Travel in Dominican Republic


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Travel to Dominican Republic

If you wish to live a dream vacation in a tropical destination that has everything that you're looking for, then the Dominican Republic is for you.

Called Hispaniola by Christopher Columbus when he discovered it in 1492, this island in the Greater Antilles is known for its beautiful beaches, the quality of its tobacco and sugar cane plantations, and many other unique attractions, which will make your trip to the Dominican Republic unforgettable. 

Where to Go in the Dominican Republic 

This island of a thousand colours, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, will give you your money's worth. Delivering excellent value to the tourists who visit from all over the world, the entire island offers all-inclusive resorts to suit every taste and every budget. 

The Most Popular Destinations 

Among the most popular destinations are La Romana, Samana, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata. If you aim for one of these five destinations on your trip to the Dominican Republic, you will be sure not to misfire, since each one has its charms and many attractions to delight you. 

Punta Cana 

The busiest tourist destination, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches endlessly framed by palm trees. This is the perfect place to bask in the sun in the comfort and luxury of an all-inclusive hotel.

Located in the province of La Altagracia, in the southeast of the DR, Punta Cana offers many sightseeing opportunities for travellers. Among those worth considering are trips to Catalina and Saona Islands, perfect places for scuba diving and admiring the wildlife, swimming with dolphins, exploring the artists' village of Altos de Chavon, and partaking in the famous Bavaro Runners excursion, which allows to discover the country's culture.

Note that many of these trips are also available from other destinations. 

Bavaro Runners 

During this one-day excursion, visitors have the opportunity to explore the mountains on horseback, to visit sugar-cane and cocoa plantations, to learn how Dominican rum is manufactured, and to explore authentic mountain villages. The day ends with a cocktail and a swim at the beach in Macau, a beautiful resort area north of Punta Cana. 

Puerto Plata 

Perched in the north, this coastal city is the Dominican Republic's second most popular tourist destination. It is perfect for surfing – the beaches of the nearby small village of Cabarete are particularly suitable for this sport, for enjoying a beer and a traditional Dominican dish on a terrace, and for learning more about the country's culture.

Unlike Punta Cana, Puerto Plata allows guests the chance to leave the all-inclusive theme to visit the city. Many museums and cultural monuments are close to the hotels, including the Amber Museum and the Brugal Rum Factory, which offers free rum tasting.

On the top of your to-do list if you are planning a trip to Puerto Plata, include a visits to the beach at Cayo Arena and Paradise Island, which lives up to its name in every way. 

Santo Domingo 

The country's capital, this colonial town perched in the south is the perfect place to taste the national dish, la bandera, consisting of white rice, beef stew, and red beans. It is found in all the city's restaurants.

The oldest city in the country, and older than any in North America, Santo Domingo was, in fact, the first city in the New World. It is full of museums and cultural treasures. Among the must-see attractions are the Calle de Las Damas, the first paved road in the New World, the home of Christopher Columbus, and America's first cathedral, Santa Maria la Menor. 

La Romana 

If you like culture, luxury, and golf, visit La Romana, a dream resort that is also the third largest city in the country. You will discover a multitude of all-inclusive luxury complexes. Its golf courses are among the most luxurious and expansive in the world and its historical and cultural sites will allow you to learn more about the history of the Dominican Republic. 

Located in the south of the country, close to Santo Domingo, La Romana is also the perfect base from which to explore the capital region, allowing you to return home with the most beautiful memories of your trip to Dominican Republic. 

Top on your to-see list in La Romana are the beaches of La Romana, Bayahibe, and Dominicus. 

Samana 

Another dream resort, this destination located in the peninsula of the same name, northeast of the country, is known for its beautiful beaches, mountainous and lush landscapes, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Home to the largest coconut plantation in the world, Samana offers tourists many possibilities for excursions of all kinds, such as Jeep safaris and trips by boat or catamaran – the place is particularly well-known for the humpback whale watching from January to March, and many other activities. 

Other Places to Discover in the Dominican Republic 

There are many other places to discover if you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic. Another must-see destination is Boca Chica, a small fishing village near Santo Domingo, popular for its clear water and its authentic charm. 

As for other beaches and resorts, don't miss Sosua, Cayo Levantado, and Playa Bonita, to name only a few that will certainly not leave you indifferent. Have a great trip!

