Manati Park and other Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Things to Do Tips

A visit to Manati Park is a great day trip off the resort. Tours can be arranged through your hotel, but the larger resorts will have a Manati Park bus stop in the parking lot.

At Manati, you will find all kinds of animals, from Toucans to Flamingos, Iguanas to Crocodiles. It's very nicely laid out in a park-like setting, where you can wander around for hours. They also have a display of Taino artifacts (Taino are the aboriginal people of the Caribbean), as well as a ceremonial Taino dance presentation.

The Park is quite large, and is very well maintained. We were actually quite surprised at how clean everything was, from the animal pens to the restrooms.

My only concern with Manati was the dolphin tank. Unfortunately, they had 3 fullsize dolphins in a very small tank. They also offer swimming with the dolphins, which is very cruel, in my opinion. A couple of years ago, a child swimming with them was attacked by one. It may look idyllic, but put yourself in the dolphins flippers - would you want a bunch of humans clamouring all over you??

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Address: In Punta Cana, check at your hotel's tour desk

If you decide to pay a visit to Manati Park, you can arrange it through the tour desk at your hotel. The larger resorts all have a Manati Park bus stop in the parking lot. The pick-up and drop-off times are listed on a sign, and you shouldn't have to wait more than half an hour or so for the next bus.

We found the bus ride to be as much fun as the park itself. As you can see, it is very colourful, and open with no windows. As you drive along, the driver will play wonderful Salsa and Soca music, the breeze is in your hair, and you will be bouncing down the road, without a care. Hey, you're away on vacation - live it up!!

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During our visit to Manati Park, we watched a fascinating display put on by a group of Taino, the aboriginal people of the Domincan Republic.

The display was a combination of dance, singing and chanting, and also incorporated several traditional customs, such as burning of tobacco.

The presentation lasted about half an hour, and was very interesting to watch. Also set up around the stage area were several vendors, where you could purchase Taino art.

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You can't go to the Dominican Republic and not rent an ATV! They are a wonderful way to not only bomb around and have some fun, but also see a slice of life, off the resort.

Prices do vary, so you'll need to do your homework. Check the rates at your hotel, as well as along the beach. You will probably be able to bargain a little more from the beach vendors.

Typically the ride will be around 2 hours, and you will go through town, and along the beach. There will be a place to stop along the way for a cold drink, and to check out the local watering hole.

Be sure to wear sunscreen and your bathing suit, and bring your camera!!

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The best way to snorkle in the Dominican Republic is to go on one of the tours offered by your resort. Many will offer several, from a 1 hour tour, to a full day excursion which will include lunch.

As our kids were more comfortable snorkling in the pool (they loved that), we opted for the Glass Bottom Boat tour, which lasted about an hour.

The kids came in with us for about 15 minutes, then went back in the boat with the driver, and looked through the glass bottom while we floated around the reef. We saw lots of amazing, colourful fish, and coral.

Masks, snorkles and a flotation vest can be supplied, however you can bring your own mask and snorkle. If you don't have your own, and you plan or snorkeling during your trip, I strongly recommend buying your own at home. That way, you can just snorkle off the beach if the mood hits, and you don't have the yuck factor of putting that snorkle in your mouth...

Another very important note - do not touch the coral!!! We even saw many people standing on it, which will kill it. Remember, coral is a living creature - treat it with respect.

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Most of the larger resorts will offer a free scuba lesson in the pool. Of course, this is to get you interested enough to spend lots more cash on an open water dive. If that appeals to you, go for it! If you saw Jaws at an impressionable age, like me, you can stick to learning to scuba dive in the pool.

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If you're up for it, check to see if there is horseback riding at or near your resort. It is very common in the Dominican Republic, so I'm sure you'll find a ranch close by.

The trail rides usually last for 2 hours, and will take you through the wooded areas, and typically end with a long gallop down the beach.

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