Dominican Republic
Welcome to Dominican Republic (DR)- a land of contrasts, offering superb adventure travel and eco-tourism options! The second largest country in the Caribbean (29,948 square miles), Dominican Republic is blessed with swaying coconut palm trees and crystalline waters teeming with tropical rainbow-hued fish, large all-inclusive resorts appealing to couples and families, genuine hospitality and always smiling friendly locals, as well as a wealth of land and water activities. From palm-fringed beaches to underwater experiences to stunning historical highlights your days will be filled with fun things to do. Delicious cuisine dominated by Creole, Spanish and African influences, small fishing villages, remarkable architecture, year-round sun, sand and sea draw more and more travelers to this breathtaking destination every year. Explore the natural and cultural beauty of Dominican Republic and create unforgettable experience to long a lifetime.Located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles, with its much smaller and lesser developed neighbor Haiti occupying the western portion, the country is bathed by the Caribbean Sea on the south coast and by Atlantic Ocean to the north. The terrain is mountainous, offering towering hills, cacti-studded deserts, lush rainforest, fertile valleys, 1,600 km of coastline and miles of prime soft sandy beaches. The highest peak is Pico Duarte, rising in Cordillera Central (Central Range) to height of 3,087 meters. The country is composed of 32 provinces which are grouped into three large ones and the capital. The three large regions include the Northern Region or the Cibao, the Southwest Region and the Southeast Region.
The country experiences mostly pleasant maritime climate and tropical breezes all year-round with temperatures hovering between 17C and 30C according to altitude. There are little variations between summer and winter months. Two rainy seasons are underlined, one from April to June and the other September to November. The dry season runs from November to April, thus it's the best time to visit the country.
The oldest city in the world, Santo Domingo is the country's bustling capital (population of 2.25 million), boasting a college of cultures, a great variety of restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife. Santo Domingo is home to two international airports, the Las Americanas International Airport and the Herrera International Airport, as well as several cruise ships. Attractions in Santo Domingo include Colonial City, a perfect starting point for visitors to explore and discover the city, featuring numerous historic buildings, like Ozama Fortress, Museum of the Royal Houses (Museo de las Casas Reales), Castle of Columbus (Alcazar de Colon); Botanical Gardens and Parks, covering about 2 million square meters, represent exhibits of the natural flora of the island, including orchid, palm-trees and exotic plants. It is a not-to-be-missed lovely place and a true nature lover's paradise; Los Tres Ojos is another important highlight in Santo Domingo, an impressive 50-foot deep cave, surrounded by three lagoons, lush vegetation and stalagmites. Other attractions include National Aquarium, a medium sized aquarium featuring a huge fish tank, Columbus lighthouse, located in the Mirador del Este Park featuring a beautiful cross-shaped structure, Museo Bellapart and much more.
Dominican Republic Activities
Activities range from scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling, windsurfing and mountain climbing to golfing, deep sea fishing, catamaran sailing, soaking up the sun's rays and laying on the beach. From walking along El Malecón, a wonderful boulevard with bistros, bars and nightlife fun to taking a jeep safari through the tropical terrain and secluded beaches to parasailing over the crystal-clear waters of the beaches in Punta Cana, your vacations will turn into unforgettable lifelong memories.Judging from the fact that Dominican Republic is a true nature lover's heavenly paradise, it is easy to assume that the country's best sights are natural, including the gorgeous beaches at Playa del Macao, the beautiful wildlife refuges at Lago Enriquillo and Eastern National Park, the captivating cable car ride up the side of Mount Isabel de Torres and least but not last the magnificent Los Tres Ojos in Santo Domingo. There are also man-made spectacles that are worth a visit, including the gothic charm of the Catedral Primada de America and the modern Basilica de Higuey.
Best things to do in Dominican Republic include:
Whale watching tours
In recent years, whale watching tours have become increasingly popular adventure worldwide and fortunately, the Dominican Republic is no exception. The incredible whale watching tours in the Sanctuary of Humpback Whales in Samana Bay will give you and your friends the unique once-in-a-lifetime chance to be very close to thousands of magnificent creatures coming to the warm clear waters of the Caribbean to mate and breed every year. Whale watching season runs from mid January through mid March and sometimes it can extend to the end of March. Do not forget to bring your cameras, as whale watching is a truly thrilling experience full of photographic moments.
Surfing
The North Coast is ideal for surfing adventures, featuring warm and safe surfing waters. Cabarete, hugely famous for water sports is the best spot for fantastic surf in Dominican Republic. If you are passionate about surfing but you are still a beginner, don't worry as you'll find various schools with experienced instructors ready to guide you in the surfing adventure. Here you'll find superb surfing conditions and sometimes, especially in winter waves can break as high as 5 meters. Windsurfing in Cabarete is also popular boasting good wind and bid swells.
Scuba Diving & snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are among spectacular 'must' activities you should indulge in. Being one of the Caribbean's best secrets, Dominican Republic boasts some of the world's best diving attractions, including reefs, walls, coral gardens and wrecks as well as excellent visibility. What will surely amaze divers and snorkeling enthusiasts is a wealth of tropical colorful marine life, stunning caverns and cool shipwrecks. Some of the good dive sites include Sosúa (near Puerto Plata), the Samana peninsula and La Caleta National Underwater Park.
In a nutshell, the Dominican Republic is a very beautiful place to spend wonderful holidays. And no matter you what you wish to experience on your vacation, be sure that you'll be amazed by the variety of 'to see' and 'to do' things!