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Dominican Republic, located south of Miami, shares with its neighbor Haiti, the island of Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
The official language of the inhabitants of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. English is widespread throughout the island as well.
Christopher Columbus discovered the Dominican Republic in 1492.
The country enjoys a tropical climate influenced by the trade winds; its Dominican territory is in the zone traversed by cyclones, and from July to December, it is exposed to hurricanes which can be violent.
Wherever you are in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Sosua, Puerto Plata, the most used and efficient mode of transport is public transport, and at the same time, the most economical.
The Dominican Republic is not a dangerous country in itself, but as with all other destinations, you have to be careful when traveling, especially at night in the less crowded areas. Before leaving on your trip, it is recommended to consult the Canadian Government website for updates: https://voyage.gc.ca/destinations/republique-dominicaine
Although the Dominican Republic can be visited year round, the dry season is between December and the end of April, with little rainfall. Between May and November, temperatures are variable, humidity higher (wet season), more frequent rains and possibility of hurricanes. The temperature levels are maintained whether you are further north, Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, or further south, Punta Cana and La Romana.
In the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Peso is used (approximate equivalent of $ 0.022 CAD). But everywhere on the island, the US dollar is accepted.
Punta Cana is renowned for the beauty of its beautiful long white sand beaches. But around the island, other beautiful beaches can be mentioned, such as Saona, a small island accessible by boat from Bayahibe beach on the west side of the island, Samana and Cayo Levantado on the east side of the island, and even Sosua, in the Puerto Plata sector, further north.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccines for travel to the Dominican Republic: Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, Cholera, Yellow fever, Rabies and Flu.
A passport valid for the duration of the stay is mandatory for all Canadian residents in order to travel to the Dominican Republic. It is always recommended to consult the Canadian Government site for updates: https://voyage.gc.ca/destinations/republique-dominicaine
The Dominican Republic is the first producer and exporter of cigars in the world, which makes it a first choice of souvenirs to bring back, as long as the cigar bears the inscription 'hand made' or 'hecho a mano'. Rum, Amber, Larimar stone, coffee and local music (Merengue or Bachata) are also good choices.
You will be spoiled for choice depending on your destination. In Punta Cana, catamaran trips, diving, horseback riding, Zipline, land adventures in 4 x 4. In Puerto Plata, a day at the Ocean World adventure park, the Amber Museum, land tours in 4WD or safari, cultural visits. In Santo Domingo, the visit of the historic city, archaeological circuits, shopping and the visit to a chocolate factory.
In the Dominican Republic, you will find different typical dishes for each meal: at breakfast, the 'mangu' composed of mashed green plantains, stewed onions, cheese and fried salami, to which can be added fried eggs. . At noon, the main meal of the day, the 'bandera dominicana', a plate of rice and red beans accompanied by meat, avocado salad and fried plantains. In the evening, street food takes over, featuring fried dishes, 'chimichurri', 'Yaroa', 'Picalonga' and 'Catibias'. For special occasions, a family dish to share, the 'Sancocho' which is a stew of roots and meat of pork or chicken, yucca, sweet potatoes, plantains and potatoes. In short, through the different regions, you will taste specialties influenced by the local culture, such as seafood stewed or cooked with coconut, goat meat, fresh fish such as red snapper. As for the desserts, they are presented in all forms, made from coconut, milk and corn.
Yes, there are dolphins in the Dominican Republic. It is possible to swim with them at the 'Dolphin Explorer', as well as meet seals and nurse sharks. Visit the official website: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/fr/parcs-de-loisirs/
Just like the other islands located in the Caribbean Sea, algae are present in the Dominican Republic according to temperatures, seasons, winds, etc. The Dominican Republic has invested in an innovative mechanism that promises to better manage these algae, especially those called 'sargassum'.
There are more than 7000 animal species in the territory of the Dominican Republic. Reptiles and amphibians such as the crocodile or the iguana, endangered species. More than 3000 humpback whales are seen in Samana Bay each year, several species of turtles, the West Indian manatee, several endemic bird species such as the palm kernel, the national bird, and its neighbor, the Ridgway, the Hispaniola woodpecker, the parakeet, the crow, the tanager and the swallow.
Fruit lovers will find their happiness along the highways, on the sidewalks or in the markets of the Dominican Republic, bananas, papaya, passion fruit, mangoes, star fruit, coconut, pineapple , guava.