Dominican Republic travel guide

When Christopher Columbus spied these Caribbean shores in the late 15th century, he had good reason to make them his first base in the Americas. Sparkling in shades of iridescent silver and gold, the beaches paint a picture of paradise. Steep, jungle-swathed mountains promise even greater riches inland.
Occupying the eastern portion of Hispaniola island, shared with Haiti to the west, the Dominican Republic is geographically diverse. Tropical rainforests climb above vast deserts and mangrove swamps, rising to a range of snow-dusted peaks including the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte.
Days can be spent lazing on sandy beaches shaded by lofty palm trees at one of the island’s many all-inclusive resorts, but it would be a shame to sit still for too long. The sheer variety of landscapes makes the destination ripe for adventure, with kitesurfing, canyoning, paragliding, hiking and diving all possible — along with a round of golf.
There’s no shortage of thrilling cultural pursuits either and you can piece together a puzzle of the island’s past with its indigenous rock art and elaborate colonial architecture. Radiating grandeur through its colourful, Unesco-protected buildings, capital city Santo Domingo also deserves attention. Stick around after dark to hear merengue and bachata music fill the cobbled streets.
Although some stretches of the coastline can be crowded, there are still places where fewer tourists venture. Important nature areas are protected as national parks, retaining the beauty that attracted European explorers centuries ago.
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Beaches are undoubtedly the Dominican Republic’s number one asset. Ranging from white to black sands, there are more than 200 to explore. Punta Cana, at the easternmost tip, has 30 miles of white sand coastline — one of the longest strips in the Caribbean. On the south coast, Boca Chica at Juan Dolio has been a popular resort since the 1950s, while the Playa Dorada at Puerta Plata dominates the Atlantic-washed Amber Coast.
For true tropical island escapism, try some of Samana’s world-class beaches such as cliff-backed Playa Rincon. Its clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and fewer facilities mean there are far less footsteps in the sand. For calmer waters, choose one of the beaches fronting the Caribbean Sea, where conditions are safe for swimming year-round.
The Samana Peninsula, once used as a hide-out for pirates, now receives much friendlier visitors in the form of humpback whales who migrate here to mate every winter. Visit from January to March when 2,500 of the marine mammals swing by and can be seen on either boat excursions or from land at Punta Balandra.
Lined with hotels, restaurants and local tour operators, Las Terrenas is the peninsula’s liveliest town and the gateway to more adventure and nature activities, including body boarding and kitesurfing. Nearby Los Haitises National Park is ideal for trekking, birding, and caving and you can try your hand at canyoning or horse riding to reach El Limon waterfall.
The best hiking trails can be found in the Cordillera Central mountain range, including a route to the top of Pico Duarte. Resort town Jarabacoa is within easy reach of four waterfalls and has the best access to the Yaque Del Norte River where it’s possible to go rafting on level-two rapids.
The Dominican Republic’s scenery will impress above and below sea level. Cayo Arena, off the coast of Puerto Plata, is ideal for a snorkelling trip or learning to dive; swim from a sandbar to a coral reef ledge teeming with octopuses, crabs, schools of surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, angelfish and yellowtail snappers. Afterwards, relax at beach huts serving snacks on the shore.
For a cultural fix, Santo Domingo charts the arrival of Spanish explorers through buildings such as the Alcazar de Colon Fortress and the Primada Cathedral in the Zona Colonial. Even more ruins can be found at La Isabela, where Columbus established the first European settlement.
Going back further, La Romana has an important archaeological site detailing the history of the Taino people who arrived by boat from Venezuela centuries before Columbus discovered Hispaniola.
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All-inclusive resorts provide the bulk of beach holiday accommodation along the busiest areas of the coast, particularly the southeastern part of the country and the pristine sands of Bavaro and Punta Cana. Entertainment centres and water parks attract families, while there are still enough romantic, secluded spots for honeymooners and couples. This area is also where you’ll find multiple golf courses and a choice of luxury restaurants and spas.
Families on a budget should consider the slightly more affordable resorts and beach hotels of Juan Dolio, where you can still find plenty of amusement parks and facilities. And, at the other end of the scale, La Romana’s exclusive properties play host to celebrities and the super-rich.
Ecotourism favourites Constanza and Jarabacoa bring country lodges, riverside ranches, villa rentals and boutique mountain hotels.
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Not many people make the effort to reach Monte Cristi, the northwest province bordering Haiti, but those who do are rewarded with scenes of limestone cliffs and giant cacti towering above a landscape divided between desert and more fertile rice and banana plantations. Offshore, migratory birds flock to secluded cayes, while small fishing village Estero Hondo is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can still see manatees in their natural habitat.
December to April see the driest months and sunniest days; but come in April and May to beat the crowds. The hurricane season lasts from June to November, although the peak months are September and October.
What is the best part of the Dominican Republic?Also known as La Capital, Santa Domingo is an essential stop for all visitors. Ride on the Chu Chu Colonial train for a 45-minute tour of the area or hire a local guide. It’s also safe enough to rent a bike and explore alone. At sunset, locals gather on the Malecon as the historic city wakes up with music and dancing.
Is it dangerous?Generally, no. But there have been reports of armed robberies, so it’s not recommended to walk around with valuables. Mosquito repellents should be used regularly. Visitors should also be aware that cases of chikungunya virus and dengue fever have been confirmed in the country. Always read the Foreign Office travel advice to keep up to date with the latest information.
Is it easy to get around?Public transport is reasonably good throughout the country. Long journeys can be done by air-conditioned coach, with services running to Punta Cana, Samana, La Romana, and Puerto Plata. The best companies are Expreso Bavaro, Caribe Tours or Metro Tours. For shorter distances, try local buses. In the cities of Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata, Ubers are available.
CurrencyUS dollar/Dominican peso
Inspired to visit the Dominican Republic but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from British Airways and Caribbean Warehouse.
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