When you spend time in the Dominican Republic, you’ll feel your entire mind, body, and spirit relaxing into the laid back vibe. One of the most geographically diverse countries in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has so much to explore. You’ll have everything on your doorstep - from pristine sandy beaches to stunning mountains to colourful colonial old town squares. This makes it a delight to visit, whether it’s your first time or you return to this Caribbean paradise every year.
The Best Time To Go
The good news is - the weather in the Dominican Republic is beautiful all year round, so there’s really not a bad time to visit. The dry season will run from December to April and the wet season runs from June to November. During the dry season the weather will be hot and sunny and perfect for swimming and watersports - yet there will be higher crowds. The wet season is even hotter and the humidity will make you glad your vacation home has air conditioning! This is the quieter time of year to visit, so it can be a great option if you’re hoping for a laid back vacation with fewer crowds. Hurricane season takes place from June to November. Although this might sound scary, it’s very rare for a hurricane to hit. The highest chances are in September and October, but even then the odds are quite low. Just make sure to check the hurricane forecast before you travel and get insurance that will cover you in case your trip is cancelled.
Top Dominican Republic Attractions
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Caribbean. Tourists flock there every year to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and watersports activities such as kayaking, surfing and more. Plus, it’s also home to several world-class golf courses where you can practice your swing in the tropical sunshine.
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Take a stroll through the beautiful streets of the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo. The centuries old squares, restaurants, museums and hotels will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. You’ll want to bring your camera with you and snap photos of the stunning sights, such as the crumbling ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco and the intricate details of the Catedral Primada de America.
Cabarete
The beautiful, pristine beach of Cabarete is known for its expanses of clean, golden sand and laid back restaurants with seafront dining. It’s a great place to visit on a day trip from nearby Puerto Plata. This beach is especially lovely in the evenings, as musicians perform live tunes at the beachfront restaurants. Sit back and listen as you sip a cold beer and watch the sunset.
Things to Do In the Dominican Republic
Whale Watching in Samana Bay
During the winter season from December through March, thousands of humpback whales swim to Samana Bay. This is a special place for these remarkable giants, as it’s where they mate and give birth to their offspring. You can take a whale-watching expedition from the city of Samana and see these amazing creatures up close. When you dive under the water you’ll heard their hauntingly beautiful matings songs - a truly unforgettable experience.
Pirate Rum Factory Tour
Want to learn about how wine is made in the Dominican Republic? You can visit the Pirate Rum Factory and take a tour to learn about the distillation process. You’ll get a chance to taste eight different flavors of Rum - including mamajuana, pineapple, coconut punch, passion fruit, banana, lime and coconut. You’ll also learn about the history of the rum industry here and why it’s such an important symbol of the culture.
Explore the Cave of Wonders
The incredible Cave of Wonders (Cuevas de las Maravillas) were discovered in 1926 and contain incredibly well preserved cave paintings by the Taino Indians. When Columbus arrived in 1492, the indigenous Taino greeted him. Their culture was ruthlessly oppressed during Spanish colonial reign and they were nearly wiped out by violence and disease. These remarkably intact cave paintings offer an insight into Taino culture, mythology and history.
What to Eat and Drink in the Dominican Republic
Quipe
A quipe is a soft, round, doughy ball made with wheat and filled with minced onion and ground beef. It’s deep fried, giving it a golden and crispy texture and a rich, buttery flavor. These savory snacks are similar to the Middle Eastern kibbeh and they were inspired by Lebanese immigrants in the 19th century. They make a perfect filling snack during a big day of travel adventures.
Sancocho
This is a traditional chicken soup that is popular all over the Hispanic world, but is particularly loved in the Dominican Republic. The local version here is made with the addition of pork and beef as well as chicken. It also includes a thick and juicy puree of carrots, squash and other vegetables. Sancocho is often served with avocado and rice and makes a fantastic hangover cure - so try it the next day after checking out the local nightlife!
Pescado Con Coco
Dominican Republic cuisine features a lot of coconuts, as they are abundant in this part of the world. Pescado Con Coco is a fish cooked with coconut sauce - and it’s absolutely worth trying during your visit. The complex, rich flavor of the coconut pairs perfectly with the light and flaky flesh of the fresh, locally caught fish. Served with
rice, it’s hard to resist!
More Tips for Visiting The Dominican Republic
Although US Dollars will be accepted, you’ll get a better price if you use Dominican pesos. You may need a tourist visa for your trip - so check the current tourist visa requirements. If you do need a visa, they are available at the airport on arrival.
Make sure you only drink bottled water. The tap water may give you an upset stomach.
The concept of time is a little bit more laid back here, so don’t be alarmed if things start 15-30 minutes late. It’s the Caribbean, so just go with the flow!
If you’re interested in fractional ownership of property in the Dominican Republic, check out Partbnb. We will be offering beautiful vacation homes in some of the most desirable neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. To learn more, visit the website or contact us.
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