Imagine breathtaking beaches, tropical surroundings, and peace and tranquility; that’s the Dominican Republic.
Taking a trip to the Caribbean is a bucket list holiday for many of us, whether you're relaxing on the beaches for your honeymoon, participating in outdoor activities such as kite surfing, or enjoying the lively nightlife. There truly is something for everyone.
From the best beaches in DR to the top outdoor activities and resorts, our Dominican Republic travel guide has everything you need to know to create your dream itinerary.
Why Travel To The Dominican Republic?
The DR is famous for its Caribbean charm, and the beaches are truly pristine.
Apart from the environment, this location also has outstanding food options, with both local and international cuisine, incredible all-inclusive resorts, and friendly local hospitality.
The DR is a great wedding or honeymoon destination if you're looking to switch off and relax.
Dominican Republic Travel Advice
If you're in the early stages of planning your Dominican Republic trip, here’s some essential travel advice to consider before you begin.
- Best time to visit Dominican Republic: The best time to visit the DR is between December and April since it’s the driest time of the year. May is also an excellent time to visit since it’s low season and rainfall is still limited, and it’s not as expensive as high season. Summer still offers good conditions, but it is the beginning of hurricane season.
- Currency: The DR uses the Dominican Peso, but USD is also widely accepted, as well as cash at all-inclusive resorts.
- Safety: Avoid having your valuables on display and stick to touristy areas.
- Transportation: You can rent a car in the DR for more flexibility and use motorcycles or shared vans. There is also Uber in the major cities.
The Best Beaches in the DR
The Dominican Republic has so many stunning beaches, some of the top ones to visit are:
- Bavaro Beach: Located in Punta Cana, this beach has soft white powdery sand with calm water ideal for floating and swimming.
- Macao Beach: Also located in Punta Cana, an untouched natural charm, and the waves here are robust and ideal for surfing.
- Playa Dorada: A well-developed beach located in a resort complex, it is accessible to non-guests but requires a decent walk to entry from the west side.
- Juanillo Beach: Located in Cap Cana, this beach is a perfect paradise, less crowded than some of the other best beaches in the DR, and ideal for families.
- Playa Rincon: A beautiful beach on the Samaná Peninsula with stunning white sands and turquoise waters, the Caño Fríoriver flows into this sea.
The Top All-Inclusive Punta Cana Resorts
The Dominican Republic is known for its amazing resorts, especially the all-inclusives in Punta Cana, which have everything you could possibly think of for an amazing holiday.
Some top resorts we recommend are:
- Excellence Punta Cana: With stunning natural surroundings, lagoon pools, and golden sands, The Excellence at Punta Cana is a great choice. They do beautiful honeymoon suites, but the ocean is more suited to surfing.
- Melia Punta Cana: Known for its attentive service and The Level, the Melia is a great choice for those who want a more relaxing wellness-based holiday.
- Dreams Flora Resort & Spa: Set on a beautiful palm-lined beach is the Dreams Flora Resort and Spa. This resort offers luxury rooms with your own private terrace/balcony and cuisine from around the world. A perfect wedding destination.
Other Dominican Republic All-Inclusives
- Sanctuary Cap Cana: A highly rated resort ideal for honeymooners, the Sanctuary Cap Cana is just 15 minutes from the airport and is for adults only. They have a sauna, hydrotherapy options, and a gym. The beach is small but well-maintained.
- Secrets Cap Cana: This adult-only hideaway is perfect for couples. You get your own private concierge on arrival, and the resort is easy to navigate. With five restaurants, there is plenty of cuisine on offer.
- Hyatt Zilara: One of the most highly rated resorts in the DR. The Hyatt Zilara is an adults-only resort with luxury accommodation, infinity pools, and a friendly atmosphere.
Things To Do In The Dominican Republic
From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, the Dominican Republic is full of things to do.
Some top cultural and outdoor activities we recommend are:
- Whale watching in Samaná: This is the best place to spot whales and dolphins during the months of January to March. Book ahead of time to grab your spot!
- A cultural visit to Santo Domingo: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this old city is filled with Spanish colonial buildings and has a wonderful nightlife with lots of live music.
- Explore Los Tres Ojos National Park: In this park, you find three azure lagoons in the park's semi-open cave. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Santo Domingo.
- Hike to the Salto El Limon Waterfall: This is the highest waterfall in the DR, measuring 52 metres, and is only a 30-minute hike. Bring your swimwear so you can take a dip in the waterfall.
- Explore underwater: There are so many water sports you can do in the DR, from snorkeling, diving, surfing, and kite surfing; there is a huge underwater world to explore. Catalina Island is a great place to take a diving excursion.
- Take an island day trip to Saona: Go on a day trip on a Catamaran to this private beach, where you can do snorkeling and relax. It also has a famous natural pool.
Plan Your Dominican Republic Trip With Celebration.com
Ready to start planning your dream Dominican Republic trip? Celebration.com has a team of travel experts ready to help advise you on the best itinerary, with access to over 1000+ travel partners globally to help you find the best deals. Contact our travel experts today.
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