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Introduction

There are two sides to the Dominican Republic, just like there are two sides of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola on which the Republic is situated. The Dominican Republic shares the island with neighbouring Haiti. Inside the confines of the many resort hotels along the beautiful coastline, tourists languish in luxury, sipping cocktails under the palm trees and bathing in beautiful blue lagoons. The other face of the Dominican Republic can be found along the country roads, among the sugar cane, coffee and cocoa bean fields, where people labour in the sun and men play dominoes outside tumble-down shacks. For the local people (there are 8.5 million people on this well-populated part of Hispaniola island) tourism is an important source of income, and the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the resorts and explore the Spanish Colonial legacy in this country 'where America began' are welcome.

The South Coast contains some of the country's bigger cities and national parks. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Spanish settlement in the Americas. Christopher Columbus initiated the first European New World settlement here in 1496. His legacy is preserved in the bricks and mortar of the historic old section of Santo Domingo, which has been turned into an entertaining and interesting Colonial 'theme park'. The other tourist spots in the Dominican Republic are the northern Amber Coast region around Puerta Plata, the beautiful Samana Peninsula, and the resort communities of the east coast known as Punta Cana, where stretches of pristine tropical beach have been bought and developed into all-inclusive resorts. However, those who take the trouble to explore a little behind the scenes will find plenty of unspoilt tropical paradise off the beaten track in the Dominican Republic, and locals ready and willing to offer warm hospitality.

The main tourist areas in the Dominican Republic are Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Santo Domingo

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Dominican Republic Climate

The Dominican Republic is hot and considered sub-tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperatures 28 to 30 degrees C December to April and 30 to 31 C May to November, which average about 77°F (25°C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall, with October to April being the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month (heavy showers of short duration) in the south of the country. The driest area is the west. Cooler temperatures and less humidity are generally experienced between November and April, while the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country. Hurricanes occur on average once every two years on the island, most striking the south of the country and most happening in August and September. The busiest time of year to visit the Dominican Republic is between December and April when North Americans take a tropical break from their winters, and from June to September, which coincides with European summer holidays.

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When to Fly/Go to the Dominican Republic

Peak Season:

Because of its almost year-round warmth and sunshine, some people refer to the Dominican Republic's climate as"endless summer."

The temperature on the island remains fairly consistent at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Generally, the whole island is sunny with tropical weather. The change in seasons is determined more by the annual rainfall then by the temperature.

May to October are considered the summer months on the Dominican Republic. This is usually the hottest time of year. Highs reach about 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with the nighttime low around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But since the humidity is higher during this time of year, it can feel hotter than it really is.

The month of May is when the island sees the most rainfall, which usually comes in short storm bursts followed by sunshine. The annual rainfall in the Dominican Republic averages about 58.5 inches per year The western part of the country receives less rainfall than other areas, but unexpected showers can happen anywhere on the island.

Although there are very few temperature difference between the summer and winter months, summer on the Republic is usually the low season for tourism. The island still sees some visiting tourists, but most are there for long summer vacations. The island experiences its busiest tourist time from December through April. This is when most travelers are trying to escape the colder northern weather.

The fluctuation in tourism causes accommodation prices to change depending on the season. During the high season, when it is most fashionable to vacation on the Dominican Republic, hotels, resorts, and restaurants increase their prices. And since the island is more crowded during this popular time of year, visitors should make reservations at least a month in advance.

During the high season, the humidity is low, and there is less rainfall on the island. Evenings are noticeably cooler during November to April in comparison to the summer months. Areas of higher altitude, which are mostly mountainous regions on the interior of the country, experience cooler temperatures than the rest of the island. Temperatures in the mountains have dropped below freezing, and frost has even been seen on their peaks.

Like most other Caribbean Islands, the Dominican Republic does experience some hurricane activity. Hurricane season lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November, and the island feels most of the effects in August and September.

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Getting Around The Dominican Republic

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The challenge of exploring the Dominican Republic, with its land mass of more than 18,000 square miles, is significantly more daunting than that of exploring the island's noticeably smaller neighbors throughout the Caribbean. Luckily, there are several efficient ways to make your way through the island's varied landscape.

Those who fly into the Dominican Republic would be wise to arrive at an airport that is close to their first destination. With seven international and additional domestic airports, flying can also be a convenient and quick way of getting around the island, especially if you're traveling quite a distance. Charter and domestic flights can start as low as $60(USD), although travelers should remember that the Dominican Republic is not in compliance with the International Aviation Safety Assessment Program of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States. This assessment program judges a country's ability to comply with international standards in air safety and maintenance.

