Why you should 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 why visit the Dominican Republic, that we have collected for you together!

1. The best beaches

Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic

Dominican beaches – Puerto Plata

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 obvious, but no less compelling. It is comfortable to 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

Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana

Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana

Numerous tourist resorts and sandy beaches of the Dominican Republic with palm trees leaning over them, crystal clear sea have become the hallmark of the popular Caribbean destination. Only in the Dominican Republic you can see 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 at the resorts of the Indian Ocean tourists 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. And this is another argument to go to the Dominican Republic on vacation with the whole family and not worry 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. Surfing

Surfing school in Punta Cana, Macao Beach

Surfing school in Punta Cana, Macao Beach

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.

Dominican mango tree

Dominican mango tree

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

Dominican cacao

Dominican cacao

The Dominican Republic is famous for its coffee and cocoa. So all fans of these popular drinks should visit the plantations on their next visit to the Dominican Republic and find out how, for example, the process of making real cocoa is going on.

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

All chocolate lovers should also pay attention to this product of the Dominican production. 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 and, according to statistics, in 2017 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

 Altos de Chavon

Altos de Chavon

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

The DR is a paradise for fans of ecotourism: in the country, more than 25% of the territory is occupied by national parks and reserves. Most of them have hiking trails for walking and exploring nature, either independently or with a guide. True connoisseurs of nature are given the opportunity to 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 territory of the Puntacana Resort & Club Hotel 5*, 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.

Will delight the historical discoveries of the Dominican Republic those who are interested in cultural and educational tourism. 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 there is 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 took into account and played up the natural features of the landscape – cliffs, lakes, beaches and lagoons, jungle vegetation – in such a way 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 conditions for yachting have been created in the Dominican Republic. Yacht clubs are located on the coast of Boca Chica, in Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Punta Cana.

If you suddenly don’t want to look at the sea surface, 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. And it is the Dominican carnival that is the oldest in the Caribbean region: this tradition was introduced by the Spaniards 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.

Festival in Santo Domingo

Festival in 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

Samana, the Dominican Republic

Samana, the Dominican Republic

Every year at the end of January – 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 not afraid of people; they calmly swim up to tourist boats. The cost of such whales excursions is from $149. Depending on where the hotel is located (in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo), travelers to Samana are transported by buses or planes.

12. The oldest buildings in America

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is officially the first city in America because when Christopher Columbus made his first (and second, and third) voyage, he sailed to the Dominican Republic. 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 attraction of the city is Las Damas street, which was named after representatives of noble European families who made their promenades along it in the 15th century. The excursion from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo takes a whole day, and in order to fully explore the city and take a leisurely walk around it, it is better to allocate two days for this.

13. Excursion to a neighboring country – Haiti

Those who cannot sit still should take a closer look at excursions from the Dominican Republic to neighboring countries. 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 the island of Haiti, the country 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. And in Haiti, local residents almost completely cut down trees, bushes, and generally exterminated everything that can be exterminated.

The difference in the standard of living is also striking. Away from the tourist centers, the Dominicans do not live well, but in Haiti it is just poverty. Many leave to work in 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.

The country’s road authorities are extremely loyal to drivers. There are few traffic lights and even fewer police officers. According to the assurances of local residents, many drive here without a license (not to mention insurance), and the amount of “assistance” to transport police officers in case of any violations does not exceed a couple of dollars.

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!

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