When the sun comes up it is time to explore the landscape. The beach is just a short walk down the hill. There are three things you can always count on at the Hacienda: plenty of sun, plenty of warm water and plenty of cold beer. It is up to you how you combine them.

Many guests like to ease their way into the day with a quiet walk along the beach. Some will head off on bicycles to do a little touring. A few have even been known to go for a jog. But usually these are simply preambles to the main activity of the day, which often involves a short excursion by car or by boat.

Our two most popular outings are to a small sand bar in the middle of the ocean called Cayo Arena (or sometimes Paradise Island) and La Isabela, site of Columbus' second landing in the new world. Needless to say, they are two very different kinds of experiences.

Cayo Arena is a well-known Dominican destination because of its unique setting and incredible display of tropical fish. It is on of the best spots to snorkel in the country. The fish are literally all around you. To get there we hire a boat and the trip takes about a half hour.

 

Once you get there we unload some refreshments, get you oriented and leave you to your own devices.

 

You will be quick to take a plunge into the warm water and start exploring the reef protecting the beach. This is where dozens of varieties of colorful fish call home.

 

A trip to Cayo Arena makes for a great outing. You will just want to make sure you have some sun block, a good pair of goggles and a waterproof camera.

The drive to La Isabela is a very different kind of experience. It is a drive back in time in more ways than one. The trip will take you back in time to an era when explorers like Columbus braved the open ocean to conquer new frontiers. You will get a very good feel for the island first discovered in the 15th century.

Unfortunately, little remains of the original structures built by Columbus and his men on their second trip to the island in 1493 but there are adequate reminders of the conditions they had to endure and the relics they left behind. It is a part of our history that few Americans get to experience.

Of special note are the Guayacan trees that grow on the site. This wood is very heavy and dense. You can purchase small artifacts made of it at the site.

These are just a couple of your most obvious options. Adventurous visitors may also wish to check out Monte Criste, La Jaiba or any number of other special sites in the area.

No matter how many options we offer our guests they always seem to find their own way of adapting to life in La Ensenada. We like to think of this as a place that encourages adult unstructured play. In other words, your options are really only limited by your imagination. All you have to do is let yourself go.