Rental cars are another great option for those who want to traverse large distances of the country. Rental agencies are stationed in all major tourist destinations and offer large fleets of both sedan and four wheel drive vehicles. Although driving in any country in the Caribbean can be intimidating, rental cars remain a good option for those who are careful on the road.

Many rental companies also rent scooters and mopeds. Vacationers driving two-wheeled vehicles may experience fewer traffic and police headaches than those driving cars. However, mopeds can be dangerous due to the sometimes less than ideal road safety conditions. Vacationers should always wear helmets if choosing this method of transportation.

For those planning to do limited traveling in a smaller area, taxis and buses can be cheaper than a rental car and are often just as much of an adventure. When selecting taxis and buses, it is safer for vacationers to use the well known tourist companies to avoid becoming victims of theft or muggings. Smaller taxis will sometimes have fixed rates, and publicos resemble buses, allowing passengers to get off and on along the route as they please. The well known bus companies provide good service in and between cities for reasonable rates. Motochocos, or motorcycle taxis, are also available for small fees, although the safety of passengers may not always be certain.

Ferry and boat service is limited in the Dominican Republic, but travelers can make the journey to and from Puerto Rico on several different days during the week. A number of smaller ferries and boats offer service to destinations around the island.

Many visitors to he Dominican Republic are irresistibly drawn to explore different areas of the island. With so many transportation options by land, sea, and air, securing a suitable means of transport for your itinerary should not be a problem.

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Dominican Republic Insider Information / Regions and Cities:

Amber Coast (Puerto Plata, Sousua and Cabarete)

The Amber Coast, named for its rich deposits of lustrous semi-precious amber found throughout the region, runs along the northern Atlantic coast from Cofresi to Nagua and boasts an assortment of seaside towns and resorts. Forests, mountains and miles of golden beach provide a playground for adventure sports seekers with activities such as mountain biking and horse riding available, as well as a host of watersports like diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The port city of Puerta Plata is the region's capital and the main tourism enclave. On the outskirts of Puerto Plata is the major Playa Dorada complex of low-rise hotels in a country club setting of gardens and beautiful beaches, centred on the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed golf course. Seaside towns and communities that are also popular with visitors include Sosua and Cabarete to the east of Puerto Plata, and Cofresi to the west.

Resorts

Resort areas in and around the Amber Coast: Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cofresi and Cabarete.

Attractions

Amber Museum

An attractive Victorian building in the centre of Puerto Plata on Duarte Street houses the Amber Museum, showcasing a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber. According to experts the amber found in this region is the most transparent, and therefore the most valued.

Brugal Rum Factory

No visit to the Dominican Republic north coast is complete without savouring the local drink of choice, which is Brugal rum. In Puerto Plata visitors can enjoy a brief tour of the distiller’s bottling operation (actual production takes place elsewhere) .

Fuerte San Felipe

Puerto Plata's only remnant of the Spanish Colonial days is a small fort, situated on a small peninsula in Puerto Plata Bay. The fort, featuring a moat, and a collection of historical artifacts in a small museum, was built by Columbus.

Mount Isabel de Torres

Towering over the city of Puerto Plata is the 2,600ft (792m) Mount Isabel, providing a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a seven-minute cable car ride up the mountainside to explore the summit, which offers a botanical garden and a cruciform Christ statue.

Excursions

Samana Peninsula

Jutting out into the Atlantic like a finger is the beautiful Samana Peninsula to the east of the island, a remote area with deserted white sand beaches, palm forests and clear, calm waters. Hidden towns and fishing villages, brightly painted Dominican homes and a Mediterranean influenced atmosphere characterize the communities here. Dominating the interior are mountain passes negotiated by winding roads that offer magnificent views, lush vegetation and cool waterfalls. The Samana peninsula is know for the migration of Humpback whales between January and March every year to the sheltered warm waters along its coast.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata, the city capital of the Dominican Republic province of the same name, sits on the country's north coast and is the gateway to the numerous holiday towns and resorts on the coast. The coastline itself is blessed with beautiful stretches of pristine beach, lush green valleys and backed by the majestic Mount Isabel de Torres. Columbus described the spot as 'the fairest land under heaven' when he arrived there in 1492, and the thousands of visitors that arrive every day today tend to agree with him. The city sports a romantic air of days gone by, enhanced by its Victorian architecture with its filigree lace wood and ironwork and 'gingerbread' motifs that characterise most of the historic homesteads and public buildings.

