Dominican Republic Holidays

Spend your mornings surfing or sunbathing, the afternoon wildlife spotting in a national park, and the evenings dancing bachata under the stars.

• Discover Santo Domingo: Start your holiday by exploring Santo Domingo, where you can learn about the history of the Dominican Republic. Spend time wandering through the cobbled streets of the Zona Colonial area, which is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a trip to Saona Island: This is one of the most popular activities for holidaymakers. Book a tour to the picturesque isle of Saona, part of the protected Cotubanama National Park. You can go snorkelling in the clear waters, relax on the beach and visit the island’s turtle sanctuary.
• Attend a carnival: If you can time your trip with the Carnaval de la Vega before Lent, you’ll be treated to one of the Caribbean’s most colourful celebrations. The capital, Santo Domingo, also hosts a dazzling carnival with food, dancing and delicious street food.
• Swim beneath a waterfall: The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning waterfalls. Trek to the El Limon waterfall or laze in the lagoon beneath the triple cascades at Salto Alto.
• Spot local wildlife on Lago Enriquillo: The largest lake in the Caribbean is a haven for wildlife. Take a boat trip along the water and look for crocodiles, flamingos and iguanas.

There are plenty of fun activities in the Dominican Republic to send your adrenaline soaring.

• Fly through jungles: The Dominican Republic has lots of zipline courses that will get your pulse racing. The longest is in Samaná, where you can even whizz upside-down beneath the treetops. Or head to Bavaro Adventure Park, where you finish in the Mega Splash pool.
• Discover what lies beneath the surface: The former fishing village of Bayahibe is a top spot for scuba diving, with colourful coral reefs and shipwrecks to uncover. Some of the coral reefs are also ideal for snorkelling.
• Hike the highest peak in the Caribbean: If you’re an experienced hiker, you can tackle the epic journey to Pico Duarte’s highest peak (over 3,000m). Hiring a local guide is mandatory, and they can help you arrange camping equipment for the 3-day trip.
• Try windsurfing: Cabarete is the hub for aquatic activities in the Dominican Republic and is renowned for its perfect windsurfing conditions. If you want to be part of the action, book lessons at a surf school on Kite Beach and get ready to ride the waves.
• Visit the Cotubanama National Park: There are more than 400 caves to explore – some with subterranean lagoons, stalactites and stalagmites – plus Taino pictographs and petroglyphs (rock carvings).

Endless stretches of soft, white sand make the Dominican Republic a top pick for beach holidays.

• Bavaro Beach: Pristine white sands, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs – Bavaro Beach is everything you could want from a Caribbean beach. The Blue Flag sands are dotted with restaurants and gift shops.
• Playa Dorada: This golden sandy stretch on the north coast is lined with palm trees and is close to a cluster of hotels. If you like water sports, you can book lessons at the kitesurfing school.
• Bayahibe Beach: This gorgeous beach is a must-visit on the southeast coast. Relax on the sugary sand or cool off from the heat with a refreshing dip in the Caribbean Sea. There’s a selection of water sports available, as well as shops and restaurants nearby.
• Playa Rincon: One of the most famous beaches in the Dominican Republic, Playa Rincon is located on the northeastern tip of the Samana peninsula, with swaying coconut trees backing 3km of soft, white sands.
• Playa Juanillo: The calm, shallow waters at Playa Juanillo are perfect for paddling and wading into the clear sea. There’s a sprinkling of beachfront hotels, plus food and drink available.

Can’t decide where to stay? Here are some of our favourite beach resorts for popular holidays to the Dominican Republic.

• Punta Cana: With beautiful sandy beaches, lavish all inclusive hotels and bustling nightlife, the Punta Cana resort is the most popular in the country. Go on a catamaran cruise or swim where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean Sea at this standout location.
• Bavaro: A lively town in Punta Cana, Bavaro is home to luxurious hotels and great nightlife. Sink your toes into the warm sands or head inland to experience the nearby jungle during the day, followed by bar and club-hopping come evening.
• Bayahibe: Beach lovers and scuba divers will want to base themselves in Bayahibe. There are several dive sites to explore, with crystal clear waters making it easy to spot shipwrecks and tropical fish.
• La Romana: Visit the postcard-worthy scenes of La Romana for untouched tropical beaches, high-end hotels and world-class golf courses.
• Santo Domingo: As one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, the capital of the Dominican Republic has plenty of history to discover. Wander through the Old Quarter, admire the impressive architecture and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.

