15 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Visit the Dominican Republic in 2024

Why visit the Dominican Republic? Holidays here are unlike anywhere else in the world. A country where chefs dance, cleaners sing and very often you can hear ‘mañana’, putting off everything until later, is one of the ideal places to escape from the hustle and bustle and dive into the Caribbean Sea of the southern resort of La Romana. One of the best windsurfing in the world is in the north of Puerto Plata – (Cabarete, Playa Dorada). And if you like the Atlantic Ocean with its waves and sandy bottom, head to Punta Cana (Bavaro, Macao), where the best hotels on the island are located.

In addition to the year-round summer and exotic fruits, there are many reasons to spend another vacation in the Dominican Republic, although we are not sure that all those who have already visited this country will call them. But this is another good reason to read our TOP-15 reasons to visit the Dominican Republic, which we have collected for you together!

1. The best beaches

Almost 1,500 kilometers of the Dominican Republic’s coastline consists of gorgeous beaches, a third of which are considered the most beautiful in the world. White and soft sand with a light gleam plays in the sun, smoothly turning into the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea on one side and small palm thickets on the other. The beaches of the Dominican Republic are magnificent, and the view is breathtaking and unforgettable!

The magical, as if painted water of the Atlantic Ocean fascinates, and the distant horizon line gives a feeling of freedom and isolation from the hustle and bustle. There are no sharks here, however lots of people still prefer a swimming pool. Wide white beaches with palm trees and umbrellas, caressing sun – all this looks like paradise, and you don’t want to return to reality. And also wonderful wedding ceremonies are arranged here! Barefoot, at sunset, with champagne and a company of loved ones – isn’t that kind of a wedding you dream about?

2. Beach season all year round

The reason is quite apparent, but no less compelling. It is comfortable to visit and relax in the Dominican Republic at any time of the year: there is no pronounced seasonality inherent, for example, in Asian resorts.

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with a strong influence of trade winds, so the heat is easily tolerated and not felt. So, you can safely go on vacation to the Dominican coast with small children, without fear that it will be cool or the water will not have time to warm up.

The air temperature in the Dominican Republic during the year is about to be on the same level – in winter it is about +27-29°С, and in summer around +30-33°C. Water temperature – up to +27-29°С. Read more about the weather in the DR.

3. Safe beaches

Numerous tourist resorts, sandy beaches with palm trees leaning over them, and a crystal clear sea have become the hallmark of this popular Caribbean destination. Only in the Dominican Republic can you see the 50 shades of azure of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

An important clarification: the beaches of the resort area in the Dominican Republic are safe for vacationers. They are surrounded by a natural reef that, like a wall, protects tourists from dangerous ocean inhabitants.

But if tourists in the Indian Ocean resorts have to adapt to the close presence of sharks and other sea “reptiles,” then in the Dominican Republic, they, like jellyfish, simply do not exist. This is another argument for going to the Dominican Republic on vacation with the whole family and not worrying about the fact that something will bite or scare the child in the water. The most to be scared of are sea urchins. They are usually located on reefs or pitfalls.

4. Catch the wave

The Dominican Republic is not just a lot of beaches. Boca Chica, Cabarete, Las Salinas – in the huge list of places suitable for surfing, you can find both super popular and even iconic places, as well as wild beaches, both quiet lagoons and open spaces with strong waves at any time. For every experienced surfer, a visit to the Dominican Republic is not just recommended, but downright mandatory.

5. Hotels for every taste

Have you been to the Dominican Republic in winter? Fine! It is worth returning there in the summer, because the luxurious service of local all-inclusive hotels is often more affordable than the prices offered by resorts in the summer season. Hotels in the Dominican Republic are different, for every taste, for every audience and purpose of the trip.

Did you have a rest in the DR together, decided to return with a child? There are special offers for parents with children, with real attractions and water parks, 24-hour babysitting service (free). If you want, on the contrary, to organize a vacation for only two and not hear the babble of children – choose hotels only for adults, with nightclubs and casinos.

Looking for romance, solitude and relaxation – small and cozy hotels and SPA-resorts are at your service. If you want to keep fit – then you go to the golf club or yacht marina. If you need luxury and exceptional service, tour operators will select for you, for example, villas with their own swimming pools and jacuzzies.

6. Excellent cuisine and delicious fruits

The Dominican Republic is an island state where all year round there is a “season” for delicious exotic fruits at affordable prices: mango, papaya, pineapple, lychee, pitahaya, passion fruit, sapote, guanabana and many others.