Cabarete

A small, laid-back Caribbean seaside town, Cabarete is considered by many to be the windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean and the town has hosted international competitions since the 80s. It is the perfect tropical destination, particularly for younger travellers seeking sun, adventurous sports and has a buzzing beachside bar and restaurant scene. Tour operators also offer plenty of other activities including hiking, horseriding, canyoning, mountain biking and surfing.

Sosua

To the east of Puerto Plata is Sosua, a small village with a cosmopolitan character, which offers a superb crescent-shaped beach and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The town was developed by a group of approximately 600 Jewish refugees from Europe who settled here in 1940 and founded the now-thriving dairy industry for which the village is noted. The original synagogue built by this expatriate community is still standing and features a museum dedicated to the history of the community. Near to Sosua is a major family holiday attraction, the Columbus Aquapark, offering plenty of watery diversions.

North Coast (Cofresi)

One of the most beautiful resort towns on the north coast, Cofresi, to the west of Puerto Plata, has its fair share of golden beaches. The town was named after one of the most infamous Caribbean pirates, but is a peaceful place with plenty of hotel and private villa accommodations and sweeping ocean views.

East Coast (Punta Cana)

The East Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and is the ideal destination for a beach vacation. Miles of powdery white beaches lined with palm trees, and aquamarine waters beckon those intent on kicking back and doing not much more than relaxing on a beautiful beach. Large, all-inclusive resorts ensure that all holiday details are taken care of.

There are no towns of interest in the area, but resorts act like mini self-contained cities offering different dining and nightlife options, a variety of watersports, and good facilities for deep-sea fishing and golf. However those looking for a more cultural and varied vacation will come away disappointed.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is centre of the east coast region and is becoming a growing tourist destination with several attractions. The 40-mile (64km) stretch of coast where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic offers pearly-white sand sprinkled with thousands of coconut trees and is largely unspoiled. Attractions in and around Punta Cana include the Manati Park (www.manatipark.com), with its performing dolphins and sea lions, and an authentic replica of an ancient Taino Indian village.

Santo Domingo

Why? Thousands are drawn to the beautiful Dominican Republic for its miles of pearly white sand beaches, the plethora of activities, and its luxury resorts and happening night-life, but no-one who visits should fail to travel to Santo Domingo, the capital, to complete their holiday experience. A holiday in Santo Domingo is vibrant and exciting with plenty to see and do, most notably the spot where Christopher Columbus founded the first settlement in the Americas.

When? It is possible to enjoy a Santo Domingo holiday any time of year because the city, like the rest of the Dominican Republic, enjoys a hot, sunny, tropical climate, somewhat tempered by sea breezes. The rainy season is between May and November, but showers are short and sharp and should not interfere with holiday fun.

Who for? Party people who enjoy a wild night out and days relaxing on the palm-fringed Malecon (promenade) will relish a holiday in Santo Domingo, as well as those interested in the history of Columbus and the conquistadors.

More Info: For all the information you need to plan and enjoy a Santo Domingo holiday make use of our comprehensive Santo Domingo travel guide which contains details of the city's major attractions and excursions, as well as a section of basic information about the Dominican Republic.

Overview

If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty theft are common so guard your belongings with care.

Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European settlement in the New World; it boasts the western hemisphere's first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university and first law court. This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in the 15th century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants. Visitors don't need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all beckon enticingly, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub with its multi-level dance floors inside a real cave. And an opportunity to visit to the Estadio Quisqueya to watch a game of the Dominican Republic's adored national sport, baseball, shouldn't be passed up on by any visitor to the city between the months of October and February.

La Romana

Once known as a sleepy sugar-cane town, most previous visitors to the Dominican Republic didn't bother venturing to the southeast city of La Romana. At least not until a luxurious tropical paradise resort was opened just over a mile (2km) from the town, making this region synonymous with exquisite turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and some of the finest golf courses and holiday resorts the country has to offer.

These days La Romana is one of the most visited regions of the country and many of the world's rich and famous make this relatively secluded tourist destination their summer playground. Couple that with plenty of markets selling exotic foods, trinkets, clothing and souvenirs and you've got the perfect recipe for a holiday paradise!

