Advice for a potential DR Newby

no comparison Punta Cana, its like shopping at Target or Macy's

better quality of facility and people

Tons of snorkelling on the North Coast, Punta Rusia,Sosua, Samana. On the North Coast at least you can get culture by going into cities, not some man made city. If you are a resort person, Punta Cana is for you. If u want adventure and culture and travel North Coast is for u.

dougiej said:

If you are a resort person, Punta Cana is for you. If u want adventure and culture and travel North Coast is for u.

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I think that's well said. If someone's looking for white sand beaches, newer all-inclusive hotels and all that comes with them... Punta Cana is the destination.

If you're a little more adventurous, prefer a small hotel or condominium, and more beach to yourself - then Cabarete or Samana would be the destination. There's snorkeling in Sosua if you're in Cabarete, and snorkeling available in Samana as well. A few all-inclusives worth recommending in those areas as well, but choose wisely as many on the north coast are dated.

same coin...just different side

as far as i can tell punta cana is geared up to be a cuba clone
everything for the tourista.....

in my opinion if you want real life and still enjoy your vacation, anywhere on the north coast will do....

doesn't mean you can't go to one place...then hope into a car and explore the rest...maybe you'll come across somewhere you'd like to make your next vacation