Dominican Republic

Before start tour to Caribbean Island Dominican Republic country first we know little about it. 

In the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic (Spanish: República Dominicana) is a country situated in the Hispaniola island with Haiti. It’s famous for its beaches, resorts and golf courses.

The Capital City of Santo Domingo, in its colonial zone, has Spanish monuments such as the Gothic Catedral Primada de America, which dates from 5 centuries.

Capital City:	Santo Domingo
Largest city	Santo Domingo
Official language	Spanish, but all speak English
Currency	Peso (DOP) – (1 peso = nearly 0.020 United States Dollar)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+1-809, +1-829, +1-849
Area Total	48,671 km2
Independence	July 12, 1924 (  Independence from the United States )
population	10.7 million people. (1.7 crores=107 lakhs) ( United States is the world’s third or fourth largest country by total area,  U.S. is the third most populous country

Things to do in Dominican Republic:

This is a 10.7 million populous country Caribbean Islands, have endless white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is a popular getaway for tourists in search of an idyllic vacation, plenty of outdoor adventure and a tinge of colonial history.  Bountiful palm trees complement the turquoise waters of popular Punta Cana to create the perfect postcard from this tropical destination.

 For Honeymoon couple and love birds From its jaw-dropping cliffs to peaceful mangrove lagoons, it’s easy to fall in love with the DR’s natural beauty and rich Spanish heritage. 

Some of them will go intrepid and seek out the ridges and hikes of the Enriquillo Valley, and indelibly green Armando Bermúdez. 

Some tourists will aim for the beautiful coast of Cibao, and hop between fishing towns and salt-washed cays.

Interesting Facts:

• The “Dominican” word comes from the Latin Dominicus, meaning Sunday.
• Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in the Caribbean. It is also home to the largest elevation in the region, as though it was not cool enough that the Dominican Republic has lowest altitudes in the Caribbean. Pico Duarte welcomes more than 3,000 climbers at an altitude of 3,087 meters who make the climb to experience its incredible beauty.
• Lago Enriquillo is a very salty lake. It is the lowest height in the Caribbean. This is a hypersaline 375 sq. km lake. There are more than 400 species living in waters. It is also home to the largest population of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) who live freely in natural Caribbean habitats.
• Palmchat is completely uniquely the national bird of the country! It takes its name from the palm trees in Spanish known as “cigua palmera.” It is here that she creates her nests to live and harvest their fruit to feed. Palmchat is an Hispaniola Island endemic species. She is the only member of the Dulidae family that makes her unique.
• The Capital of Gastronomical Culture of the Caribbean has recently been recognized to highlight the Caribbean exotic and delicious flavors you can experience.
• Have fun falling in the water! If you have never heard of Damajagua’s 27 cascades you missed! This is a great adventure for families with children over 12 who like nature, waterfalls and rivers.
• Winter home to massive, lovely animals. Between 2,000 and 3,000 giant humpback whales are welcomed every year in the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, the Bay of Samane.
• Unique, valuable stones. There are two unique endemic stones in the Dominica Republic, Dominican Amber and Larimar which are not found anywhere else in the world.
• The island has this name by Santo Domingo de Guzmán, founder of the Order of the Dominicans.
• The oldest town in America, Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic’s city capital is America’s oldest settlement in Europe.
• There are three colors of the Dominican flag: red, white and blue. The flag is one of the national symbols of the Dominican Republic, along with its national anthem and coat of arms.
• Challenge Barahona’s gravity! There is a city called Polo in the south – west part of the Dominican Republic. At the magnetic pole (El Polo Magnético), you can face a challenge.

Weather & when to go

Low Season (August–early December)

June through December hurricane season (which impacts on the East), but it is beautiful apart from storms. Temperatures don’t vary greatly (except for mountains). Property and highly discounted rooms in close vicinity of October.

(March – July) Shoulder

March is dry in Samana and April, idealized across the country (also for breezy) May to June is cloudy or partial sunny. Afternoon showers can be enjoyed. Strong but short rains in the city of Santo Domingo through the October.

High Season (mid-December–February)

High season is also between July and August and the week before Easter. Higher hotel and crowded beaches are to be anticipated. It takes place from the middle of January to the middle of March. A week prior to Easter, most water sports are prohibited.

Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies

With its last annual carnival day, 27 February coincides with the Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti.

Virgen de Altagracia: The 21 January tribute to the Patron Saint, the Virgin of Altagracia is no more important than this Dominican religious day.

Carnival: On 27 February the last day of the Carnival was the Dominican Republic’s independence from the more than two decades of Haitian rule.

Semana Santa: The normally lively Dominican Republic stops at the yearly celebrations of Christian Holy Week, usually in early April.

Juan Pablo Duarte Day: On Monday next to the birthday of Duarte, 26th January, this late January ceremony will honor Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the largest fighters of independent Dominican Republic.

Espiritu Santo: During this lively festival in June, 7 weeks after Samana Santa, the sounds of conga drums and other African instruments ringe throughout all the Dominican Republic.

Merengue Festival: During the yearly Saint Dominic Festival which will start in late July and coincide with the 4th anniversary of August, the Malecon comes live with the sound of meringue. Many of the world’s finest dancers and musicians perform live at separate food and craft exhibitions.

Restoration Day: In 1863, Spain was re – conquered for the second time by the Dominican Republic. Dominicans celebrate their “second independence” every August, dressing in sophisticated clothing and marching in street parade.

Puerto Plata Festival: This lively October festival is located in the north of the Dominican Republic, in Fuerte San Felipe. During the costumed parades, food fairs and dance shows, the most talented folk, blues, jazz and merengues perform. The tradition is also based on the spirituals of Africa.

How to plan your journey? Tips for beginners…

Find the best package of travel from a Company / Agency, They deal with everything like flights, hotels, transportation, food. it will be costly, but the secure journey. OR

Do plan yourself – For cheap flight tickets book early 3 months before the journey and return ticket, then book a hotel, then apply for a visa as Tourist.

Currency exchange: You must have a visiting country currency in hand after you have obtained the visa. In airports there are currency exchange counters, but large commissions are taken. In your country, it is best to get currency. You first know your bank limitations and your fees for use in foreign countries when planning the use of Credit Debit cards. 

How to get a Visa?

All passengers crossing international boundaries are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and complying with international government travel requirements. 

Safe to visit?

For tourists, the Dominican Republic is generally a safe country: most of them stay in the hotels and resorts in the east of the island, where a bad sunburn is the only major risk.

The Dominican Republic is the world’s 76th safest country (which makes it the 86th safest country on the planet), rankings the safest and most dangerous.

Places to visit and Things to do in the Dominican Republic:

Here we listed tourists top-rated places in Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Bavaro, Cabarete, Sosua, Las Terrenas, La Romana, Santiago de los Caballeros, Bayahibe, Boca Chica, Las Galeras, Juan Dolio, Santa Barbara de Samana, Jarabacoa, Higuey, Cabrera, Barahona, Rio San Juan, Constanza, Altos Dechavon, El Cortecito, San Pedro de Macoris, Punta Rucia.

Flights

The least expensive flight season to the Dominican Republic, mid- April to mid- December. Only book from the official aviation sites for good offers.

Below we Listed popular Airlines That Flies To the Dominican Republic.

www.caribbean-airlines.com (Caribbean Airlines), American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Condor Airlines, Continental Airlines, 
Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, Northwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines(low cost), United Airlines, US Airways, TimAir Limited.

Extra baggage 

These are general information on luggage, there is a difference from one airlines to other, pre plan your luggage requirements and book with your journey tickets. charges charged per bag depending on route and travel class.

Flight or Travel protection / Insurgence:

How Much It Costs: 
Travel insurance can be obtained directly from several sources: from the airline or cruise carrier, an independent travel insurance firm, sometimes your credit card. Travel insurance generally costs about 5% of the total trip.

What Travel Insurance Covers : 
Travel insurances are intended to protect you against unforeseen misfortunes such as the cancelation of your flight due to the severe weather or the loss or robbery of your baggage.

There are 4 types of coverage included in travel insurance:

• Cancelation and interruption of journey insurance
• Coverage of luggage and personal goods
• Medical emergency coverage
• Death or dismemberment insurance by accident

Budget Travel: Tips For A Cheap Vacation:

Follow these four Tight Budget Planning rules – 1. Early Plan, 2. Off-peak travel, 3. book a flight before 20 days and by searching nearby airports and cities, 4. Remember to buy things for yourself and book hotels away from the beach.

