Why a family holiday in the Dominican Republic?  Well Christopher Columbus described it as the most beautiful island in the world and he may well have been right. The beaches of the Dominican Republic are still widely regarded as being amongst the worlds best, with crystalline aquamarine seas lapping sand as fine and white as sugar. All of our holiday resorts are situated next to the best of these palm fringed beaches, with extensive facilities, including large swimming pool complexes, Kids Clubs and good restaurants. Hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic are usually set in very large grounds often linked to golf courses so you could have a wonderful holiday without setting foot outside your complex. However, you should venture forth to sample a little of the vibrant world of this tropical isle by hiring a car, taking a tour or just a taxi ride. Head into the wonderful forests which skirt the tallest mountain in the Caribbean.  Sightsee along the scenic east coast, or go to the picturesque and impressive capital Santa Domingo. There is just so much to see and do with the family on this wonderful island. Check out our great selection of Child Friendly holidays in the Dominican Republic below or read on for some tips on attractions and days out.

Top Tips for that extra special family holiday in the Dominican Republic

- Rivers abound in the Dominican Republic and there is a great choice of fun activities for the children on them. You can take them fishing in flat-bottomed boats or for a walk along the rainforest paths. If the kids really enjoy those scary rides in the Water Worlds back home then maybe they should try the real thing! Take them whitewater rafting down the Rio Yaque del Norte or let them be swept over the rapids inside giant rubber tubes. Tubing has become so popular that you can book it on almost any river with rapids

- The waves on the north of the island are particularly good for surfing. At Sosua it is so good they hold the World Cup championship for Windsurfing there. At Cabarete, the latest sport is kite boarding and this is also in the world-class league. Just watching the professionals is fun for all the family and lessons are available for the less intimidated.

- Just hire a car for a day or two and follow the well-maintained coastal highway. You can check out some of those great beaches on one side and the tropical countryside on the other.  On the way enjoy sampling a little of the local culture in the villages you pass through. 

- Visit the capital Santo Domingo, full of old Spanish buildings especially in the Zona Colonial on the river. Take a walk along the Malecon just to sample the great atmosphere of this waterfront walkway, or take the kids to the fabulous Botanical Gardens, the largest and the most colourful in the Caribbean

- There are also lots of exciting things to do in a boat from expensive large game fishing to modest excursions like a tour of the once pirate infested mangrove swamps in the south of the island or the caves of the Gri Gri Lagoon near Sosua.