for
- Dry & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
Spring (May–Jun)
May–Jun
- Best for
- Warm & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Jul–Aug
- Best for
- Family season.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wetter.
People also ask
Santo Domingo travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Santo Domingo?
The highest-rated experiences are a Colonial Zone tour, Los Tres Ojos, a Saona Island trip, and a catamaran cruise.
What should I book in advance in Santo Domingo?
Reserve Saona Island trips, city tours and catamaran cruises ahead, especially in winter.
How many days do I need in Santo Domingo?
One day covers the Colonial Zone, and two let you add Saona Island.
Is Santo Domingo worth visiting?
Yes — it is the oldest city in the Americas, rich in history, culture and nearby islands.
When is the best time to visit Santo Domingo?
December to April offers the driest, sunniest weather.
What is the Colonial Zone?
The UNESCO old town of Santo Domingo, the oldest in the Americas.
Is Santo Domingo good for families?
Yes — caves, beaches and catamaran cruises make it great for families.
What are the best Santo Domingo excursions?
The top-rated excursions are a guided walk through the UNESCO Colonial Zone, the Los Tres Ojos caves and lagoons, a full-day Saona Island catamaran trip, and adventure tours to waterfalls and countryside. Most run with hotel pick-up in Santo Domingo.
How much do Santo Domingo excursions cost?
Typical prices: Colonial Zone walking tours $25–$45, city tours with Los Tres Ojos $40–$60, full-day Saona Island catamaran trips with lunch $80–$120, and adventure excursions $60–$100 per person. Compare exact prices for every excursion on Excurgo.
222 Santo Domingo experiencesfrom $40 · free cancellation
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