Emergency Numbers:

DIAL 911 TO CALL AN AMBULANCE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:

Police – 999; Ambulance – 997; Fire – 998; Traffic police – 993. Mobile phones – 112 or 911; Non-emergency ambulance – 1777; Police hotline – 1800 255 0000; Traffic police – 6547 0000.

Dominican republic best places image Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It’s known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back 5 centuries in its Zona Colonial district.

If a holiday to the Caribbean country of Dominican Republic is on your agenda, you are most likely thinking of a ‘beach vacation’. Occupying the eastern coast of Hispaniola island and sharing its border with Haiti, another Caribbean jewel, Dominican Republic has the North Atlantic Ocean to its north and the Caribbean Sea to its south.

With Santo Domingo as the capital, Dominican Republic feeds right into the eagerness of adrenaline junkies and sea lovers. The country has a diverse landscape – mountains, forests, reefs, beaches, museums, casinos, mangroves, and even deserts.

Spanish is the national language while Dominican Peso is the national currency.

Apart from the palm-fringed coastline, the country, with its elaborate music and dance culture, exotic cuisine, local sports, fishing culture, and remarkable colonial architecture, offers an insight into true Caribbean culture and lifestyle.

Speaking of a coastline, let us look at the best beaches in the Dominican Republic:

1. Bávaro Beach

Bávaro Beach

The Dominican Republic is one of the top beach holiday destinations in the world, thanks to its supreme location in The Caribbean. Of all the beaches and views that the country has to offer, Punta Cana is considered one of the best, and Bávaro Beach, located at the northern tip, is undoubtedly the best stretch in this coastal town.

Bávaro Beach is famous for its wide, long stretch of palm-fringed coastline and typical turquoise blue waters. Another notable feature of the beach is its all-inclusive resorts and a lot of amazing beachside bars which are perfect for hanging out and grabbing a chilled beer.

The most admired beach in the Dominican Republic, Bávaro offers perfectly calm waters which are idyllic for water activities such as swimming and paddling. A little further from the calm swimming zone is the action-fueled parasailing and boating zone.

Bávaro is home to several luxurious beach resorts and spas.

2. Playa Rincón

Playa Rincón

Situated on the Samana Peninsula, Playa Rincón is a postcard-perfect, untouched beach decked with glistening, white sand and swaying palm trees. The beach is a 30-minute boat ride away from the fishing town of Las Galeras.

Rated as one of the ‘best beaches in the world’ by none other than Condé Nast Traveler, Playa Rincón features a protected cove at one end which offers a calm bay for swimming, and, on the other, the ocean conjoins with a pleasant freshwater river, Cãno Frio.

A small restaurant and a couple of food stalls sit near the parking lot at Playa Rincón.

The two-mile-long beach almost feels endless, and with an absolute combination of seclusion and stunning views wherever the eye goes, Playa Rincón is the ultimate beach destination in the Dominican Republic.

3. Cayo Levantado

Cayo Levantado

Also known as Bacardi Island, Cayo Levantado island is located on the Samana Peninsula which is sectioned into two categories – the public category and the luxurious Grand Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Hotel. Needless to say, the latter section is reserved only for the guests staying at this opulent seaside resort.

The division of the beach island doesn’t make much difference since every nook and cranny of Cayo Levantado is equally striking. However, if you are a guest at the hotel, you get access to all the facilities available at one of the two private beaches which are approximately 130 meters each.

The beach waters are calm at either beach and there are lifeguards patrolling the area. There is a tiny island facing the hotel’s main beach where you can enjoy snorkeling, sunbathing, or observing the marine life.

Because of the beach’s popularity, hundreds of visitors come to the public beach on day trips and cruises.

4. Playa Dorada

Playa Dorada

Situated along the Amber Coast, Playa Dorada is one of the most celebrated beaches in the Dominican Republic, and a great hub of all-inclusive beach resorts.

When here, expect dazzling golden, sandy beaches, crystal turquoise waters, surrounding mountains, and a palm-fringe coastline. If this doesn’t completely satisfy your soul, try thinking of windsurfing and water-skiing on the somewhat wild waves of Playa Dorada.

Even though the beaches of Playa Dorada are a great hit among luxury and mid-range tourists who visit here to avail all the modern facilities that their all-inclusive hotels offer, the building codes in the area have restricted every building to a maximum of three floors.