You really have to try them, and not only because they are exotic, but because they are actually very tasty! Such a huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables will delight everyone: both vegans and fans of healthy eating, and those who just miss the bright tastes.

Add here an abundance of fresh seafood and fish, and also remember the Dominican rum, which is usually served with ice or in cocktails. More than a dozen varieties are produced here, the most famous brands being Bermudez, Brugal and Barcelo. Local beer is also worth appreciating: foam connoisseurs say that it is of good quality and affordable.

7. The most natural coffee, cocoa and chocolate

The Dominican Republic is famous for its coffee and cocoa. Fans of these popular drinks should visit the plantations on their next visit and learn how, for example, real cocoa is made.

Locals make it by hand: They roast cocoa beans over an open fire and pound them, always with songs. They say that the secret of the delicious Dominican cocoa lies in the musical accompaniment.

All chocolate lovers should also pay attention to this Dominican product. Local chocolate is the most natural or, as they say, organic.

The Dominican Republic is one of the world leaders in the export of high-quality organic flavored cocoa. According to statistics, in 2017, it exported it to European countries for 86 million euros, of which almost a third went to Belgium. This European state intends to make all chocolate produced in the country organic by 2025 and relies on cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic.

8. Excursions: immersion in nature and history

You can come to the Dominican Republic to learn about the history of the Caribbean islands and immerse yourself in the natural diversity of this region.

The Dominican Republic is a paradise for ecotourism visitors: more than 25% of the country’s territory is occupied by national parks and reserves. Most of them have hiking trails for exploring nature, either independently or with a guide. True nature connoisseurs can stay in hotels or hostels located near protected areas.

On the northern coast, it is worth visiting the natural water park of 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, going to the El Choco National Park, on the territory of which there are caves with underground pools, tropical thickets and pastures.

You can also visit the island of Cayo Arena (sometimes called Paradise Island), next to which there is a beautiful coral reef, a white sand beach and a turquoise ocean of stunning beauty.

On the east coast, on the Puntacana Resort & Club Hotel 5*territory, there is the Ojos Indígenas eco-park. It offers its visitors about 600 hectares of territory, 12 natural lagoons (in most of which you can swim), numerous exotic tropical plants and convenient walking routes.

By the way, in the Dominican Republic there are not only beaches, mountains, waterfalls, but even … a desert. On the road from Santo Domingo to Barahona, there is a unique object – the sand dunes of Bani. It is the only desert in the Caribbean. Dunes occupy most of the Las Calderas Peninsula.

Those who are interested in cultural and educational tourism will delight in the historical discoveries of the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is officially the first European city in America because when Christopher Columbus made his first (and second, and third) voyage, he sailed to the island of Hispaniola, where the modern Dominican Republic is located.

Colonial architecture is well preserved in the old city: walking along the small streets, you can feel the spirit of that era, see the first university, and the first Cathedral in America. And of course, the palace of Diego Columbus – the son of Christopher.

9. Golf, yachting and other sports

That is really the reason why you should visit the Dominican Republic. This country has excellent conditions for sports! There are modern tennis courts, golf courses, and no better place in the world for sailing. For example, there are 27 golf courses in the country, 9 of which have been included in the top 50 in the Caribbean and Latin America by the authoritative Golfweek Magazine.

When building the golf courses, the architects considered and emphasized the natural features of the landscape—cliffs, lakes, beaches and lagoons, jungle vegetation—so that the game is connected with the passage of numerous landscape obstacles. Most of the courses are 18 holes, but there are also 9 and 27 holes.

The Dominican Republic has created conditions for yachting. Yacht clubs are located on the coast of Boca Chica, Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Punta Cana.

Suppose you suddenly don’t want to look at the sea surface. In that case, you can go to the rope park, ride a buggy, arrange horseback riding in local reserves, or look at the surrounding beauty, descending under the paragliding canopy. A very cool exotic is also possible: helicopter flights, meeting the dawn in a hot air balloon, aircraft driving lessons.

Along with this, in the Dominican Republic, you can go rock climbing, go down into numerous caves and raft along mountain rivers – all this is offered in the form of excursions to beginners and more “advanced” athletes in the form of hiking accompanied by professional guides.

Also, lovers of hiking and horseback riding, fans of buggy or jeep safaris on dirt roads will find an outlet, that can dilute their extreme with visiting beaches and caves.

10. Visit a real carnival

Caribbean culture is renowned for its vibrant carnivals. The Dominican Republic Carnival is the oldest in the Caribbean region, which is why you have to visit this country at least once. The Spaniards introduced this tradition in the 16th century.

