When thinking about the Dominican Republic, most likely you tend to see it only like any other beach holiday destinations in the Caribbean. While the country is famous for its stunning unspoiled coastline, it has more to offer.
The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is the most diverse and the second largest Caribbean country. This country has a fascinating history, it was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and declared its sovereignty in 1844 after a long war with its neighbouring country.
By attracting more than 6 million international tourists every year, it is the most visited country in the Caribbean and it is easy to see why. The Dominican Republic is a destination which has it all, no matter if you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, a cultural experience or adventure activities.
Here are 10 reasons why everyone needs to go to the Dominican Republic at least once in their lifetime.
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1. A great destination to escape the cold temperatures
The climate in the Dominican Republic is tropical and warm all year round. The season from May to October is considered as a rainy season with often but short-lived downpours in the afternoons. This means the sun will still shine even during this season, but it can get really hot and humid.
While, the best time to visit the Dominican Republic is during the winter, from December to April, when the weather is more pleasant and cooler (between 23°C to 30°C). This makes the Dominican Republic an ideal winter sun holiday destination.
2. Beaches that seem right out of a postcard
Without any doubt, the most popular reason to go to the Dominican Republic is the picturesque sandy beaches lined with palm trees. With almost 1000 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic is home to some of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean.
You don’t have to stay at a resort to have access to the best beaches in the country. All you need to do is to leave the touristy beaches to find your own private piece of paradise. One of the most beautiful non-resort beaches is Playa Coson in Samana. It is indeed one of the most romantic places in the Dominican Republic.
3. Luxury and affordable resorts
Hardly any other destination in the Caribbean can beat the Dominican Republic when it comes to all-inclusive resorts. Here you can find a different range of resorts suitable for any budget. Most resorts offer world-class services including water sports, spas and entertainment.
If you are looking for a family vacation and a relaxing holiday, I highly recommend you to head to Punta Cana, where most of the all-inclusive hotels are located. You check the prices here.
4. Easy to get to
One of the main reason you should visit the Dominican Republic is that getting to the country is straightforward. The Dominican Republic is one of the most well-connected destinations in the Caribbean. It is home to eight international airports with connection to many North American and European cities including London, Manchester, Belfast and New York.
Above all, the entry requirements are quite relaxed, you only need a valid passport (from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, or any EU country) and a 30-day tourist card, which is included in your airline ticket. For more information, you can check here.
5. Whale watching
One of the most unique and unforgettable things to do in the Dominican Republic is whale watching. Do you remember what I mentioned about when is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic? Winter is also when whales migrate to the Dominican Republic.
From mid-December to March, around 2000 humpback whales gather in the beautiful Samana Bay and the Silver Bank to nurse their newborn calves. The best way to enjoy whale watching is to take a full-day tour and swim with them.
6. Experience the underwater world
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for scuba divers who love to explore the beauty of Caribbean reefs and wrecks. Due to its climate and good visibility, diving is one of the most fun activities here all year round.
Generally, scuba diving in the Dominican Republic is easy and trouble-free. Most of the dive sites are a perfect place to learn scuba diving or to have a relaxing dive. Plus, many resorts on the island offer discovery dives for those who have never experienced the underwater world.
7. Breathtaking landscapes and National Parks
The Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse topography in the Caribbean area. It is home to 29 National Parks locating all around the country.
In the south, you can visit the amazing Taino caves in the Cotubanamá National Park. The park is also home to one of the main turtle-nesting sites in the country.
Off the coast of Samana, you can visit Los Haitises National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the Dominican Republic. The park is one of the most breathtaking places in the country and home to 200 species of birds and amazing caves. You can take a boat from Samana or drive to the park from Sabana de la Mar.
8. Impressive waterfalls
One of the most impressive waterfalls in the Dominican Republic is El Limon, located in Samana, with a 40 meters drop. Getting to the waterfall is a fun adventure, you can hike or horseback ride through the thick forest. On the way, you will see some other smaller but beautiful falls.
However, the most visited waterfalls in the Dominican Republic are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua (27 waterfalls of Damajagua) located a short drive from Puerto Plata. Experiencing these series of waterfalls involves hiking, climbing rocks, jumping, swimming in a narrow canyon and sliding down to the pools. You can book a half-day tour here.
9. Amazing food
Cuisine in the Dominican Republic is flavorful and delicious. The food here is influenced by the Taino, Spanish and African cuisines. The staple food in the Dominican Republic is rice, seafood, beans, meat and vegetables. During our stay, we tried a lot of different dishes and we loved all of them. Chivo Guisado is one of the most popular dishes here, so make sure to try it.
10. Nightlife and vibrant music
If you love partying and vibrant music, the Dominican Republic is the place to be. Music and dancing are a significant part of the country's culture. Santo Domingo, the capital, with a variety of clubs and bars hosting live events, is the hub for nightlife in the country. Moreover, most of the resorts all over the country offer dance shows and live entertainment.
The Dominican Republic is where you can spend your night dining in a romantic restaurant next to the beach, go for a drink in a beach bar with your friends or dance with your family in an all-inclusive resort.
This country is a piece of paradise that offers you relaxation, excitement and unique experiences.
