Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Traveling to the Dominican Republic? Here’s everything you need to know.
Official Language
Spanish
Capital
Santo Domingo
Currency
Peso
Time Zone
UTC-4
Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Turks and Caicos is located 90 miles to the North, Puerto Rico is about 80 miles from its eastern tip and Colombia lies 300 miles to the south.
The Dominican Republic is known to be the most diverse country in the Caribbean.
Did you know? The Dominican Republic is where Christopher Colombus first “landed” in the New World in 1492. It is also home to the first colonial settlement in the Americas.
Climate and weather in Dominican Republic
The dry season runs from December through April and the wet season runs from May through November. The island has an average yearly temperature of 25C. Hurricane season runs from June – November, with August and September being the stormiest months.
Getting to Dominican Republic
There are plenty of flights that come into Dominican Republic directly from North America and Europe. The primary points of entry are Santo Domingo, Puerta Plata and Punta Cana.
Getting around Dominican Republic
Taxis, rental cars, multi person taxis and public buses are modes of transportation on the island. Shuttle flights are used to get across the island via Air Century.
Things to do in Dominican Republic
- Saona Island, which is 110 square kilometers of natural reserve and known for its mangroves, coral reefs and golden beaches. It is part of East Natural Park.
- Surf, swim, and sunbathe at Bavaro Beach. which is located 20 minutes from Punta Cana. You can also head to the town of Bavaro to check out some small boutiques.
- Head to Puerto Plata, where you can explore the 27 Waterfalls of Damajuaga. The term Damajuaga means “place of stones.”
- Macao Beach is located on the eastern part of the island and is a very popular beach. Beach-goers can swim, sunbathe, surf, and enjoy local food and drinks.
- Drive five miles from the capital city of Santo Domingo to Three Eyes National Park – a natural reserve and an open-air limestone cave system, with clear lakes, known as the “eyes.”
- Snorkel and enjoy dolphin shows by day and slot games, a disco floor and a casino by night at Ocean World Adventure Park.
- Stroll through Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo’s historic city center which was built by Spanish colonialists. This was where the first cathedral, university, hospital and customs house of the New World were built. This city center was a model for the New World.
Events in Dominican Republic
- Duarte Day is celebrated annually on January 26 in dedication to the founding father of the Dominican Republic, Juan Pablo Duarte. He was a freedom fighter of the spanish colony, Hispaniola. The day is commemorated with gun salutes and a carnival.
- Carnival, is biggest event in the Dominican calendar. Every Sunday in February, friends and family come together to celebrate. Everyone unites and joins in this colorful event.
- Espiritu Santo or Saint Spirit Festival is usually held in the first or second week of June. It celebrates African heritage through various religious ceremonies, song and dance.
- Festival del merengue is the world’s most famous merengue festival. Outdoor stages are set up by the waterfront and the worlds top merengue dancers perform and compete. Attendees can also enjoy local food and drink.
- Fiesta Patria de la Restauracion or Restoration Day celebrates the Dominican Republic’s independence from Spain.
- Puerto Plata Carnival 2023 is a wonderful celebration of music. It brings the best merengue, jazz , blues and folk music together. Expect parades and good food.
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