10 Best Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

Reaching Salto El Limón is no mean feat, but the journey is definitely worth it. This majestic Dominican Republic waterfall is enveloped by dense, verdant rainforest that’s teeming with native flora and fauna.

Hike or horseback ride under a canopy of coconut palms until you reach its emerald pool and golden beach. Salto El Limón’s cascading water tumbles 130 feet from the Sierra de Samaná mountain range, making it a breath-taking spot for an al fresco picnic.

A 40-minute drive from the capital of Santo Domingo, you’ll stumble upon Salto Socoa: a dazzling 60ft waterfall in the heart of Los Haitises National Park. Here, cascading white water tumbles into an exotic green pool that’s hugged by lush jungle greenery, eye-catching rock formations and gently swaying palms.

This island oasis is beloved by tourists who are seeking authentic rest and relaxation time in a pristine jungle environment. Afterwards, venture deeper into the surrounding environs to discover a wealth of natural attractions including mangroves, caves and ancient petroglyphs.

Salto de La Jalda is an underrated gem that’s a 2-hour drive from the Punta Cana coast. Surrounded by dense jungle, it’s not the easiest place to reach, so going with a knowledgeable guide is definitely preferable.

Depending on where you begin your hike, the path to Salto de La Jalda spans anywhere between 5 and 7 miles each way, so prepare to spend a day hiking the trail. When you reach the falls, you’ll marvel at water cascading from 400 feet into a sage green pool that glistens below.

A short drive east from Puerto Plata, you’ll find the extraordinary Rio Damajagua – a meandering turquoise river that has ebbed and flowed for millennia through the rugged limestone terrain. Its major feature is a collection of 27 waterfalls that draw visitors from across the island, surrounded by serene tropical rainforest.

Join a guided tour to discover the region’s best cascades and swimming holes including La Tinajita (a natural waterslide) and The Cave (where massage-style jets shoot through a stunning domed roof). At The Last One, you’ll enjoy swinging from an exhilarating Tarzan vine before splashing about in a refreshing green pool.

Just outside of Bonao (“The Town of Hydrangeas”), you’ll find Los Saltos de Jima: an assortment of waterfalls with natural spas that are set in picturesque jungle landscapes. Declared a natural monument in 2009, this magical region is rich with autochthonous plants including ferns, ceibas, matchwoods and fig trees.

Birding enthusiasts will delight in an abundance of colourful parakeets, rufous-collared sparrows, broad-billed todies and elusive cuckoos. Hike to a viewpoint or cool off in a swimming hole (our top pick is the Fountain of Youth).

Set on a dramatic mountaintop mesa, Salto de Aguas Blancas is one of the Caribbean’s highest-altitude cascades. At 272 feet, this wonderous waterfall crashes into a beautiful jade-hued pool that’s encircled by lofty ebony and pine trees.

You can’t reach Salto de Aguas Blancas on foot, so an all-terrain vehicle is needed to travel the 6-mile route to the falls. Once there, footbridges and wooden platforms offer superb views of the cascading water as well as easy access to the lower pools.

The El Saltadero Natural Monument was built to conserve one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the Cabrera Promontory and to offer easy access to its breath-taking beauty. Locals (and adrenalin junkies) frequently jump from the top of the falls into the deep green pool below.

Descend the elongated staircase for a prime view of this amazing cascade and its dramatic crescent-shaped cliff. Only minutes away, you’ll find the coastal neighbourhood of Doña Luisa where you can enjoy a meal at La Rotonda, El Almendro or the popular pizza joint Mi Jardin.

Cascada Lulu is a freshwater fall in the town of El Valle: a breezy beach resort that’s peppered with jungle lofts, rustic lodges and exotic thatched hotels. This 7-metre-high gem is famed for its rugged backdrop, pebble beach and natural spa that’s perfect for soaking.

After flying above the canopy on the nearby Samaná Zipline, wander forest trails lined with coconut palms and mahogany trees until you reach the waterfall. The route’s midway suspension bridge looks like it's fresh out of an adventure movie and makes for an epic Instagram photo.

Spanning 246 feet, Salto de Jimenoa is one of the Dominican Republic’s most striking waterfalls, found on the banks of the Yaque Del Norte River. Famed as a location in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, this gorgeous cascade is the perfect launch pad for white-water rafting through the surrounding canyons or hiking through the rainforest.

Close to the mountain town of Jarabacoa, you’ll enjoy a number of panoramic restaurants serving eclectic global cuisine. Grab a table at La Tinaja for freshly baked pastries and tasty baguettes or Balcón Restaurant for wagyu tartar, risotto primavera, short rib ahumado and oyster ceviche.

Affectionately known as ‘Rooster Jumping’, Salto El Gallo is a tucked-away waterfall that’s located in Santiago’s San Jose de las Matas mountain range. This steep little trail requires a sturdy pair of hiking boots and a local guide for safety.

While the 2.5-mile route might be rocky, its views of the valley are simply incredible. When you reach the falls, reward yourself with a dip in its cool green waters before heading to the compact city of Monción for an authentic regional meal.