Far journey Dominican Republic

A holiday to the Domincan Republic means a sea of opportunities and attractions for every kind of holidaymaker. A true paradise with hail white beaches, azure waters and a wide variety of nature. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south, the lush tropical island has 1,609 kilometers of coastline. Of these, 400 kilometers 'covers the world's best beaches, beautiful resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options.

You can dance to the gripping sensation of the merengue or unwind in one of the various luxurious accommodations. Explore the ancient remains of past centuries and enjoy the delicious Dominican hospitality. Go on an adventure in the beautiful national parks, mountain ranges and rivers. In other words: enjoy this wonderful country to the fullest!

1. Characteristics Dominican Republic

In the table below you will find the characteristics of the Dominican Republic. In this article you will also find an overview of all the important and popular sights that you should not miss!

2. Safety regulations and vaccinations Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has different safety regulations than you are used to in the Netherlands. Please take this into account. Some tips:

• Public transport is not safe. Do not take a taxi's on the street (official taxi's only).
• Hide valuables out of sight
• Don't take too much cash with you. Make sure there is a safe place to store it like a money belt.
• Pin in safe places, not at public ATMs
• Does not offer resistance in case of a robbery or robbery
• There are many deaths in traffic. Avoid public transport as much as possible and do not drive yourself.
• The medical facilities are moderate to poor. So prepare yourself well and see what your insurance covers.
• General emergency number: 911. Tourist police: 1 809 200 35 00

3. Best travel period Dominican Republic

The best travel period for a holiday to the Dominican Republic can be divided into two periods. Especially in July and August many Europeans come to the Dominican Republic. However, the best travel period in winter is between December and April. Then you have the least rain and the best temperatures. In July and August is the rainy season, so you can expect several showers. The Dominican Republic also has large storms and hurricanes. These occur mainly in September and October. These months are better to avoid.

4. Cities in the Dominican Republic

The Republic is a country on the island of Hispaniola and occupies almost two-thirds of it. The western part consists of Haiti. The Dominican Republic has a fascinating culture that brings together influences from Taino, Spain and Africa. This merging of cultures is reflected in all aspects of Dominican life, but is perhaps most visible in the rich artistic, musical and culinary traditions of the country.

4.1. Santo Domingo

The capital of the Dominican Republic is Santo Domingo. It lies on the southeast coast of the island of Hispaniola, at the mouth of the river Ozama. Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus, as the capital of the first Spanish colony in the New World. Santo Domingo is buzzing with things to do. With its Spanish colonial history and beautiful landscape, the city is a hybrid of past and present things to explore and discover. The tropical city is the perfect place to relax or see sights.

4.2. Punta Cana

Punta Cana is known for its iridescent turquoise waters and pearly white beaches, lined with luxury all-inclusive resorts. The multiple enclaves on the beach - Bávaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana - each offer a unique atmosphere for different budgets. Inland and coastal adventures abound for group flights and small-scale trips. Go fishing in Cap Cana, hit one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean in Punta Cana, sail along the coastline of Bávaro or try surfing Playa Macao.

4.3. La Romana

The luxurious city of La Romana offers more than 800 hotel rooms, as well as world-famous golf courses. Nearby, Bayahíbe and Dominicus, a charming fishing centre, offers large all-inclusive beachfront resorts with more than 4,000 hotel rooms.

4.4. Altos de Chavón

The adjoining Altos de Chavón adds even more allure to the area with its beautiful riverside terraces, historic sights, restaurants and shops. This village is a replica of a Mediterranean village built over the Río Chavón. This is the third largest city in the country and offers extra picturesque late night locations. Options range from sophisticated lounges to local nightclubs in the city. There are many lively happy hours that 'start late at night from Thursday to the weekend. Downtown La Romana has a large number of bars, with a selection along the Avenida Santa Rosa.

4.5. Samaná Peninsula

Samaná is one of the best kept secrets of the Dominican Republic. Many Dominicans say this is the most attractive part of their country. With traditional charm, a relaxed atmosphere and strong European influences, the Samaná peninsula is a hidden gem with most of its land still wild and undeveloped. It is a great showcase of tropical splendour, from its crystal clear waterfalls to secluded white sandy beaches covered with coconut palms, green valleys that fly into the mountains, the caves in Los Haitises National Park, and a rich fauna that ranges from humpback whales to manatees, dolphins and birds.

Samaná's small boutique hotels and all-inclusive luxury resorts offer a variety of accommodation to suit every budget. There are also many outdoor activities: walk the 122 metre high zipline, go horseback riding through the jungle to reach the spectacular Salto El Limón waterfall or sail to the island of Cayo Levantado.