With crystal clear waters lapping these Caribbean shores, there is no shortage of water activities for visitors to enjoy such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Visit one of the cigar factories, explore the colourfully housed neighbourhoods or sit under the tropical fronds and people-watch in the beautiful city park. Keen golfers will think they've died and gone to heaven with four championship ranked 18-hole golf courses to choose from and hopeless romantics will be able to ride horses along the beach as the sun dips below the horizon.

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Major Dominican Republic Airports

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Location: The airport is situated within 30 minutes of most hotels in the Punta Cana resort area.

Time: GMT -4.

Contacts: Tel: +1 809 668 4749.

Transfer to the city: Those on an air/hotel package with ground transfers included will be met by hotel reps, otherwise taxis are available.

Car rental: Car hire is available.

Facilities: Facilities include a variety of shops and stores, snack bars, restaurants and bar, duty-free shopping and ATMs.

Parking: There is short and long-term parking at the airport.

Departure Tax: US$20 (for stays of up to two weeks), US$25 (for stays of more than two weeks).

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)

Location: The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) east of Santo Domingo.

Time: GMT -4.

Contacts: Tel: +1 809 542 0160.

Transfer to the city: Taxis are available outside the terminal.

Car rental: There are several car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Budget.

Facilities: Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, post office, a bank with 24-hour exchange facilities, restaurants and bars. Wireless Internet access is also available.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.

Departure Tax: US$20 (for stays of up to two weeks), US$25 (for stays of more than two weeks).

Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP)

Location: The airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Puerto Plata.

Time: GMT -4.

Contacts: Tel: +1 809 947 2225 or 586 0408.

Transfer to the city: Those on an air/hotel package with ground transfers included will be met by hotel reps, otherwise taxis are available.

Car rental: Car rental is available.

Facilities: Airport facilities include duty-free shopping, banks, bureau de change and ATMs, restaurants and bars, gift shops, first aid and a tourist help desk. There is access for the disabled and those with disabilities are catered for.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.

Departure Tax: US$20 (for stays of up to two weeks), US$25 (for stays of more than two weeks)

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Passport/Visa

It is strongly recommended that all Canadians be in possession of a valid Canadian passport while abroad. However, for direct air travel to the Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, at a cost of $10 US, which is valid for 30 days (this may be included in the cost of a packaged vacation). Those wishing to stay for a longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure or request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must apply for a business visa. More information can be obtained by contacting the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa.

NOTE: Since January 23, 2007, all Canadian citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from the Dominican Republic by air must comply with entry requirements to the U.S. which means a passport will be required in that instance.

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Entry Requirements

Tourist Visa or Tourist Card: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A departure tax is charged for all international flights, which may or may not be included in the price of the airline ticket. Travellers should confirm this information with their travel agents.

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Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in the main tourist centres.

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Money

The currency is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP), divided into 100 centavos. Many of the hotels and restaurants in the main tourist destinations display their prices in US dollars as well as in Dominican Pesos, as US dollars are widely accepted (recommended) and some places will also accept Euros. The peso cannot be exchanged outside of the Dominican Republic. Major currencies can be converted into pesos at Central Bank approved bureaux; only 30% of the pesos bought can be re-converted and this only if the original receipts are produced, so it is best not to buy more pesos than you are likely to need. Major credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a commission is usually charged and it is recommended that you only use your credit card at your hotel as fraud incidents have been reported. The best exchange rates are paid on US travellers cheques and secondly on US dollars cash and are best exchanged at exchange bureaux (casas de cambio). Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm; some banks also open on Saturday. ATMs are widespread.

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Communications

The international access code for the Dominican Republic is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 809 or 829. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not required for calling North America. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major international operators. Direct international calls can be made from numerous telecommunications centres located in all towns and cities. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

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Tipping

Hotels and restaurants generally include a 10% service charge as well as tax, but additional tips should be given for good service as often the charge does not go to the staff who provided the service. Waiters usually receive 10% extra for good service. For other services including taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary depending on the service provided.

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Safety

General Safety Measures

Due to the recent unrest in neighbouring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.

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Health

No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travellers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and take the relevant precautions. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.

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Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts, 60 Hz. American-style two-pin flat blade plugs are standard. This is the same as Canada and the U.S.

Time

Local time is GMT -4, one hour later than Ontario.

Flying Time From Toronto

Approximately 4 hours.

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