Long-haul
Dominican Republic holidays: Punta Cana, Samaná and whale watching
A humpback whale slaps its tail just a few hundred metres from the boat, and behind you lies a green island with a white beach. The best of the Dominican Republic, from Punta Cana to Samaná, and where to stay.
A humpback whale slaps its tail just a few hundred metres from the boat, and everyone on board holds their breath. Behind you lies a small green island with a white beach and palms. In winter the whales gather in Samaná Bay, and that is just one reason to see more of the Dominican Republic than the pool bar.
The country has some of the longest beaches in the Caribbean, but also waterfalls, mountains and the oldest European city in the Americas. Here are the best things to do and where to stay.
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The best things to do in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana and Cap Cana: long white beaches on the east coast and many of the country’s largest resorts.
Saona: a boat trip to the island in the national park south of Punta Cana, with starfish in the shallows.
Samaná: whale watching from about January to March, El Limón waterfall and Cayo Levantado.
Santo Domingo: the Zona Colonial is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with a cathedral and fortress from the 1500s.
La Romana and Altos de Chavón: a Mediterranean-style village above the river, with an amphitheatre and views.
There are direct flights from the UK to Punta Cana, especially in winter.
Book the experience: See tours and things to do in Punta Cana
Where to stay in Punta Cana and La Romana
Punta Cana is best known for all-inclusive, but it also has smaller and more exclusive hotels. La Romana suits golfers and families.
Punta Cana
Tortuga Bay sits on the beach in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana: Tortuga Bay Hotel
Tortuga Bay is a small hotel of beachfront villas in Punta Cana, with a golf cart for each villa. Guests praise the staff, and the airport is only minutes away.
It suits those who want Punta Cana’s beaches without the big resorts.
Book your stay: See rooms at Tortuga Bay
Cap Cana
Eden Roc sits in Cap Cana south of Punta Cana.
Cap Cana: Eden Roc Cap Cana
Eden Roc sits in Cap Cana, with suites and villas with private pools and a beach club by the sea. It is a quiet, exclusive alternative to the big resorts.
Book your stay: See rooms at Eden Roc Cap Cana
La Romana
Casa de Campo sits by the sea in La Romana.
La Romana: Casa de Campo Resort and Villas
Casa de Campo is a large resort with a beach, marina, several pools and the famous Teeth of the Dog golf course along the sea. Altos de Chavón is within the grounds.
It suits families and golfers, and Saona is a short trip away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Casa de Campo
Samaná and the whales
From about January to March, thousands of humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay to mate and calve. Boat trips leave from Samaná town, and many combine them with Cayo Levantado and El Limón waterfall.
Book the experience: See whale watching and tours in Samaná
Samaná: Cayo Levantado Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort sits on a small island in Samaná Bay, with a white beach and green forest. In winter you may see the whales from the beach, and in the evening you have the island almost to yourself.
The resort is all-inclusive, and guests praise the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Cayo Levantado Resort
When is the best time to go?
December to April is the dry, high season, and January to March is whale season in Samaná. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with most activity from August to October.
When should you book?
February half-term and Easter: book four to six months ahead.
Whale watching: book a few days ahead, with an operator that follows the rules on distance to the whales.
Combine: two nights in Samaná and the rest in Punta Cana or La Romana.
Dominican Republic FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
December to April is the dry, high season. January to March is also whale season in Samaná. June to November is hurricane season.
When can you see whales in Samaná?
Humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay from about January to March. Boat trips leave from Samaná town.
Is Punta Cana only all-inclusive?
No. Punta Cana has many large all-inclusive resorts, but also smaller hotels such as Tortuga Bay and Eden Roc in Cap Cana.
What should you see in Santo Domingo?
The Zona Colonial, with its cathedral, fortress and 16th-century streets, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and worth a day trip.
Where should I stay in the Dominican Republic?
Stay at Tortuga Bay or Eden Roc in Punta Cana and Cap Cana, Casa de Campo in La Romana, or on Cayo Levantado in Samaná in winter.