Dominican Republic's Southeastern Region Attractions

El Macao is the fishing village on the beautiful beach of Playa del Macao.

From the cliffs above are good views of the sea leading to a shipwreck which local diving schools use for classes.

The high waves here are suitable for surfing.

UNESCO has declared this beach one of the best of the Caribbean for its fine sand and abundant palm trees.

The Laguna Bávaro has 37km/23mi of white sand beaches and a large resort complex with over 2 dozen hotels, apartment blocks and several golf courses.

Sierra Del Seibo are mountains on the forest-covered eastern edge of the Cordillera Central and are also known as the Cordillera Oriental.

Boca Chica is a village with resorts, restaurants, bars and cafes. A semi-circular coral reef protects the beach making a 0.4km/0.25mi swimming area 1m/3.25ft deep.

This naturally calm, clear, and shallow water makes it ideal small children and for water sports, boating and swimming.

Boca de Yuma is a small fishing village on the Bahiá De Yuma which attracts many to the international game fishing competitions held here July to October. Boca de Yuma is the mouth of the Yuma River.

Cabo Engano, at the end of the eastern tip of Hispaniola, is a very long stretch of beach where local artisans sell handicrafts and cigars in beach stalls. The Cabo Engano lighthouse is nearby.

The largest cave in the Caribbean, running 7km/4.3mi underground with giant corridors and cave art is reached via the Rancho Capote, the Dominican Republic's leading orange growers.

Beautifully situated at a bend in the Río Soco, El Seibo has developed into a considerable commercial center.

El Seibo celebrates Santa Cruz in early May with bullfights and drum festivals.

El Seibo was founded in 1506 by the conqueror of Jamaica.

A large market town located in the eastern portion of the country, Plantación Tropical is one of the largest horticultural centers in the Caribbean.

Plantación Tropical displays bromeliads, anthuriums and orchids along challenging paths. Complementing the foliage is an aviary with the island's native birds and a large butterfly enclosure.

Rapidly-growing Juan Dolio, is known for its beaches, clear calm waters, resorts and the 18-hole Los Marlins Golf Course at the Metro Country Club designed by Charles Ankrom. Diving is popular and there is a Go-Kart track nearby.

Manatí Park is a theme park with a landscape of orchids and tropical plants. Animal keepers oversee interaction between visitors and iguanas, tropical birds, and sea lions. Varied perfomances feature horses, parrots or seals. There is the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

A reconstructed Taíno Village with folklore and dancing is included as is a museum featuring statues, art and traditional dress.

Nisibon is a small town near the beautiful Playa del Muerto.

Ruins from the Spanish colonial period can be seen along the Río Yuma.

The fortress-like house of Ponce de León is found in San Rafael de Yuma; the starting point for his quest for the Fountain of Youth.