Dominican Republic travel guide: areas, seasons and where to stay
The Caribbean's biggest holiday destination is more than the beaches of Punta Cana. There is the colonial city of Santo Domingo, the whales of Samaná and the golf of La Romana, and here is how to choose.
Cap Cana
Photo: Joel Severino / Unsplash
The Dominican Republic at a glance
It is eight in the morning and the beach in front of the hotel is still almost empty. It is already 27 degrees and the trade wind is moving through the palms. The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is the most visited country in the Caribbean, largely because its east coast has mile after mile of white sand and hotels that take care of everything.
The language is Spanish, the currency the Dominican peso, and US dollars are widely used in tourist areas. For things to do and holiday ideas, read our Dominican Republic holidays guide, and see other islands in our Caribbean guide.
Which area suits you?
Punta Cana and Bávaro, for all-inclusive and long beaches
The most hotels, the shortest airport transfers and beaches wide enough never to feel crowded. Right if you want sun and little planning.
Cap Cana, for luxury
South of Punta Cana is a gated area with a marina, golf courses and the most expensive hotels on the east coast, among them Eden Roc and Sanctuary.
La Romana, for golf and the artists' village
Casa de Campo is a small world of its own with the Teeth of the Dog golf course, and Altos de Chavón is a recreated Mediterranean village above the Chavón river. Saona Island is reached by boat from here.
Samaná, for nature and whales
The north-eastern peninsula is greener and quieter, with waterfalls and small beach towns. From January to March humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay to mate and calve.
Santo Domingo, for history
The Colonial Zone is the oldest European city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One or two nights are enough.
Santo Domingo
Photo: Yi Wei / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: the driest and most settled weather. Peak season, so book early for Christmas and February half-term.
May to November: hotter and more humid, with short showers. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk in August and September.
January to March: whale season in Samaná.
Good to know
All travellers must complete an electronic entry form (e-Ticket) before departure. Check the current rules.
Drink bottled water, including for brushing your teeth away from the hotel.
Distances are longer than they look on the map. Punta Cana to Santo Domingo takes around three hours by car.
There are direct flights from the UK to Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.
Where to stay
Pick your area first. The luxury hotels are in Cap Cana and La Romana, the big all-inclusive resorts in Bávaro and Punta Cana, and the small boutique hotels in the Colonial Zone and on the north coast. Ten of the best are in our Dominican Republic hotel guide. For more winter sun, see where is hot in February.
Frequently asked questions about the Dominican Republic
When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
December to April brings the most sunshine and least rain. For whale watching, visit Samaná between January and March.
Where is the best place to stay in the Dominican Republic?
Punta Cana for all-inclusive, Cap Cana and La Romana for luxury, Samaná for nature and Santo Domingo for history.
Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?
UK visitors do not need a visa for a short holiday, but must complete the e-Ticket before travel. Always check the rules before you go.
What currency should I bring?
Dominican pesos are used in shops and restaurants, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in the tourist areas.