Best Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic: you’ve in all probability heard of it, possibly heard of the baseball gamers it has given Main League Baseball. Possibly even been there already, however it doesn’t matter what (or don’t), the Dominican Republic is a spot with somebody for everybody from solo vacationers to these with households. So whether or not you’re in search of a soothing seaside, an evening out within the metropolis or kite boarding in probably the greatest locations on Earth, there are a lot of unbelievable locations to go to within the Dominican Republic.

Earlier than we delve into what you are able to do within the Dominican Republic, you first have to know when is the very best time to go to. The Dominican Republic is a tropical island, situated simply south of the Tropic of Most cancers. This implies the summers might be heat and brutally humid, whereas the winters dip right down to the proper, low-humidity temperatures for having fun with every part it has to supply.

See additionally: Tips for Travel to the Dominican Republic

When to go to the Dominican Republic

Summers (verano e infierno – summer time and hell) within the Dominican Republic will not be as heat as you may anticipate, with averages reaching round 80-85˚ F (27-29˚ C), however the humidity can attain as a lot as 90-100% making being outdoor tough at occasions. Nonetheless, it is best to observe that the majority locations to remain will supply air-con. As a nation within the Caribbean, the DR can also be beneath Hurricane Watch from June-November and whereas it has been spared from massive hurricanes in recent times, it’s one thing to bear in mind in your journey planning. All of that stated, the months of March – October are the off-season within the Dominican. Nonetheless, costs of lodging and aircraft tickets drop off and it’s nonetheless a beautiful time to be within the nation!

Winters within the Dominican run from roughly November by March when humidity reaches far more manageable ranges, whereas temperatures stay within the low to mid 80’s. That is the perfect time to go to the Dominican, although be warned, it’s additionally “excessive” season when costs for lodging, aircraft tickets and every part else peak. But, you’ll nonetheless be capable of discover nice offers on locations to see and issues to do through the Dominican winter.

Getting across the Dominican Republic

Getting across the Dominican Republic is finest performed by automotive. All the main automotive rental firms are current within the DR and driving there, whereas intense, can usually be performed with ease. Once you’re driving within the Dominican, particularly in cities, you’ll want to concentrate to motos (individuals on motorbikes) as they’ll take over the roadways, particularly exterior Santo Domingo. You may additionally must have a eager eye out for potholes. Depart a significant roadway and potholes may find yourself being the bane of your journey. There are velocity limits, that are largely obeyed by different drivers as are cease lights and indicators. In case you’re snug driving usually, you’ll be loads snug right here. 

Greatest locations to go to within the Dominican Republic

Though there are a lot of extra locations to go to within the Dominican Republic, a few of that are extra “off the crushed path”, we’re focusing right here on a few of the locations within the Dominican Republic which may be higher recognized, or simpler to entry due to having worldwide airports, and supplying you with some choices of issues to do exterior of the everyday seaside trip most individuals have a tendency to consider the Dominican Republic for. 

Let’s begin with Santo Domingo, the primary metropolis of the Americas, for these of you who suppose you possibly can’t see something “outdated” on this facet of the world.

1. Santo Domingo

Attending to Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is simply second to Punta Cana in airline site visitors. Relying on the place you might be, it might be kind of straightforward to discover a direct, reasonably priced flight, but it surely’s definitely not unimaginable. The airport code for Santo Domingo is SDQ. 

Flights to Santo Domingo sometimes come from the next locations: 

From North America

Lots of the largest cities on the East Coast of the US, reminiscent of New York, Boston, Altanta, and Washington, D.C. supply nonstop flights to Santo Domingo. To get to Santo Domingo from the West Coast, you’ll need a layover someplace within the East to hop down. The three largest US-based airways (Delta, American, United) all supply nonstop flights to Santo Domingo from the East Coast, along with a few of the main lower-cost airways (Spirit, JetBlue). 

You can even fly nonstop to Santo Domingo from Toronto, Canada, and Mexico Metropolis, by their flagship airways.

From Central and South America

There are each day nonstop flights from Bogota, Colombia, and Panama Metropolis, Panama. Panama can also be a fantastic layover choice when you’re flying from the West Coast, because it’s solely a two hour flight to Santo Domingo from there. 

From Western Europe

You’ll be able to fly nonstop to Santo Domingo from Madrid, Paris, and Frankfurt. From Europe, nonetheless, you’ve got a a lot higher supply of flights when you fly to Punta Cana as a substitute, which is a two and a half drive to Santo Domingo.  

You can even go to Santo Domingo as a part of a Caribbean cruise itinerary. Main cruise traces reminiscent of Carnival, Ponant, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Seaborn are stopping on the Santo Domingo Port in a few of their itineraries, which permits you, normally, at the very least sufficient time to go to the Colonial Metropolis. As the primary metropolis within the Americas, the Colonial Metropolis is the crown jewel of Santo Domingo. In case you solely do one factor within the metropolis, do that.