There are lots of activities on offer to make family holidays to the Dominican Republic unforgettable.

• Explore national parks: Visit Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, the only cloud forest in the Caribbean. Book a guided tour, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the endangered rhinoceros iguana and parrots.
• Make a splash at a waterpark: Cool off from the heat in a waterpark with something for all ages. Agua Splash Caribe in Santo Domingo has a wave pool, a kids’ play area and a Jacuzzi for the adults.
• Check into a family-friendly hotel: Uvero Alto is known for its luxurious 5-star hotels, but there’s one in particular that the kids will love. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana features a kids’ club, an on-site waterpark and the chance to meet classic Nickelodeon characters.
• Enjoy outdoor activities: Caribbean Lake Park in Punta Cana offers a host of amazing experiences including swimming pools, lakes and a beach, or try ziplining, paddle boarding and wakeboarding for more action. You can even tackle an inflatable obstacle course on the water.
• Go whale watching: From January to March, daily whale-watching expeditions depart from Samana Bay on the northeast coast. Marine mammal specialists will be on board to answer any questions.

Whether you’re longing for a romantic escape or an idyllic honeymoon, holidays to the Dominican Republic are a brilliant choice for couples.

• Explore the great outdoors: If you want to get out and about there are a host of fun outdoor activities that you and your partner can enjoy together. Learn how to surf, go on an e-bike tour of the countryside or find a new adventure at Scape Park, including cave tours or snorkelling.
• Soak up the beautiful cenotes: Head inland for a dreamy dip in one of the Dominican Republic’s gorgeous cenotes – natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear turquoise water. Hoyo Azul is a refreshing place for a swim surrounded by native trees and plants.
• Catch a beach sunset: Playa Alicia is one of the country's newest beaches after it was formed by shifting currents in the early 2000s. It's known as the Miracle Beach, and people visit for the gorgeous sunsets over the Atlantic.
• Take to the skies: Watch the sunrise with a front-row seat high up in the sky on a hot air balloon ride. You’ll float above the scenic Dominican Republic landscape and get a new perspective of the country.
• Discover natural beauty in an ecological park: 12 stunning freshwater lagoons and over 500 species of plants await in Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

Holidays to the Dominican Republic can just as easily centre around food as they can on beaches.

• Comida criolla refers to traditional Dominican food that blends influences from Spanish, African and Taino cuisines. The country’s most famous dish is La Bandera Dominicana – meaning ‘the Dominican flag’. This is often eaten at lunchtime and is made with meat, rice and beans.
• Seafood is a staple in the Dominican Republic, and we’d recommend trying several varieties on your getaway. You’ll find plenty of places along the coast serving grilled red snapper and grouper, often cooked in a tomato or coconut sauce.
• Habichuelas con Dulce is perfect if you have a sweet tooth. This delicious dessert is made from red beans creamed with evaporated milk and spices, then topped with cookies. It’s a popular dish around Easter time.
• Mangú is a green plantain-based puree that’s usually eaten at breakfast. It’s often served with scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage, topped with pickled red onion.
• Chicharrones are one of the country’s authentic snacks that you'll find at most street vendors. Crunch through the crispy skin of fried pork belly pieces to find the tender meat beneath.

Listen to the beats of a local Merengue band, dance or unwind with sunset views and cocktails.

• Coco Bongo: Catch a dazzling show at the famous Coco Bongo, from spectacular acrobatics to incredible live music and jaw-dropping displays.
• Imagine Punta Cana: This lively nightclub is as unique as they come, set within a stunning natural cave. Buy a ticket for an event and join in the celebrations, or book out a VIP area on a Saturday club night.
• The Brugal Rum Distillery: Visit Puerto Plata to learn more about the Dominican Republic’s largest rum producer. With notes of vanilla, toffee and cocoa, it’s easy to see why this exceptional rum is a hit with tourists and locals. Book a tour to discover the art of rum-making and try some for yourself.
• All inclusive hotels: Cocktails flow freely at the many bars in all inclusive hotels across the Dominican Republic, where you can dance, watch live shows and listen to music without having to step outside.
• Sole Chill Out Bar: For a relaxing atmosphere, discover this rustic bar set on Bavaro Beach, where you can enjoy a cold drink at a table on the soft sands with a side of ocean views.