The Caribbean island reveling in sun and rum.
Sun, sea and pure white sand are part and parcel of the Dominican Republic. But there is so much more to explore from vibrant culture to natural beauty and thrilling adventures.
Expect to fall hard for the Dominican Republic’s achingly beautiful beaches, charismatic locals and its historic colonial cities.
Island paradise
Picture the scene: of drooping palms over white sand beaches and seas as clear as glass. There’s no denying the Dominican Republic is fringed with outstanding beaches. But the thing about this exceptional Caribbean island is its sheer geological diversity. Paradisiacal beaches tumble into tropical rainforests, forging towards peaks, including the highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. So, you can expect plenty of adventure on the cards. And let’s not forget the warm and fun-time spirit of the locals and its rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re looking for a high-octane trip or low-key beach thrills, you’ll never be short of things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Flying into the Dominican Republic
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
Also known as José Francisco Peña Gómez Airport, Las Americas International Airport is 32km (around 30 minutes) from the capital of Santo Domingo and just 11km to the busy beach resort of Boca Chica
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
Most travelers into the Dominican Republic land at this airport on the eastern side of the island. The second busiest airport in the Caribbean (after Puerto Rico’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport), it’s a key gateway into the US and Canada.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Also known as the Puerto Plata International Airport, it’s just 20 minutes from the northern city of Puerto Plata and other tourist destinations of Cofresí, Playa Dorada, Sosúa and Cabarete.
Our favorite things to do in the Dominican Republic
First things first, grab your beach gear. If there’s one thing the Dominican Republic pulls off with aplomb it’s superb stretches of sand lapped by Cerulean seas. Stretch your towel out and gaze across at the sea, a thousand shades of turquoise and you’ll absolutely know you’ve landed in the Caribbean.
Get up close and personal with mating humpbacks at Samana Bay. Discover pristine coral reefs whilst diving in Bayahibe, try out surfing on the rough-and-tumble waves of Playa Encuentro, and discover the technicolor marine life at the ridiculously idyllic Islan Saona. And let’s not forget Dominican Republic nightlife and the island’s rich cultural tapestry that’s best explored in the laid-back capital of Santa Domingo.
What to do in the Dominican Republic
Climb to the highest point the Caribbean. Gaze at pastel-hued sunsets. Swim in crystalline water. Kayak around mangrove forests. Discover the capital’s old town. These are six of our favorite things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Head inland and hike the amazing Pico Duarte mountain
Your number 1 spot for mountain views
Standing at 3,101 meters, Pico Duarte is not just the highest mountain in the Dominican Republic, but across the entire Caribbean. And the views from the top, well, let’s just say the bun-crunching 46km-hike is worth it. You don’t need to be a pro climber – you just need a reasonable level of fitness – but hire a guide to help navigate the river paths, pine-scented forests and mountain trails.
Admire the scenery and sunset in Bayahibe town
Seafood and sunsets
A former fishing village, Bayahibe has one of those dreamy little set-ups that draw in the travelers. It’s got the achingly beautiful beaches, swaying palms and intense sunsets, a thriving foodie scene of just-caught fish dished up in laid-back joints, and instagrammable pastel-hued homes. All this plus beautiful architecture, the Taino caves and the pinprick island of Islan Saona, where colorful fish dart about its coral reefs.
Dive into crystal clear waters at Punta Cana’s best beaches
Sun-kissed swims
Rippling down the eastern coast for more than 40 miles, Punta Cana has arguably some of the best beaches on the island. Juanillo Beach is known for its calm and mellow waters whilst Los Corales Beach has pop-up bars pitched on immaculately white sands. But whichever you park your towel on, expect crystalline waters for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet skiing or hours of floating.
See astounding natural beauty in Los Haitises National Park
Reef and rainforest
Adventure seekers will relish a trip to this vast national park, where soaring 30-meter-high monoliths jut out of the sea and kayakers paddle around mangrove forests. You might just spot the endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, the Hispaniolan Piculet, the Hispaniolan Woodpecker, the Hispaniolan Emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons. And don’t miss a hike amongst its tangle of rainforest – once used as a shoot location for Jurassic Park.
Step back in time by exploring Zono Colonial
Open-air museum
Right in the heart of Santa Domingo – the island’s good-humored capital – is the Zona Colonial where you’ll find crumbly colonial architecture rising from its cobbled streets, from the timeworn Primada Cathedral to a European fortress. The best way to experience this neighborhood is to take it slow, wander around its creative stores and gaze at the locals hanging out on their balconies.
Admire some precious stones at the Amber Museum in Puerto Plat
Fossil fun
Dominican amber is rightfully regarded as one of the world’s finest thanks to its transparent appearance and fossil inclusions. Head to this museum for a window into why Dominican amber is so revered. You’ll find fascinating exhibitions dedicated to the gem formed from the tree sap of the extinct Hymenaea Protera tree, some 16-25 million years ago.
Top regions in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo
South
The capital city is a must-visit for its rich history and vibrant culture. Don’t miss the Zona Colonial district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful Spanish colonial architecture and best explored on foot. Arriving here at night brings a whole new dimension to the old town, too, when locals gather in bars that hum until late and dance until the early hours.
La Romana
East
Luxury comes and thick and fast in this region known for its resorts and golf courses. A former sugar-producing region, La Romana is also home to Altos de Chavón, a re-created Mediterranean-style European village located atop the Chavón River. Whilst you’re here, grab lunch, gaze over the riverfront terraces with a mocktail or a lemonade in hand and nosy around the shops before a round of golf in the sunshine.
Barahona
South
Away from the tourist trail, Barahona is a region of pristine natural beauty with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and Lake Enriquillo, the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean. Here in ‘the Pearl of the South,’ travelers-in-the-know mountain bike through thick wilderness, hike along coastal paths, swim in remote sinkholes and doze beneath the stars. All fueled behind the scenes on its locally grown coffee.
Samana Peninsula
Northeast
A must-visit for nature lovers, the Samana Peninsula is smothered in lush forests and fringed by beaches where barely a footprint marks the sand. Pull on your boots and hike the 2.5-km to El Limón Waterfall, cooling off in the pool at the foot of the cascades. It’s also one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales during their mating season from January to March. Many boat operators will even take you closer to these gentle giants offering snorkeling or diving trips.
Dominican Republic Price Guide
Whether you’re eating out, taking in the sights or getting around, expect to spend:
Food: From street food to fine dining, expect to spend around 500-1000 DOP per meal.
Drinks: Soft Drinks range from 300-500 DOP.
Transport: Taxi fares start at around 200 DOP, while bus tickets are typically less than 50 DOP.
Hotels: Accommodation varies greatly, from budget hostels at 1000 DOP per night to luxury resorts costing over 10,000 DOP.
Whether you’re looking for serene beaches, epic diving, hiking through balmy rainforest or a vibrant cultural scene, the Dominican Republic is no one trick pony. Spend just a few hours here and you’ll quickly realize it moves to its own insatiable rhythm.
Thinking of traveling to the Dominican Republic? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental deals for your next trip.
