Dominican Republic Travel Guide & Tips

• Flight time from the UK:  9 hours 15 minutes
• Currency: Dominican Peso but we recommend taking some American dollars along with you. This is accepted across the island and also has a better exchange rate. 
• Language: Spanish
• Time difference:  GMT-5
• Visas: No visa is required.

The weather will make a difference to both when you choose to go and which part of the island you visit. However, in general, the best time to visit the Dominican Republic tends to be from December to April, making it the perfect place if you’re seeking a winter sun break. Holidaymakers usually prefer this season as there is low rainfall and warm temperatures with plenty of sunshine. 

The Dominican Republic has an average annual temperature of 25°C. In the winter months, however, humidity is low and you may find it is slightly cooler in the evenings than it is during the summer. 

The summer months are the hottest but this is also the rainy season which lasts from May until November. There is a chance of hurricanes here too. Hurricane season is from June to November with August and September having the potential to be particularly stormy.

You’ll definitely want to pack a selection of shorts and t-shirts as well as your favourite swimwear because it’s bound to be warm and sunny no matter what time of year you visit. 

However, you may also want a jumper, cardigan or lightweight jacket to sling over your shoulders during the evening if you are travelling during the winter months. The temperature may drop slightly once the sun has gone down during this time. Likewise, if you are here in the summer months then a lightweight raincoat will be beneficial to keep you dry during those rainy days. 

Don’t forget insect repellent to keep those mosquitoes away but also pack some bite cream, just in case – you don’t want to be itching!

Whenever you visit, make sure to pack sun cream, sunglasses and a hat, this is particularly important as even during the rainy season it can be incredibly hot.  

If you enjoy hiking, then take a comfortable pair of shoes or walking boots as there are a number of stunning trails to follow in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is most famous for its diverse variety of luxury All Inclusive resorts offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. These resorts also offer energetic event programmes, and activities, plus watersports for the ideal summer holiday in the Caribbean.

However, while you may have everything you need in the hotel, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t head out to see more of this gorgeous location – and you definitely should because there is so much to explore. Here’s how to get around: 

Bus: The two main destinations on the bus route are Santo Domingo and Santiago – many just travel between the two. 

Between Metro and Caribe Tours (the two main bus companies), the areas covered include Puerto Plata, the Cibao, the Samaná Peninsula, the Barahona region, the Silver Coast and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 

As well as travelling across the country, you’ll also find buses specific to different areas. Due to popularity, you’ll need to arrive in plenty of time to get a seat. However, tickets for all buses can be purchased on-board and you’ll find they are reasonably priced, even for longer journeys.

Guaguas: Similar to buses – often vans or pick-up trucks that are run by private operators and slightly more rickety – but certainly provide an authentic experience! They cover much of the country, offer cheap tickets and can be flagged down from the side of the road. These will be able to get you to the destinations that Caribe Tours and Metro don’t cover. 

Públicos: These are similar to guaguas but are private cars that can be found on the Silver Coast and in the cities of Santiago and Santo Domingo. They go through the city or to the next town.

Motoconchos: These are motorbikes that transport you around the smaller towns in the Dominican Republic. They are a cheap and fast way to travel. 

Ziplining: Fly through the air, high above the flourishing tropical forest, for nearly two miles on one of the Caribbean’s longest ziplines. There are platforms to stop off along the way and cables side by side, so you can enjoy the adrenaline rush with your travelling companion. 

Parque Nacional Los Haitises: The name of this tropical forest means ‘land of the mountains.’ Step into the jungle here and you may well feel like you are in Jurassic Park – the movie was partly filmed here, so it’s no surprise. You’ll see 700 species of flora including a large area of mangroves alongside 110 fascinating species of bird.   

Damajaqua Cascades: Also known as the 27 Waterfalls, this is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Dominican Republic. You’ll find these spectacular waterfalls in the Northern Corridor mountain range. Stand back and admire them before taking a dip in the pools at the base.

Whale Watching: If you are in the Dominican Republic between December and March then you’ll have the opportunity to see humpback whales in the wild. During the winter months these magnificent creatures can be seen in Samaná Bay. Head to Samaná and join a half-day trip or Punta Cana for a full day trip – you’ll see them splashing high out of the water if you’re lucky.  

Zona Colonial:  The highlight of visiting the Dominican Republic is exploring Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, the capital and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is full of culture and history with cobblestone streets, ancient landmarks, pretty churches and historic museums. 

Visit the central park with a statue of Columbus just outside the First Cathedral of the Americas, enjoy a great view of the Ozama River just outside the Alcázar de Colón and explore the former house of Christopher Columbus’ eldest son, Diego. 

Side by Side Adventures: Thrillseekers will love these guided tours that take you out to see more of this incredible destination. The catamaran cruise is a fan favourite, taking you out from Marina Punta Cana onto the crystal clear ocean for a day of snorkelling, incredible food and a visit to the underwater museum. The 4×4 off road tour is just as popular, taking you out on rugged roads to the hidden ecological reserve Indigenous Eyes. Here, you can change into your swimwear and enjoy a swim in the waters of the natural lagoons. 

The Dominican Republic is the most popular and visited island in the Caribbean – and for good reason. But don’t just take our word for it! If you want to go and visit this beautiful country for yourself, check out our flights and hotel packages on our website.