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The Caribbean is well known as a destination for all-inclusive resorts on dreamy beaches, but one destination stands out for travelers from all over the world: the Dominican Republic.
Often referred to as “the DR,” this country, which occupies the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, is barely a 2-hour flight from Florida but has turquoise waters and white-sand beaches that seem to come from a land far, far away.
The Dominican Republic has a number of tourist resort areas along its coast. Some of the most popular include Puerto Plata, Samaná, and La Romana, but by far, the most famous is Punta Cana. Each is known as a place to escape the cold, soak up the sun, and enjoy free-flowing cocktails by the pool and beach.
With so many stunning all-inclusive resorts, Dominican Republic destinations can be difficult to choose from. Luckily, there is truly at least one that should meet the needs and preferences of just about any type of traveler. We’ve done the evaluations for you – read on to see some of the top places to stay in the DR to adventure, relax, or both.
The Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
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1
The Favorite: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, Dominican Republic -
2
Best for Nightlife: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana -
3
Best Escape to the Beach: Hilton La Romana - Dominican Republic -
4
Best for Couples: Bahia Principe Luxury Samana Dominican Republic -
5
Most Luxurious: Sanctuary Cap Cana - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -
6
Best Adults-Only Getaway: Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -
7
Most Romantic: Excellence Punta Cana - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -
8
Best for Diving: Catalonia Bayahibe - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -
9
Best for Families: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic -
10
Most Budget-Friendly: Iberostar Costa Dorada - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
What’s Special About This Resort
The Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana All-Inclusive Resort is basically what dreams are made of. The beach front property, the beautiful modern facilities, and the laundry list of all-inclusive amenities are just a few of the wonderful perks of staying at the Ziva Cap Cana Resort.
This resort is awesome for those traveling with family, as it has a little something for everyone. The on site complimentary water park is fun for kids and teens, with a lazy river and several waterslides. The facilities on the resort property are beautiful and modern, giving adults the kind of sophisticated, luxurious vacation they’re craving. The whole family can have some fun on the expansive beach front, soaking up the sun and trying all the water sports Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana has to offer.
This all-inclusive stay comes with full waterpark access, large infinity pools with swim-up bars, and free use of substantial beachfront property including chairs and umbrellas. Unlimited food and top shelf beverages from any of the restaurants and bars on property, buffet breakfast, along with a minibar stocked daily and 24-hour room service are also included in your stay. The resort has a gorgeous fitness facility with separate cardio, spin, and weight rooms, as well as live entertainment, cooking demos and an aqua gym class offerings. Use of non-motorized water sports equipment is also complimentary.
Things we like:
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Food options are varied and fresh – above average food for an all-inclusive resort -
Rooms and facilities are new, clean, and have a high quality feel
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Beautiful infinity pools with swim-up bars
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Great service and staff
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Feels secluded, but still a convenient 15 minute drive to town and/or the airport
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Gorgeous fitness center
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Free Wi-Fi
Things we don't like:
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Not a ton of grab-n-go food options, might be worth bringing some healthy snacks in from the outside -
“Club Level” up-sell is a bit annoying for an all-inclusive resort
What’s Special About This Resort
The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana is another Caribbean hotspot for all-inclusive vacations, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino here just might be its capital of entertainment. It’s home to the biggest casino in the region, with over 500 slots and video poker machines, plus table games.
At the Hard Rock, you’re never far from music, whether it’s live performances from bands or timeless, classic records, along with a lively nightclub on property to party your nights away. That’s all besides the relaxing pools and beach.
All stays are all-inclusive at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and include all meals, drinks, and nights of accommodation. There are nine restaurants plus room service to enjoy on the package, with top-shelf drinks and world-class entertainment. Daily activities and even fitness courses with instructors are included, too, as are unlimited phone calls to the US and Canada.
Things we like:
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Awesome live music performances most times of the day
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A vibrant nightclub on property keeps the party going late into the night
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13 (!) swimming pools
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Massive casino
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Room service is part of the all-inclusive package
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Extras like mini golf, Flowrider, and bowling
Things we don't like:
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Resort is so large that there are trolleys to transport you around it
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There can be a very party-like atmosphere that isn’t ideal for relaxation-searchers
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Excursions booked through the hotel are overpriced and better purchased separately
Where to Book Hilton La Romana – Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
Booking.com (Adults Only)
Expedia.com (Adults Only)
What’s Special About This Resort
The Dominican Republic is the most-visited destination in the Caribbean, and Punta Cana is the most popular place in the country – so you aren’t short of beautiful resorts here. The Hilton La Romana stands out because you get two all-inclusive resort experiences to choose from. On one side, there’s a family-friendly beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and a kid’s club. On the other, you’ll find an adults-only haven of tranquility. Both sit on an idyllic white-sand, aqua-blue water beach.
Both sides of this large resort are completely all-inclusive, and best of all, each gets access to the other, too. In total, more than 20 dining outlets with unlimited food and drink are included with your stay, plus room service. Non-motorized watersports are free, as are daily activities and nightly entertainment.