5. Beaches of the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic lies in the Caribbean Sea. The island is surrounded by water on almost all sides. Enough beach to enjoy!

5.1. Playa Rincón

5.2. Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita, located in Samaná, is as beautiful as its name suggests. A crescent-shaped, cozy white sandy beach with many boutique hotels, villas's and restaurants. At the western edge of the beach the water is as still as a swimming pool. While the eastern side - opposite hotels and a kitesurfing school - offers active waves for wild water activities. Combine a day on the beach with lunch at the excellent beachfront restaurant for French and Caribbean seafood.

5.3. Macao Beach

The mega wide, palm fringed Playa Macao is a very popular surf beach. Located on the north side of the Punta Cana region, it is known for its swell and trade winds. Surfing classes at all levels are available all year round, especially at weekends. Macao's local restaurants are also known for serving some of the best Dominican-style seafood dishes.

5.4. Isla Saona

The picturesque beaches of the island of Saona are located 19 kilometers south of the mainland and attract more visitors than all national parks put together. Saona is a protected area of 110 km2 and is part of the Cotubanamá National Park. It is a tropical dream flight, where long stretches of brilliant white sand and their giant coconut palms seem to melt in iridescent turquoise waters. Visitors can take day trips to enjoy the beaches, with numerous options ranging from speedboats to catamarans.

Just driving through the beautiful coastal landscape of Saona is worthwhile. Most trips depart from the village of Bayahíbe, from the small water area. Stops in Saona include a dive in Palmilla, a white strip with a wide natural pool, and in Mano Juan, the only inhabited part of the island. Saona Island is also the main turtle nesting site of the Dominican Republic.

6. Diving in the Dominican Republic

Because this Caribbean country is one of the most attractive places to dive, it is certainly advisable to visit one of the countless diving centers scattered throughout the island. The beautiful underwater world of the Dominican is considered by professionals to be a top dive site. The crystal clear water offers great visibility even at great depths while you swim in an average temperature between 27 and 29 ºC. You'll find sea beds full of coral reefs, huge caves, giant underwater valleys, many sunken ships and a spectacular marine life.

No diving certificate yet? Then get it at one of the many schools on the coast. These centres offer a wide range of options such as cave diving, night diving, snorkeling, etc. Almost everywhere on the Dominican coast you can find interesting dive sites, but some areas are more interesting than others.

6.1. Sosúa

This is the most visited diving area in the Dominican Republic, it lies on the north coast and is characterized by its horseshoe shaped beaches and crystal clear waters. The most interesting diving points are: Pared del Aeropuerto, The Sunken Ship of Zingara, Las Tres Rocas, Las Cinco Rocas, Ray Point, El Canyon and Mini Pared.

6.2. Montecristi

This area is also located on the north coast and is known for its authentic and unique cemetery for sunken galleons.

6.3. Sanamá

The area of Las Galeras is located on the Samaná peninsula, where the depths of La Torre could be admired. This is a top of 50 metres covered with corals and surrounded by a rich marine life. Las Terrenas is known for the Du submarine caves.

6.4. Punta Cana

Professionals believe that Punta Cana is the best place to dive in the Dominican Republic. Here you will find several dive sites, most are sunken ships such as the famous Pewter Wreck.

Other important diving areas:

• La Romana
• Juan Dolio
• Boca Chica
• la bahía de Santo Domingo
• Bayahibe y Luperón

7. Transport in the Dominican Republic

7.1. Rent a car

7.2. Taxi

In the Dominican Republic, the taxi service is not completely different from that of other Caribbean countries; taxi drivers do not go looking for their passengers, but usually wait for them near tourist areas such as airports, parks and hotels. Please note that a price must be agreed upon in advance. Do not immediately accept the first offer of the driver, but negotiate. Keep in mind that the average and reasonable rate is about 200 RD $.

7.3. Public transport

Save time and money by travelling on Santo Domingo's new, modern metropolitan underground network. When you're in the capital, you can easily get around via the metropolitan underground network. The bus system (or "guagua") will also take you to any Dominican destination with its regional buses while you can travel within the city using the local guaguas.

8. Culture in the Dominican Republic

If you love colourful walls, colonial architecture and cobbled streets, you should definitely explore Zona Colonial or the colonial city of Santo Domingo! There's almost too much to mention, so we'll stick to five cultural highlights below. For the rest, you can discover even more in the streets.