The Spotlight of Santo Domingo: the Zona Colonial

Based in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus’ brother), Santo Domingo was the founding capital of the Spanish Empire within the Americas. As such, it boasts lots of “the firsts” of its type by way of authorities buildings and infrastructure, together with the primary fort, the primary courthouse, the primary hospital, and the primary cathedral. The entire Colonial Metropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. 

Simply walkable regardless of the cobblestone streets, the Zona Colonial options remarkably preserved examples of Gothic and Renaissance structure, most notably current within the Catedral Primada de America. 

Begin your journey on the Colonial Zone at Plaza España, an open sq. going through the port, which supplies you entry to landmarks such because the Alcazar de Colon (the Palace of Diego Columbus), and the Calle Las Damas, the place many of those “first of the Americas” buildings are. Give your self at the very least a morning to discover and revel in one of many a number of cafes or eating places unfold throughout the totally different streets of the Zone.

A Seasonal Spotlight: Winter Baseball

Whereas many, if not most, individuals don’t go to the Dominican Republic to observe baseball, it is among the most enjoyable actions you are able to do whereas visiting. Baseball is the nation’s nationwide sport, one thing evident by the big variety of Dominican gamers that find yourself enjoying professionally. Operating from late October to mid-January, the video games are held in venues across the nation. Tickets are extraordinarily reasonably priced and also you’ll have the possibility to see some huge names from the MLB come down and play winter baseball in addition to glimpse future up and coming stars. In contrast to video games within the US, baseball video games listed here are a bit wild with an enormous array of drinks and cheerleaders. That’s proper, cheerleaders! All in all, Dominican video games are a spotlight when visiting the nation and when you get the chance, it’s one it is best to take. Weekday video games are normally within the night and weekend video games begin within the late afternoon. 

2. Punta Cana

If you’re accustomed to the Dominican Republic, or have been earlier than, chances are high you visited Punta Cana or that got here up as an choice in your trip. And whereas Punta Cana is the prime vacation spot for resort holidays within the Dominican Republic, there’s extra to it.

Attending to Punta Cana

Punta Cana is well the Dominican’s prime vacation spot. With the island’s busiest airport (and 2nd busiest in your complete Caribbean), getting there may be not tough. Punta Cana has year-round flights from everywhere within the Western Hemisphere; you may wish to arrive from both jap North America, South America, or Europe. With a brand new freeway constructed, Punta Cana can also be solely a brief 2.5 hour drive from the capital – Santo Domingo must you select to hire a automotive.

What to do in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the Dominican’s prime vacation spot, boasting lots of the finest actions and lodging on your complete island and probably in your complete Caribbean. Punta Cana boasts all-inclusive accommodations in addition to themed accommodations, such because the Nickelodeon Resort, the place every part, from the rooms to the eating places and rides, is themed after a few of Nickelodeon’s hottest reveals. You’ll be able to even keep in a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed pineapple suite, which is a townhouse formed like a pineapple on the surface. Or the Hard Rock Hotel, which hosts a few of the prime live shows and reveals within the nation, together with world-famous Cirque du Soleil in recent times. 

Punta Cana additionally boasts pristine, in depth seashores for each seaside style. Listed below are some examples: 

• Macao Seashore is the popular vacation spot for these in search of journey in Punta Cana, with its buggy rides and surf-friendly waves. 

• Juanillo Seashore in Cap Cana, a postcard-perfect seaside of white sand sprinkled with palm timber, is ideal for swimming and water sports activities like kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), in addition to lounging beneath good blue, breezy skies. 

• Cabeza de Toro is a seaside space northeast of Punta Cana the place you possibly can exit fishing and snorkeling. This space of the nation typically sees aggressive fishing tournaments, so fishing is a few of the finest you are able to do. You’ll be able to e-book a fishing, snorkeling, or crusing tour by most accommodations. 

Final however not least, the Ojos Indigenas Reserve in Punta Cana is a welcome respite from the beach-heavy atmosphere Punta Cana can convey throughout at occasions. The Ojos Indigenas Reserve consists of 12 freshwater lagoons in 1500 acres of land. The reserve consists of species endemic to the Dominican Republic and intends to protect the pure habitat of the world because it was skilled by the Taino individuals, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. 

3. Dominican Republic’s North Coast

Subsequent, let’s speak in regards to the unique vacationer vacation spot of the Dominican Republic: the North Coast. The north coast is dwelling to lots of the hottest locations to go to within the Dominican Republic.

Attending to the Dominican Republic’s north coast

The North Coast of the Dominican Republic provides a beautiful reprieve from the resorts of Punta Cana and the enterprise of Santo Domingo.  Getting there may be as straightforward as flying into Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport with plenty of seasonal flights from the jap US, Europe and Canada in addition to just a few yr spherical flights from the US East Coast and Canada. Puerto Plata is a few 10 minute drive from the airport, whereas Cabarete is a few 20 minute drive.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic’s largest metropolis within the north, with a inhabitants of round 330,000. Based in 1502, Puerto Plata provides an entire host of websites to see and do. You’ll be able to go to Fort San Felipe (accomplished in 1577) as the principle colonial remnant on the North Coast of the DR.

