A Dominican Republic vacation is mainly all about beautiful beaches, beautiful water and all-inclusive resorts. This is a place to visit just to relax.
Visitors landing by plane at Punta Cana International Airport will notice right away the distinct change in the atmosphere because of the open-air terminals with traditional thatched roofs.
But whether they land at the Punta Cana, Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo airports, vacationers will find a nation with some of the best beaches in the Caribbean — and more than 1,000 miles of them.
TOP DESTINATIONS
Tourists flock to a small number of destinations in the country. Punta Cana is a municipal district in La Altagracia, the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic.
Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Playa Dorada are located in the northern part of the country, while Santo Domingo is on the southern coast.
Anyone looking for tips on where to go should consider Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, two of the most popular resort destinations. The resorts are mostly all-inclusive with amenities on the property including full meals, entertainment, nightclubs, shopping, water sports and other things to do.
Punta Cana probably has both the most resorts and some of the best among all of the major Caribbean destinations.
The resorts have several things in common — one price pays for everything including food, entertainment and beverages; the beaches have soft white sand; the color of the sea is remarkable; and each offers plenty to do so that it’s not necessary to go anywhere else.
Almost as popular is Puerto Plata, which is the north coast’s largest city.
Puerto Plata is a good option for anyone who wants access to more recreational options and
be close to a nearby major city.
Just east of Puerto Plata is Playa Dorada, the world’s largest resort complex with 15 resorts, a golf course, beaches, a mall and restaurants.
ATTRACTIONS
Outside of the resort properties, attractions include whitewater rafting, touring Santo Domingo, climbing waterfalls, going on multi day bike rides and hiking in National Park Isla Cabritos or Los Haitises National Park.
A favorite tourist attraction is the city of Sosua near Puerto Plata. This former fishing village is packed with bars, restaurants and shops along its streets.
For anyone wanting some adventure, Cabarete’s town beach is one of the world’s top five kiteboarding and windsurfing destinations.
Two other popular attractions near Puerto Plata are Damajagua Falls and Fort San Felipe. Damajagua, only a half hour from Puerto Plata, is 43 feet high and has 27 rock pools and waterfalls.
Built in 1564, Fort San Felipe is the oldest surviving building in Puerto Plata. It was used as a prison by Rafael Trujillo, the dictator of Dominican Republic in the mid-20th century.
WEATHER
Dominican Republic is located in the middle of the Caribbean hurricane belt. The official hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but the worst weather takes place in the fall.
October historically has the highest rainfall, followed by a brief rainy season in May. Other rainy months include September and November.
Because of the weather, the most popular months to visit are December through April and June through August. The least popular months are May and September through November.
Scott Bateman