Additionally, every property is built at a considerable distance from another. Hence, the natural ambience is intact and the beautiful island doesn’t feel crowded or too modernized.

5. Playa Grande

Playa Grande

Another hidden gem among the beaches of Dominican Republic, Playa Grande sits far from the bustling beach towns of Puerto Planta and Punta Cana. Located on the outskirts of Rio San Juan, the area has two luxury hotels at the far end of the beach.

The beach area of Playa Grande maintains its privacy by not permitting any hints of mass-tourism anywhere near the beach.

The soft-sand, coral-colored Dominican beach is complemented by swaying palm trees in the background and giant waves. A few rustic food stands are scattered here and there around the beach.

Day trips to Playa Grande can be conveniently organized from the nearby towns of Puerto Plata and Cabarete.

Playa Caleton, a smaller and calmer beach, sits near Playa Grande and is a safer bet for children.

6. Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach

Located 20 miles east of the capital city of Santo Domingo on the southern coast of Hispaniola island, Boca Chica has been regarded as one of the nicest and most popular beaches in the Dominican Republic for over a couple of decades.

As compared to the likes of Cabarete and Puerto Plata, the water at Boca Chica is calmer and shallower, and the sand is whiter, even though the area may be busier than the others due to its proximity to the capital.

Boca Chica Beach is protected by a huge crescent-shaped coral reef, and the water itself makes up for an approximately 1 mile wide Cove. The reef acts as a natural break wall between the waters at the beach and the Caribbean Sea which makes the Cove usually super-tender.

Boca Chica is a great hit among families. Visitors to the beach often indulge in swimming, sailing and beach volleyball tournaments.

The beach gets crowded with locals during the weekends but on a typical weekday, you can almost have the beach all to yourself.

7. Las Galeras

Las Galeras

A small village at the very end of Samana Peninsula, Las Galeras is popular worldwide for its magnificent beach locations which are as picturesque as they are secluded.

Though getting to and from the village is a bit of a task, once you are here you will find yourself amidst the paradisiacal charm of the ‘three beach’ spot in Dominican Republic – Rincon, Madama, and Fronton.

With a small population of only 3,000 people, Las Galeras remain untouched by mass tourism and urban development, yet the village has plenty of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist businesses which are mainly operated by a modest community of French, Italian, and German expats. The village also has several apartments for long-term rentals.

With its vibrant fishing culture, Las Galeras is a popular spot for deep sea fishing. Other significant recreational activities offered in the area include scuba-diving, snorkeling, boating, horseback tours, ATV quad tours, hiking and beach explorations.

8. Kite Beach

Kite Beach

World-renowned for its amazing water sports, Kite Beach, in the town of Cabarete, derives its name from the grand kiteboarding destination it is. This internationally acclaimed beach is also a popular location for windsurfing.

Kite Beach hosts the annual ‘Master of the Ocean World Championship’ where participants from all over the world come together to partake in various water-based competitive activities such as kiteboarding, surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle-boarding.

Several kiteboarding schools around the area welcome newcomers to learn the sport.

The atmosphere at Kite Beach is warm and friendly. The active water adventure scene around the area ensures that the area remains filled with several tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants and bars, souvenir shops, and tour agencies.

9. Cabarete Beach

Cabarete Beach

Flowing from tip to end of the waterfront of Cabarete, Cabarete Beach is more popular for its ambiance than the mesmerizing turquoise water.

One of the very few areas in the country which sees calm waters almost all around the year, Cabarete Beach is well-admired by swimming enthusiasts from all around the world.

The shallow shore makes it child-friendly, which is a rare feature for most beaches in the Dominican Republic.

While the casual and warm vibe of the area makes it an ultimate beach experience, what’s interesting is the abundance of trendy restaurants that adorn the coastline. Some even offer tables, chairs, and lamps to be set right on the sand. Live music bands and solo artists fill the evening air with rhythm and romance.

Cabarete is known as the ‘windsurfing capital of the world’.

10. Playa Bahoruco

Playa Bahoruco

Located on the southern coast of Barahona, Playa Bahoruco flows right in front of the famous Barceló Bahoruco Resort. Most visitors here comprise guests staying at the nearby resorts but there is a fair number of tourists from other parts of the country and the world.