You can even take a cable automotive up Mount Pico Isabel de Torres to see a smaller Christ the Redeemer Statue than Rio, however a taller mountain and soak up resplendent views of the town and ocean. If you’re there on the finish of February to early March, you can too get pleasure from Carnivál in Puerto Plata when Dominicans exit and rejoice with masks, parades, and far more.

Prime attraction in Dominican Republic’s north coast: The 27 Waterfalls

One of many predominant points of interest within the space, nonetheless, are the Damajagua Falls or 27 Waterfalls (Veintisiete Charcos), however be mindful you’ll should be 12 or older. If visiting within the winter when water ranges are increased, you possibly can go to this glorious pure marvel and revel in a really expertise. You’ll have a guided tour and two choices to make your manner up. You hike (faster and simpler) or swim and climb up by deep, beautiful caverns. You’ll be able to go as much as the primary stage (7 waterfalls), 2nd stage (12 waterfalls) or the third and most tough stage, all 27 waterfalls, however be warned it’s a tough swim up. Upon reaching your vacation spot, you’ll be capable of soar and slide your manner again down with falls touchdown from 5 ft as much as round 15-20 foot jumps. In case you’re prepared and in a position, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua might be one of many highlights of your journey!

When planning, you’ll discover a host of lodging for everybody from boutique accommodations to all-inclusive resorts. Choices throughout the metropolis can be found for these in search of a extra low-key, genuine Dominican keep, however all-inclusive resorts across the metropolis and surrounding space. In case you’re unfamiliar, all-inclusives cost by individual (not room) and embody room, meals, and drink. We suggest doing all of your analysis as a few of the all-inclusive have seen higher days.

4. Cabarete

A brief drive from Puerto Plata and about 20 minutes from the airport, you could find your self in Cabarete, a thriving seaside city the place many younger individuals and snow-birds alike find yourself. Cabarete is among the prime kiteboarding places on the earth and simply west of the city (1-2 miles) you’ll discover a whole bunch of surfers within the winter months.

Cabarete has many nice meals choices together with an entire slew of fantastic seaside bars. There are fewer resorts obtainable right here, however loads of superb choices on the town and subsequent to the seaside. Many locations obtainable to remain have full kitchens obtainable as nicely and the grocery retailer is stocked nicely sufficient to fulfill all vacationers. Cabarete can also be one in all, if not the, finest spot on the island to seek out massive sweets for boogie boarding and browsing. Like in every single place else within the Dominican Republic, Cabarete has one thing for everybody: seashores, out of doors actions, and nice food and drinks. 

5. Samaná Peninsula

Persevering with on the Atlantic coast, Samana is a particular change of tempo from what we see within the largest resort locations within the Dominican Republic.

Attending to Samaná Peninsula

Whereas one of the crucial stunning elements of the Dominican Republic, it can be one of many harder to reach at Samaná does have an airport with just a few yr spherical flights (all from Canada – Toronto & Montreal and Europe – Madrid) with seasonal flights from these similar locations, however Miami within the US. As such, many vacationers hire a automotive and drive. From Santo Domingo it’s a 2.5 hour drive on straightforward going roads. There are a number of tolls alongside the best way, however the various route is just not value avoiding these prices because the roads are far worse and it takes far longer. 

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas is one the principle locations you’ll wish to go to on the Samaná Peninsula. With a inhabitants hovering round 15,000, it has change into a go-to spot for expats, particularly from France, in search of a extra relaxed way of life. Regardless of its dimension, nonetheless, Las Terrenas has loads to supply for everybody! Like many locations to go to within the Dominican Republic, Las Terrenas is surrounded by stunning seashores. In case you’re staying within the metropolis, the seashores are only a quick stroll away. Playa Las Terrenas and Punta Pops are proper there and supply loads of shade with crystal clear blue waters. In contrast to different locations within the Dominican Republic, the seashores listed here are going to be far much less crowded as Las Terrenas gives a quieter time (although nonetheless with a fantastic nightlife, extra on that later!).

In case you’re staying exterior the town, the seashores will not be practically as huge, however are much more peaceable with loads of locations to chill out and benefit from the heat waters, whether or not its Playa Carolina Portillo to the east or Playa Bonita to the west. Playa Cosón, a brief drive additional east from Playa Bonita, provides extensive swaths of beautiful golden sand seashores, with towering palms. It’s also as remoted a seaside as chances are you’ll ever discover. 

Whereas Las Terrenas is just not as vigorous as say Cabarete or Punta Cana, it nonetheless provides an thrilling nightlife. A row of eating places and bars alongside the waterfront in downtown Las Terrenas provides a slew of locations to go for households and singles alike. As with the seashores, simply exterior the town to the East and West, many small bars and eating places additionally exist, many as a part of accommodations for these in search of a quieter night time out.

Ultimate ideas

That is, on no account, an exhaustive journey information on the Dominican Republic. Hopefully, it offers you some concepts in your subsequent trip. Due to its pure magnificence and wealthy historical past, the Dominican Republic is a major Caribbean vacation spot for all vacationers. Able to go?