Things we like:
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An all-adults side and a kid-friendly side, making this a great choice for most travelers
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Stunning beach is great for lounging, swimming, or snorkeling
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Awesome waterpark on family-friendly side
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Lively casino on adults-only side
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Some suites have private plunge pools
Things we don't like:
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Far distance from international airports in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana; local airport doesn’t have a lot of service
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Restaurants don’t take reservations and some guests experience long wait times
Where to Book Hilton La Romana – Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
Booking.com (Adults Only)
Expedia.com (Adults Only)
What’s Special About This Resort
For adults seeking serenity on the beach, in a lush tropical environment, Bahia Principe Luxury Samana delivers. With all the trappings of an idyllic island hideaway, the all-inclusive, 149-room resort provides plenty of amenities and personalized service. With a pool, beach, five restaurants, a spa, a fitness center and more, the resort offers ample diversion, yet guests will find themselves drawn back to their light, airy guest rooms, many of which feature romantic four-poster beds and dramatic ocean views.
We’re sold on the natural setting away from town, which provides couples with unlimited time and space to focus on each other within a relaxed beach ambiance.
The all-inclusive rates at Bahia Principe Luxury Samana include buffet breakfast, unlimited a la carte dinners in specialty restaurants and a wide selection of international drinks, 24-hour room service, pool and beach towels, exclusive beach and pool bar service, organized games and activities, Wi-Fi and shuttle service to the Cayo Levantado public beach. The following services are available for an additional fee: scuba diving, sailing classes, paddleboarding, fishing, all motorized sports and vehicles, spa treatments, premium drinks and themed dinners.
Things we like:
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Quiet, adult-only setting
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Five restaurants for diverse dining
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Shuttle service to public beach
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Free Wi-Fi
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High-end amenities typically reserved for more high-end resorts
Things we don't like:
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Far from town
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Small beach
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Lots of stairs throughout the property
What’s Special About This Resort
Especially after its recent $45 million renovation, Sanctuary Cap Cana is one of the most exclusive, luxurious, and romantic resorts in the Punta Cana area. This property, a part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, is in the gated Cap Cana neighborhood just south of Punta Cana.
The hotel is constructed in the style of a Spanish colonial castle in between a large, wrap-around swimming pool and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
It’s an adults-only, all-inclusive paradise with spa treatments, a private beach, exotic dining, and much more in the way of indulgence.
All stays at Sanctuary Cap Cana include all meals and unlimited drinks, as well as your in-suite mini-bar and 24-hour room service. Packages also include daily entertainment and activities around the resort, including unique things like karaoke nights, bike tours, and meditation.
Things we like:
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Beautiful architecture and layout make it one of the most striking resorts in the DR
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All rooms are very spacious, more so than other resorts
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Great selection of dining and drinking on property
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Staff and service have a particularly great reputation here
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Pool experience is exceptional
Things we don't like:
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Beach is not ideal for swimming; however, most people find that the pools make up for this
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Certain entertainment nights (karaoke, Latino nights, etc) can get a bit loud and bothersome
Where to Book Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia
Hotels.com
What’s Special About This Resort
We’ve already covered the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana’s “Ziva” counterpart above – as briefly mentioned, there’s a whole other paradise right next door with some shared amenities. And for many couples, friend groups, or solo travellers who aren’t with children of their own, the peaceful adults-only atmosphere on the other side is the place to be.
Infinity pools and swim-up bars are some of the grown-up-friendly benefits of the Zilara resort, while the lazy river and waterslides of the Canapolis Water Park are still certainly available to those who want to play.
A tranquil spa is on-site, while adventure parks, golf, and boat-based activities are a short ride down the road.
All rates at the Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana are all-inclusive, and guests get unlimited dining and drinking at 6 restaurants and 5 bars and lounges. That includes top-shelf wines and liquors, as well as 24-hour room service. Other inclusions are non-motorized water sports, live entertainment, aqua gym classes, and more.
Things we like:
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Adults-only peace and quiet, with more playful amenities like a waterpark available next door
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Beautiful infinity pools with swim-up bars
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Interesting dining options like Tahitian and Mongolian
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Exceptional spa experience at the Larimar Spa
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Juanillo Beach is one of the better, more swimmable ones in Cap Cana with warm water and a sandy bottom
Things we don't like:
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Not a ton of nighttime entertainment apart from live music; some adults find it too quiet
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Many of the daily activities take place near the Ziva property, where kids are present
Where to Book Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia
Hotels.com
It’s not hard to find a romantic resort in Punta Cana. But about 45 minutes north of the airport in a secluded and quiet resort area, Excellence Punta Cana is especially great for couples on a getaway.
Accommodations include bungalow plantation-style rooms outfitted with high-end amenities; you can choose one with a jacuzzi on the ocean-view terrace or one in the Excellence Club for an extra-special romantic occasion.
