Dominican Republic Visitors Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vanessa Howard
Vanessa HowardThe Dominican Republic is known for gorgeous beaches, luxury resorts, and its rich cultural history. As one of the most diverse destinations on the Greater Antilles archipelago, you’ll find luxury, adventure, and history in the Dominican Republic. Home to the highest peak in the Caribbean, as well as tropical rainforests and sparkling lagoons, there is something for everyone in this island paradise. It’s a lively destination known for music and dancing, friendly locals and great food. Come and appreciate the rich culture and stunningly beautiful scenery of the Dominican Republic!
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Contents
A Bit Of History
The Dominican Republic has a storied history beginning in 1492 when Christopher Columbus happened upon the large island. The archipelago was inhabited by the indigenous tribes of the Taino and Arawak peoples when Columbus claimed the land for the Spanish crown.
Throughout much of the next century, the rule of what is now the Dominican Republic went back and forth between the French and Spanish. It was finally declared an independent nation in 1844.
This island nation has seen many occupations, dictatorships, and wars but that did not dampen the lively spirit of the Dominican Republic. In fact, the struggles and strife are what adds to the diverse culture and history.
Dominican Republic Today
Today, this tropical paradise attracts thrill seekers, honeymooners, and cruise lines alike. Visitors can enjoy pristine white sand beaches with beautiful turquoise waters, listen to and dance to bachata music or check out the fantastic cocoa and coffee trails the Dominican Republic has to offer. Whether visiting a beach town or a colonial city, visitors will find the island’s culture and people both exciting and friendly.
Is Dominican Republic Safe?
The Dominican Republic isn’t without its problems, but it is relatively a safe place to travel and most visits to the country are trouble-free. The island is very friendly and welcoming to locals, and it is the most visited island in the Caribbean.
However, the crime rate is comparatively high, as well as poverty, and the country has a turbulent and violent history. As long as visitors are aware and use common sense, the country can easily be traveled to safely.
Where is Dominican Republic?
click map to enlarge
The Dominican Republic is a country of the West Indies that occupies the eastern portion of Hispaniola. It is located in the Caribbean Sea and shares the island of Hispaniola with the country of Haiti. The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo, is one of the largest cities in the Caribbean.
Dominican Republic Map
When Is Dominican Republic Hurricane Season?
The Dominican Republic hurricane season runs from June through November, with the highest risk months being August and September. During this time most travelers experience nothing worse than a few brief heavy rain showers and higher levels of humidity. Although the Dominican Republic does lie in the Caribbean hurricane belt, the island hasn’t been directly affected since Hurricane Jeanne in 2004. Be sure to check weather reports before your trip, and we always recommend getting travel insurance during these months just in case of inclement weather.
How to Get to Dominican Republic & Around
The best ways to get to the Dominican Republic are by air and cruise. Once in the country, public transportation is widely available and gives visitors several options.
Arrival by Air
There are various International Airports in the Dominican Republic. The most popular are Punta Cana International Airport and Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo.
Visitors also have the option of flying into Cibao International airport in Santiago de los Caballeros or Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata.
Getting around the Dominican Republic by charter flight is a possibility if you are trying to quickly reach various regions. There are charters for limited scheduled flights between the major tourist hubs including, Santo Domingo, Samaná, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Barahona.
Search for great deals on flights here.
Arrival by Cruise
The Dominican Republic boasts the highest number of cruise destinations in the Caribbean that include beautiful ports such as, Santo Domingo, La Romana, Puerto Plata, Samaná, and Punta Cana.
The port of Santo Domingo is nestled at the mouth of the Ozama River exactly where it meets the Caribbean Sea. While the port of Samaná is just a short distance from Miami, La Romano is on the beautiful east coast.
Several major cruise lines dock in the lively port of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on of the most popular on the island. These include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Carnival.
Search for great deals on cruises here.
Shuttles in Dominican Republic
Shuttles or private transport can be pre-arranged to pick you up and take you from the airport to your accommodation. You can easily book ground transportation from the airport to your hotel here.
Rental Cars in Dominican Republic
Renting a car in the Dominican Republic gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and really experience the island. All major car rental companies are available, and its recommended that you book your rental car in advance.
Car rental rates range from $35 – $57 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and time of year. Renting a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to road conditions, and it’s a good idea to have a map on hand.
You must be 25+ years old and possess a valid driver’s license to rent a car in the Dominican Republic. You should expect tolls on highway systems, so it’s a good idea to keep small change with you. U.S. Dollars are accepted for tolls.
Search for great deals on rental cars here.
Taxis in Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic taxis are easily located in every major city, in fact, many are stationed outside of bus stations, tourist attractions, and hotels. Make sure to ask for confirmation of fare, the color of the cab, and estimated wait times. Fares have a base fee of $3.40-$5 with additional costs per km. Keep in mind that most taxis don’t have a meter and the rate will be quoted by the driver at the time of pickup.
Carritos are also available in the Dominican Republic. These are shared taxis and you can find them all over the country. Fares typically range from $.45 – $.93 for set routes where passengers can be dropped off at any point along the way.
There are also van services such as Coco Tours that provide transportation between major cities like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
Buses in Dominican Republic
Once you arrive in the Dominican Republic there are several options in terms of public transportation. These include local small buses known as “guaguas”, or town to town transfers.