8.1. Cathedral of Santo Domingo

Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor was the first cathedral in the New World to be completed in 1540. The first thing you will notice are the limestone walls that make up the structure. These blocks protect the building from time, weather and human influences. Unique to this cathedral is the use of the many different architectural styles throughout the building. You'll find vaulted ceilings in Gothic style, baroque ornaments and sumptuous Plateresque styles. Although these styles are very different, they contribute to the originality of the monument.

8.2. Palacio Consistorial

After having explored Basilica Cathedral or Santa María la Menor, cross the street to the Palacio Consistorial. Don't miss the building. It is distinguished by its pale white facade, high bell tower, round arches and plant-covered balconies. It was built at the beginning of 1500 and was originally the location of the old town hall. Today it is an art and cultural centre. With your camera you can certainly make your mark as a tourist!

8.3. National Pantheon

The National Pantheon is located on Calle Las Damas, also the first street in the New World. After its completion in 1746, it was used as a church by the Jesuit order. However, after the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767 it was used as a tobacco warehouse and then as the first Dominican theatre in 1860. It is now a mausoleum with the remains of historical figures and honored citizens of the Dominican Republic. The National Pantheon is quite an impressive building and an absolute must-see. Make sure you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best (most even) lighting.

8.4. Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies

8.5. Mercado Modelo

Do you love tourism and buying souvenirs? Or maybe you'd like to try some local specialities, such as hand-rolled cigars or the alcoholic aphrodisiac, Mama Juan? Then be sure to check out Santo Domingo's largest indoor market, Mercado Modelo. This market is full of trinkets, gems (like larimar), exotic products, energetic sellers and even witch doctors! Just a little bit outside Zona Colonial, this lively market is truly a unique experience with colours that stand out in every picture!

9. Nature in the Dominican Republic

The nature on this island is, as mentioned before, very diverse. You look out your eyes in the various parks and on islands. For nice daytrips in the nature of the country these are a few nice holiday tips.

9.1. The Three Eyes National Park / Los Tres Ojos

The Three Eyes National Park of the Dominican Republic is a nature reserve and an open-air limestone cave system with a series of crystal clear lakes known as the 'eyes'. Located in the capital Santo Domingo, just a ten minute drive from the popular colonial zone, the park offers a fine break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

9.2. Los Haitises National Park

Nestled in Samaná, with an area of 1600 square kilometres, Los Haitises National Park is one of the crown jewels of the Dominican Republic's national park system. Los Haitises attracts many visitors who come here by boat to see its beautiful series of 30 metre high rock formations protrude out of the water. The park also features extensive mangroves along the bay, which is dotted with cayes that are home to several bird colonies, as well as a series of caves that are known to have one of the highest numbers of rock paintings and icons in the country.

Los Haitises also feeds one of the few remaining rainforests of the Dominican Republic. A nice fact is that it was once used as a film location for the feature film Jurassic Park. Explore the park by boat from Samaná, walk through the rainforest to get a closer look at the flora or kayak along the lush mangrove system.

9.3. Hoyo Azul

Schooled in Scape Park, near Cap Cana, this "blue hole" cenote offers a refreshing dip in natural, cool spring water. Surrounded by lush rainforest, Hoyo Azul is about 14 metres deep and lies at the foot of a 75 metre high limestone cliff covered in vegetation. You have to cross a suspension bridge and walk past countless flora and fauna, including an orchid garden, to make your way to this hidden oasis. Jump into the seductive turquoise waters, or use the steps to enter this paradisiacal, natural pool.

9.4. Damajagua Cascades

The Dominican Republic is home to several beautiful waterfalls. If you want to make this a fascinating day trip, drive an hour from Puerto Plata to the 27 Charcos of Damajagua Falls. These offer a day of walking through thick forest, crossing bridges and passing numerous flora. Most excursions only take you through seven waterfalls, as reaching the 27 Charcos is reserved for the most active and physically fit adventurers. The entrance fees to the park are run by local guides who live within the community and benefit all residents.

9.5. Ocean world adventure park

Visitors who dream of swimming with dolphins can fulfill their wish in Ocean World Adventure Park, located in Cofresí, just over five kilometres west of the town of Puerto Plata. Apart from dolphins, children and adults can enjoy a multitude of marine experiences, from shows with sea lions and nurse sharks to an exotic bird area and snorkelling in an artificial coral reef aquarium filled with hundreds of tropical fish. For more adventure, try the giant slide you throw into the artificial swimming lagoon.

10. Book a trip to the Dominican Republic: compare providers and accommodations

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