• Swim with dolphins in Manatí Park (website: www.manatipark.com). The theme park, near Punta Cana, also includes a zoo, gardens, a recreated Taino village and a variety of exotic animals.

• Encounter a more dangerous type of wildlife on Cabritos Island, a national park in the centre of Lake Enriquillo. It is the greatest preserve of the wild American crocodile and has large populations of flamingos and two species of iguana.

• Wander in awe along the miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches of the Atlantic coast. They are picture-postcard perfect. The most popular is Sosúa; windsurfing and diving are particularly good here.

• Dive an astonishing variety of sites around the island. Reefs, wrecks, caverns and abundant marine life make the island a Mecca for novices and experienced divers alike. Great spots include Cabrera (freshwater cave with an underground lake) and La Caleta National Underwater Park.

• Come over all romantic on the Samaná Peninsula, located on the northern portion of the island. Samaná, with its transparent blue waters, miles of unspoilt beaches, and dozens of caves, is a lovers' paradise.

• Go offshore fishing for marlin, sailfish, dorado, bonito and other game fish. Hotels can organise charter boats for visitors. River fishing in flat-bottomed boats with guides can be arranged at Boca de Yuma and on the north coast.

• Get wet in the islands rapids. White-water rafting is available on the Río Yaque del Norte in Jarabacoa. Tubing (floating down the rapids in individual oversized rubber rings) can also be experienced on a few rivers.

• Cascading involves climbing up to the top of a waterfall and abseiling down the cascade; the best places to do this are Cascada del Limón, Cascada Ojo de Agua, El Salto de Baiguate and El Salto de Jimenoa.

• Conquer the highest mountain in the Caribbean. Hiking and climbing enthusiasts can ascend Pico Duarte (3,098m/10,160ft) either on foot or by riding a mule. 

• Tee off on some of the world's best golf courses. For more information, contact the Federation of Dominican Golf (FEDOGOLF) (website: www.golfdominicano.com). 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.