Dominican Republic Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

The Dominican Republic's tourism board presents Santo Domingo as a capital with a UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, and Punta Cana as a coast with more than 50 km of white sand beaches. On the Samaná peninsula, the bay hosts an annual migration of humpback whales.

This guide covers the places where most visitors base themselves: Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Bayahibe and La Romana, and Samaná. Everything below comes from the country's official tourism, airport and meteorological pages.

Places to visit in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo

The Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tourism board points visitors to Calle Las Damas, described as the first paved street in the Americas, and to Fortaleza Ozama, described as the oldest European military structure in the New World. Los Tres Ojos National Park, with underground caves and crystal-clear lakes, and the Malecón along the Caribbean Sea are also listed.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana has over 50 km of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, according to the tourism board. Catamaran excursions go to Isla Saona, which the board describes as famous for its natural pools. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is a short drive from most resorts.

Bayahibe and La Romana

Around La Romana, the tourism board lists Altos de Chavón, with its amphitheater and art galleries. Bayahibe is noted for its crystal-clear beaches, and Cotubanamá National Park is named for snorkeling and diving. Catamaran excursions run to Saona and Catalina islands.

Samaná

Samaná Bay is surrounded by green mountains and hosts the annual migration of humpback whales. The board also lists Cayo Levantado, known as Bacardi Island, for its white-sand beaches, El Limón Waterfall by horseback or on foot, and Los Haitises National Park with its karst formations.

Getting to Dominican Republic

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) receives flights from 26 countries, according to the tourism board. El Catey International Airport (AZS) is the gateway to the Samaná peninsula, and La Romana has its own international airport. The airport operator Aerodom also features the new terminal of Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and lists airports at Puerto Plata and Samaná among those it runs.

The tourism board calls Santo Domingo the main air and ground transportation hub of the country.

Getting around

The tourism board says the country has modern highways and a vast transportation network, and it warns to expect tolls depending on where you start and finish. Coach buses run in modern, air-conditioned buses with Wi-Fi and movies. Taxi rates within cities are set by the taxi association.

The board lists Punta Cana as about 45 minutes from La Romana and two and a half hours from Santo Domingo, and gives 2.5 to 3 hours from Santo Domingo to Samaná. It also notes that charter flights are a possibility for reaching the regions quickly.

When to go to Dominican Republic

Dry season (December to April)

The tourism board gives December to April as the driest season in Punta Cana, and as the best time to visit La Romana.

Whale season in Samaná (January to March)

The board lists January to March as peak season for whales in Samaná. July and August are also listed as a peak season there.

Warm all year

The board gives a tropical climate of 24 to 31 °C for Santo Domingo, which it describes as a year-round destination, and 25 to 32 °C for Punta Cana.

Atlantic hurricane season (1 June to 30 November)

The Dominican meteorological institute, Indomet, says the Atlantic hurricane season starts on 1 June and runs until 30 November. Check forecasts if you travel in those months.

What to book ahead

• Whale watching in Samaná Bay is seasonal. If you want to go between January and March, check operator dates before you fix your route.
• Boat trips to Isla Saona and Los Haitises National Park run as day excursions from the coast. Check departure days and pick-up points before you plan around them.
• If you move between regions by road, arrange transfers ahead of time. The board gives 2.5 to 3 hours from Santo Domingo to Samaná.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism entry requirements page, which links to the immigration and foreign ministry services, before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: Entry Requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in Santo Domingo?

The tourism board gives a recommended stay of 2 to 3 days. The Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the board also lists Los Tres Ojos National Park and the Malecón.

When can I see humpback whales in Samaná?

The tourism board says Samaná Bay hosts the annual migration of humpback whales. It lists January to March as peak season.

Which airport do I use for Punta Cana?

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which the tourism board says is a short drive from most resorts. It receives flights from 26 countries, according to the same page.

Do I need a visa or an entry form?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the official entry requirements page of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism before you book.

When does hurricane season start and end?

Indomet, the Dominican meteorological institute, says the season starts on 1 June and runs until 30 November.