Dominican Republic Hotels and Resorts
Always smiling sunshine and white sands, warm waters alive with coral reefs, cascading waterfalls and lush valleys, natural and historical attractions, add to it amazing variety of water sports, as well as world-class seaside resorts and lavishly equipped 5-star hotels in exotic locations are what make Dominican Republic a holidaymaker's paradise. Plan your stay in one of the country's luxury hotels and be sure that your daily grind, worries and stress will be banished to the horizon.Perched above the azure waters of Samanta Bay one of the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic, the stunning Bannister Hotel is a true Caribbean getaway for those in search of beach tranquility, mountain beauty and full relaxation. The hotel provides a full service Marina, gourmet restaurants, a relaxing spa, equestrian center, a lovely gym, boutiques and beach club ready to satisfy even the most demanding travelers. The well arranged 54 cabana style guestrooms offer fully-equipped kitchens, balconies some with sweeping views and living areas featuring modern room amenities and facilities. The Bannister Dominican Hotel is the wonderful chance to explore the Caribbean sandy coves and the tropical forests.
Activities range from hiking to beautiful El Limon Waterfall to swim in cool, crystalline pools, and snorkeling in the beautiful Caribbean coral reefs to enjoying a scenic whale watching tour (during wintertime), sunbathing in the pristine sugar-white sandy beaches or else rejoicing in the unique atmosphere of the Café del Mar. Other land and water experiences include mountain biking, horseback riding, sailing, deep sea fishing, catamaran sailing and exciting windsurfing. Nearby attractions include los Haitises National Park, waterfalls, unspoiled forests, Cayo Levantado Island, caves and pre-Columbian drawings.
Hotel Be Live Hamaca (formerly known as Oasis) in Boca Chica, the Dominican Republic is a 24-hour, all-inclusive resort, located 10 km from the Las Americanas International Airport ideal for families and travelers seeking quietude and relaxation, as well as for those looking for a perfect spot to celebrate a wedding. The hotel feature 617 guestrooms, each with step-out patios or balconies overlooking the beach, tropical garden or pool, offering all to you need for a comforted stay.
All-inclusive recreation facilities include aerobics, bocce, gymnasium, fishing, sun loungers (swimming pool), tennis, waterskiing, volleyball, tennis, nightclub, paddle tennis, kids club for children from 8 to 12 years, mini golf, squash, ping pong and others. You can find excellent dining options including six impressive restaurants, buffets, snack and sports bars where you'll experience Italian, Mexican and local cuisines and a wide range of high-quality products at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do not miss out to enjoy the best Caribbean cocktails in the beach Wet Bar and enjoying a full range of massages, hydrotherapy, facial and body treatments in the Spa center. With its luxury accommodation, five free-flowing pools, vibrant nightlife of elegant clubs, great variety of services and cultural/ recreational activities, the Be Live Hamaca Hotel is an ideal location for a relaxing beach vacation.
The brand-new Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is a five-star all-inclusive dreamscape resort, located on the shore of Bavaro-Punta Cana Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. You can find several nearby attractions, including numerous national parks, like Los Haitises, the bustling city of Santo Domingo, and a variety of semi deserted islands, such as Saona Island and Catalina Island. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana boasts 658 spacious rooms, furnished with novel materials, and featuring utmost room amenities you would expect in a luxury resort. Hotel facilities include a majestic casino, theatre for shows and entertainment, 6 restaurants (some open-air), 9 bars opening at different hours, a magnificent Spa offering a mix of body and health treatments, gazebo for weddings, discotheque, live piano music at the Lobby bar (night), 2 integrated Jacuzzis within the swimming pool and fully equipped fitness centre. Children's Club is also available with plenty of activities to keep them entertained. You can indulge in land and water adventures, including tennis, mini-golf, volleyball, diving and swimming. The resort is ideal for weddings and honeymoons.
Nestled at the wonderful beach La Romana Santana Beach Resort and Casino is an ideal hideaway for a vacation of a lifetime. It comprises a 3-storeid building with 400 spacious and beautifully arranged rooms, all with air conditioning, full bathroom, satellite TV, balcony and terrace with panoramic views and everything for a good comfort. The following services and activities are available: large tropical swimming pool with vegetation, water-jets, bridges and islands, outdoor Jacuzzi, massage parlor, casino with free entrance and drinks, spa featuring marvelous massage service, disco 'El Pirata' and land and water adventures like sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, horseback riding, banana-boat riding, diving, tennis courts, billiards and fully equipped fitness center with sauna. Further facilities include 4 restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, Oriental and international cuisines, a buffet, pizzeria, tropical and sports bars. Children's mini-club playground, and separate outdoor pool are also available.
Guests can also delight wonderful and entertaining night shows, satisfying the passion for the table games in the luxury gambling casino, offering a wide selection of gaming options. The entire staff of Santa Beach Resort and Casino is always at your disposal, ready to ensure you have a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Other remarkable resorts in Dominican Republic that are worth a visit include Dreams La Romana Resort and Spa Hotel, Melia Caribe Tropical all-inclusive Resort, Oasis Canoa Beach resort and Spa, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus and much more.
A Dominican Republic holiday will bring you close to spectacularly beautiful natural beauty, fabulous sugar-white beaches, modern accommodation options and vibrant, exciting and always interesting Caribbean experience.