Guaguas are smaller van-like transportation that often do not have air conditioning, and it’s a good idea to know some Spanish if you take guaguas as transportation.
The Dominican Republic’s main bus service is the Metropolitan public bus service. These buses are a comfortable, affordable, and easy way to get around the country. These buses typically cost around $0.17 with no air conditioning and $0.25 with air conditioning.
Things to Do in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic's Top Highlights
Picturesque beaches, luxury resorts, and lush forests are only a few of the things that draw visitors to the Dominican Republic. These are some of the amazing activities you can enjoy!
Wander Zona Colonial In Santo Domingo
While Santo Domingo is the largest city in all of the Caribbean, the Zona Colonial will transport you back in time. This is a great place to explore the rich cultural history of the Dominican Republic.
The contrast of a modern-day bustling city, set with the backdrop of centuries-old architecture is awe inspiring. The Calle El Conde is the main thoroughfare of Zona Colonial and offers shopping, dining, architecture and wonderful museums.
Enjoy Punta Cana
Known for its long stretches of white sand and gorgeous emerald water, Punta Cana is home to some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Bavaro Beach is one of Punta Cana’s premiere destinations for sunbathing and swimming in the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Luxury resorts line the beach and offer easy access to the many beach activities in the area. These include snorkeling, parasailing and boat tours, among other water sports.
Check out this excellent Snorkeling Coral Nursery + Seafood Lunch tour here or this amazing sailing, snorkeling and catamaron tour here.
Water sport options abound in Punta Cana. Check out the best parasailing tours here.
ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here.
Whale Watching In Samaná Bay
Humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay each year from December through March to mate and give birth. This makes Samaná Bay one of the best places for whale watching in the world. Although the city of Samaná is a charmingly small town, whale watching is so popular that many companies offer day trips from destinations all around the Dominican Republic. You can even take a whale watching trip with a marine biologist.
Check out this amazing Whale Watching on Samana Bay, Waterfalls, and Safari tour.
Pedro García Coffee Trail
To learn more about one of the Dominican Republic’s top exports, coffee, head to the Pedro García Coffee Trail. Located close to the border between Puerto Plata and Santiago, you’ll discover how to roast and then sample your own coffee creation. Don’t forget to purchase some fresh beans to take home with you!
Tours can offer some amazing insight into Dominican Republic top exports. Check out this great Cocoa Plantation and Chocolate Factory tour. Or this adventurous 4×4 tour with coffee and chocolate tasting.
Relax On Saona Island
Surrounded by sugary white sand beaches, Saona Island is the perfect place to relax under swaying palms. The tranquil turquoise waters of the natural pools are perfect for swimming.
The vibe on this island is chill and the crystalline waters provide the perfect place to snorkel with colorful tropical fish. There are several companies that offer day excursions to the island or you can take a catamaran.
Looking for the perfect day trip to Saona Island? This Full Day – Small Group Saona Island tour is perfect. Or check out this Full Day Excursion to Saona Island here.
Swimming In Waterfalls
Swimming in waterfalls in the Dominican Republic is an unforgettable experience. One of the most popular waterfalls is El Limón, where you’ll journey 1.5 miles through the lush jungle to reach this magnificent waterfall before you take a swim.
Or you can head 30 minutes from Puerto Plata to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. The area is hidden in a beautiful tropical canyon and features waterfalls that you have to see to believe. The entrance fee depends on how many waterfalls you hike to, for example, hiking 7 waterfalls takes 2.5 hours and costs $8 USD.
If a tour sounds better to you, then this Waterfalls Of Damajaua tour is perfect.
Or if you want to get your adrenaline pumping check out this Hiking Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall Tour for the perfect combination of hiking, climbing, and swimming.
Be Adventurous!
The Dominican Republic will awaken the adventurous spirit inside of you with options like zip-lining through the jungle! While there are many companies that offer fantastic zip lining that will have you flying high above the jungle, this Adventure Ziplining Tour is perfect for you.
How does driving a 4×4 buggy through the jungle sound? Those looking for adventure will love this Adventure Bundle that offers adventurers zip-lining, fun buggies, and Monkeyland tours.
Check out a number of excellent adventure tours in Dominican Republic here.
Check out this Half-Day Dune Buggy Tour or this Fun Buggy Tour.
Swim In Hoyo Azul at Scape Park Cap Cana
Nature and adventure fans will love Scape Park Cap Cana, a tropical theme park filled with activities such as ziplining, cenote swimming, horseback riding, and other water activities. The most popular attraction is Hoyo Azul, a beautiful cenote blue lagoon that you can swim in. There is also cave exploration and more available at Scape Park Cap Cana.
This Hoyo Azul & Scape Park Cap Cana Full Admission tour is the perfect way to enjoy the park!
Where to Stay in Dominican Republic
There are all types of accommodations in Dominican Republic. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to hostels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For great hotel info and recommendations, check out our Dominican Republic Hotel Guide or our Dominican Republic All Inclusive Resort Guide.
For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Dominican Republic Hotel Guide
What to Eat in Dominican Republic
You can find a wide range of wonderful bites to eat in the Dominican Republic. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, check out our Dominican Republic Restaurant Guide.
For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Dominican Republic Restaurant Guide
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Check out our guide for what to bring on your Caribbean vacation!
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