The Dominican Republic is the most visited country in the Caribbean, and the question is rarely whether it is worth it. It is which part, and whether you will see the country or only the resort.
The short verdict#
| You want | Where | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| A beach week, an all-inclusive, good value | Punta Cana | Yes (is Punta Cana worth it) |
| A real city, history, food, nightlife | Santo Domingo | Yes (is Santo Domingo worth it) |
| Wind, waterfalls, a cheaper coast | Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete | Yes (is Puerto Plata worth it) |
| Whales, quiet beaches, a village | Samaná, Las Terrenas | Yes, January to March for the whales |
| Mountains and rivers | Jarabacoa, Constanza | Yes, for a few days |
| Luxury and golf | Cap Cana, Casa de Campo | Yes, at a price |
What makes it worth it#
The beaches, from Bávaro's resort sand to Las Terrenas' empty coves (the best beaches). The value: a night all-in costs less than most of the Caribbean, and outside the resorts the country is cheap (how much a trip costs). Santo Domingo, the first city of the Americas and the capital of bachata. The whales in Samaná Bay (whale watching). The mountains at Jarabacoa and Constanza, cool and green (Jarabacoa, Constanza). Baseball in the winter season (a game), the food (what to eat), and the people, who are the reason visitors come back.
The honest caveats#
Hurricane season, June to November (the season). Sargassum on the east coast some months. The resort bubble: it is possible to spend a week and meet no Dominican who is not serving you. Scams in the tourist zones, small and avoidable (common scams). Driving, which is not for everyone (driving in the DR). And the e-ticket form before you fly (the e-ticket).
How long and when#
A week for one region, ten days for two: the 7-day itinerary, Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, where to stay. December to April for the weather, mid-January to March for the whales (best time to visit). Getting around for the buses and transfers.
Safety#
The visited places are fine with ordinary care; the risks are small. Is the Dominican Republic safe?, solo travel, solo female travel.
With a Dominican#
Roavi has more Local Friends in the Dominican Republic than in any other country, most of them in Santo Domingo, with a few in Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santiago. How rent a friend works in the DR, and the Dominican Republic travel forum for a question first.
A Dominican Republic question? Ask people who live there.
Post on Roavi CommunityPlace by place: Santiago, Samaná, Las Terrenas, La Romana, Bayahibe, Jarabacoa, Cap Cana, Sosúa, Boca Chica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dominican Republic worth visiting?
Yes: the best beach value in the Caribbean, direct flights, and a real country behind the resorts with a capital, mountains, whales, baseball and music. The question is which part, and that depends on whether you want a resort week, a city, the north coast or somewhere quiet.Which part of the Dominican Republic is best to visit?
Punta Cana for beaches and all-inclusives; Santo Domingo for the Zona Colonial, food and nightlife; Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete for a cheaper, windier north coast with waterfalls; Samaná and Las Terrenas for whales, quiet beaches and a French-Dominican village.Is the Dominican Republic safe for tourists?
The tourist zones and the visited parts of the cities are safe with ordinary care; the risks are scams, overcharging and petty theft more than violence. Is the Dominican Republic safe has the detail by region.When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
December to April: dry, cooler, and whale season in Samaná from mid-January to March. June to November is hurricane season, with August to October the highest risk and the lowest prices.