The palm-fringed, sandy shores of Bahoruco offers immaculate sunsets and amazing waves that are perfect for professional swimmers. Amateurs must take great caution in these waters as the strong undercurrents can be harmful.

The waters are a striking shade of topaz while the surrounding rocks give the landscape a rugged look.

Lack of any residential or commercial building around the shoreline protects the beach’s natural environment and the fairly untouched vibe makes Playa Bahoruco a well-kept jewel. Source: dominican-republic.realigro.com

11. Macao Beach

Macao Beach

Once regarded among the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Dominican Republic, Macao Beach is rapidly undergoing major urban developments. Located around the beach town of Punta Cana, Macao beach provides a glorious shoreline which still maintains a quiet, serene vibe.

Beautifully rugged cliffs adorn the right end of the beach while the turquoise waters spread across miles of distance, as far as your senses can fathom. Swaying coconut palms provide shade to visitors.

Amateur surfers enjoy the mild waves of Macao Beach. Macao Surf Camp, a highly-reputed surfing school offers great surfing lessons to enthusiasts.

Macao Beach is approved by UNESCO.

12. Playa Bahia de Las Aguilas

Playa Bahia De Las Aguilas

Considered as one of the most natural and far-off beaches in the Dominican Republic, Playa Bahia de Las Aguilas is a part of the Jaragua National Park, a UNESCO approved National Reserve. This protected beach is a part of an exclusive tourist attraction on the island.

With its environment-friendly ambiance and setting inside a National Park, Playa Bahia de Las Aguilas is a haven for eco-tourists. It offers a perfect getaway from the bustling cities and beach towns of the country.

The 5-mile-long stretch of fine sand and greenish-blue water is entirely undeveloped, thus, finding common public facilities is not an option. Most tourists usually bring their own lunch and make a picnic out of it.

Most visitors come here on a day trip and stay at Barahona.

13. Juanillo Beach

Juanillo Beach

Juanillo Beach is one of the best-kept beaches in the Dominican Republic and even though the beach is open to the public, the entrance is guarded by Cap Cana. The gatekeepers at the entrance are easy to handle if you tell them where you are going.

The beach offers an upbeat, social atmosphere but isn’t overcrowded at all. In fact, Juanillo Beach is the perfect balance between total seclusion and complete craziness.

The calm and clear topaz-colored waters of Juanillo Beach are well-adorned with towering palm trees.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many public convenience facilities around the beach but most-likely that is to protect the natural vibe of the beach.

There is a considerable range of accommodation options and restaurants within close range of Juanillo Beach.

14. Grand Laguna Beach

Grand Laguna Beach

Backed by a resort of the same name, Grand Laguna Beach lays approximately 2 miles from the beach town of Sosua on the northern coast of Dominican Republic. Though Grand Laguna may not be among the most secluded beaches of the country, it offers just enough privacy and serenity for you to enjoy a perfect beach vacation.

The turquoise-colored beach has a slight slope and is surrounded by tan-colored sand, light greenery, and rock-strewn edges. The water at the beach is not too rough but not too gentle, just about perfect for plenty of excitement around the area.

Grand Laguna is well-liked by families as well as couples. Since the beach is in a popular area, you may want to avoid visiting during public holidays and weekends if you don’t want to see too many people on your beach holiday.

Casino Playa Chiquita, approximate 1.5 miles from the beach, is one of the closest attractions around Grand Laguna Beach.

15. Sosua Beach

Sosua Beach

With plush seaside resorts, open-air bars and restaurants, tourist-oriented shops, and flea markets, Sosua Beach is the most happening thing about the town of Sosua. The bustling beach scene attracts visitors from all around the country and the world.

Sosua Beach is approximately 20 minutes from Puerto Plata and is highly popular among families. A coral reef surrounds the crescent beach making it a great spot for snorkelers and early swimmers as well.

Glistening golden sands, clear blue waters, and a vivid variety of shops and restaurants lining the shore make the surrounding ambiance lively and fun.

Lounge chairs and umbrellas can be rented. Unfortunately, there aren’t any public restrooms but the restaurants and bars around the area are easily accessible. Rental shops provide snorkeling gear and equipment.

If you wish to avoid the crowd, come here for a breakfast picnic or an early-morning swim.