Gradually, the holiday was transformed, its own Dominican version appeared, telling about the history and folklore of different provinces of the country. There are impressive costumes of the north coast, which are dominated by motives of the Taino Indians, and hot African traditions.

Celebrations and carnival entertainment are held throughout the country in February and March and vary from city to city, including Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Rio San Juan, Bonao, Constanta, La Vega, Montecristi, Samana, Higuey, La Romana, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

The carnival is also attended by many of the country’s carnival groups in colorful costumes and masks and demonstrate to thousands of locals and tourists from all over the world the skill of reincarnation and fiery dance. The grandiose processions will end with a concert of live music in the styles of merengue, bachata and reggaeton.

11. Whales watching

Every year, from the end of January to March, huge humpback whales come to the shores of the Dominican Republic, more precisely to the Samana Peninsula. Some of them are 17-18 meters long, and the average weight is about 30 tons. According to various estimates, up to five thousand whales gather at Samana during the mating season. They are unafraid of people and calmly swim to tourist boats. The cost of such whale excursions is from $149. Depending on the hotel’s location (in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo), travelers to Samana are transported by bus or plane.

This is one of the most demanded excursions in the Dominican Republic, so almost everyone who plans to visit this country at least once can see these perfect sea creatures in real life!

12. The oldest buildings in America

Santo Domingo is officially the first city in America because he sailed to the Dominican Republic when Christopher Columbus made his first (and second, and third) voyage. In the old town, colonial architecture is well preserved, walking along the small streets, you can feel the spirit of that era. You will see the first university, and the first Cathedral, and the palace of Diego Columbus – the son of Christopher.

Another city attraction is Las Damas Street, which was named after representatives of noble European families who promenaded along it in the 15th century. The excursion from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo takes a whole day, and it is better to allocate two days to fully explore the city and take a leisurely walk around it.

13. Excursion to a neighboring country – Haiti

Those who cannot sit still should look closer at excursions from the Dominican Republic to neighboring countries – for instance, to visit Haiti. Of course, this pleasure is not cheap. From the DR, you can go to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Chile, Venezuela or Haiti. Most often, of course, tourists go to Haiti.

Occupying a third of Haiti’s island, the Dominican Republic is strikingly different from its neighbor. This can be seen even in images from space. The Dominican Republic is a green country; a significant part of the territory falls on specially protected natural zones. In Haiti, local residents almost completely cut down trees and bushes and generally exterminated everything that could be exterminated.

The difference in the standard of living is also striking. The Dominicans do not live well away from the tourist centers, but in Haiti it is just poverty. Many leave to work with their neighbors, where they work on reed plantations for minimal money, which, however, is enough to live in the Dominican Republic and support a family in Haiti.

By the way, if you have an American visa, you can fly to the USA – the travel time is only two hours.

14. Tasty sugarcane

Sugar is the main export product of the Dominican Republic. A typical landscape of the country is many kilometers of sugarcane plantations. Plantations along the roads are usually not protected. All you need is a machine and a machete to chop up a cane that you can taste right away (it tastes sweet).

You can chop cane as part of the tour. It will cost about $100. But, for example, in Punta Cana, as a bonus, a tourist can drive a huge SUV, visit the production of cigars, coffee, chocolate, and relax on one of the most beautiful beaches. On the reed plantations, there are always a couple of Haitians willing to show tourists how to cut the plants properly.

15. This is a fantastic wedding venue!

There is no more important event in a person’s life than a wedding. As a rule, it copes only once in life and should be spent so that everyone remembers it as best as possible. Considering the weather and the surrounding beauty – why not? Why not get married in a tropical paradise? A wedding in the Dominican Republic is truly unforgettable.

Most of the Dominican Republic hotels offer a complete wedding planning package, taking all the headache of organizing the ceremony. And, of course, this place is also suitable for a honeymoon. You will want to review wedding photos in the Dominican Republic every day!

Conclusion

The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations today. Tourists come here all year round. Excursions in the Dominican Republic are varied, interesting, and bright. There are more than enough opportunities to spend your leisure time and get a lot of positive emotions! Well, the real connoisseurs of exotic and hot countries know that they will get the most real pleasure from the rest in the Dominican Republic! As you see, there are a lot of reasons why you should definitely visit the Dominican Republic!

Frequently asked questions about
reasons to visit the Dominican Republic

Updated on: 2024-12-21. Author: Karina Volf

Tags: Dominican Republic Top activities Tourist destinations