There are a lot of nice places to see and to go. People are very nice and you will love the way they are standing infront of you camera. You wil also love the views in the Domincan. At home you can not explain what you have seen because the pictures are not showing the same feeling as when you where there taking the picture.
There are a lot of things you can do, but most of all i think is diving. You can get a free lesson in the pool and if you like it then you can go with the master to take a dive in the sea. I did not dare after one lesson in the pool, but our friend had more lessons before and did go. He had the time of his live ! So if you can dive : DO IT!!!
Hire a taxi driver for a couple of hour to show you around in the area..it is safe and the best of it all the car has air contitioner! :) The taxi driver show you very intersting things, and he can tell you about 'real life'...
The best way to meet dominicans is to go int the campo's outside the main roads. Follow a small trail and you will meet these happy guys in their natural homesites. They are not rich but they are ready to give you everything if you are friendly and they feel that you are not there to exploit them. Don't be afraid they are very friendly and it is not an apppearance.
The north of the Domenican Republic has a beautifull nature. Its a dream to walk arround, the best you can hire a 4-wheel -driven car. Then you can go to any place on its natural and unbeaten payh's.