The sparkling swimming pools are lined with palapas and loungers, while the white-sand beach is lined with palm trees. Complimenting the adults-only atmosphere are things like spa treatments, horseback riding, diving, and more.
At Excellence Punta Cana, all stays are all-inclusive. You can expect all à-la-carte dining, drinks (including premium alcohol), and room service. Land sports like tennis, volleyball, and horseback riding are also included, as are non-motorized water sports, an introductory pool scuba lesson, and nighttime entertainment.
Things we like:
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Secluded, relaxed, and romantic Caribbean atmosphere; adults-only
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Great couples activities like horseback riding, archery, scuba diving, etc.
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Free airport transfers included in stays of 3 nights or more
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Plenty of dining options with more than a dozen bars and restaurants
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Excellent live entertainment
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Staff here gets a ton of shoutouts by name for going above and beyond
Things we don't like:
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This area can suffer from a lot of mosquitos and other bugs in the right conditions
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Several restaurants have a rather formal dress code
What’s Special About This Resort
Some of the best diving in the Dominican Republic is found off the island’s southern shore, making Catalonia Bayahibe ideally placed to access the underwater world. Located near the La Romana resort area on the famed Dominicus Beach, this is a sprawling resort with high-quality accommodations, swimming pools, dining, and activities, and it all comes at an exceptional price point (we almost gave it the prize for most budget-friendly).
That savings means you can spend more time underwater at sites near Catalina Island, Saona Island, and Cotubanamá National Park. An on-site dive center takes care of the details to visit fringing reefs, colorful sea life, and possibly even manatees.
Your all-inclusive stay at Catalonia Bayahibe comes with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at buffet restaurants, as well as at certain à-la-carte restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and domestic alcohol are included as well. Daily resort activities and entertainment and non-motorized water sports are other perks, including an introductory pool dive. You can see all the details of the package when you select a room type.
Things we like:
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Setting on Dominicus Beach, one of the Dominican Republic’s best
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Fantastic price point for great quality
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On-site dive center with easy access to some of the island’s best sites; certifications and free introductory dives are available
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Great hiking and other nature sightseeing possibilities in nearby national park and reserve areas
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Opportunities for both romantic experiences and family fun for all types of visitors
Things we don't like:
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Restrictions on the beverages you can enjoy for free as part of the all-inclusive experience
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A far ride from the airports of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
What’s Special About This Resort
How in the world could there be a better family getaway in the Dominican Republic than Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana? This place combines sun-soaked watersports, all-inclusive convenience, and poolside relaxation with your favorite characters, games, and slime!
Kids get to start their day with character breakfast before moving on to fun just for them, including an on-site waterpark and an outstanding kids’ club. Parents can relax in poolside cabanas, relax at the spa, and enjoy plenty of grown-up-friendly dining and drinking.
Rooms are themed but still luxuriously appointed, and you can even opt to stay in a pineapple villa – almost as if you lived in a pineapple under the sea!
All stays at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana come with the Gourmet Inclusive experience. Dining and drinking, including premium drinks, are at no extra charge, but that’s just the beginning. Access to the Aqua Nick water park, character experiences, Sportshub, kids club, Baby Zone, and many watersports are also included.
Things we like:
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Kids will never be bored between the waterpark, sports center, kids clubs, pools…
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Parents don’t have to sacrifice anything thanks to excellent dining, drinking, spa, and pool experiences
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Rooms are spacious and one-of-a-kind with some super cool specialty categories
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Rates are reasonable for everything that you get
Things we don't like:
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Resort can get very busy and space fills up, especially at the waterpark and special events
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While most guests seem to have the exceptional experience described, the reviews are mixed; some people leave totally dissatisfied with service and offerings
Where to Book Iberostar Costa Dorada – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
Hotels.com
What’s Special About This Resort
It’s not impossible to find budget all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, nor do you have to sacrifice quality – Iberostar Costa Dorada is a great example. This one is located in the historic northern city of Puerto Plata on a golden-sand beach.
Besides the typical lounging, relaxing, and watersports you can enjoy in the Caribbean, guests here also have easy access to centuries-old history and jungle adventures in the island’s interior. A resort spa and kids club are other perks.
All of this comes at an unbelievable, all-inclusive price that makes this kind of luxury accessible to most vacationers.
Iberostar resorts are always all-inclusive, and you’ll get all dining, snacking, and drinking included at no extra charge. One hour a day of non-motorized water sports is also free, as are daily activities and entertainment, including children’s programs.
Things we like:
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High-quality rooms, activities, dining, etc. at awesome prices
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Quick access to Puerto Plata center for history and culture, but also on a great beach
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Excellent programs for kids, including Star Camp
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Dive center on-site with trips to some of the best reefs and wrecks in the northern Dominican Republic
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Plenty of nearby opportunities to visit national parks, caves, hikes, rivers, etc.
Things we don't like:
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Slow service at check-in and restaurants when the resort is busy
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Rooms and public areas are ready for a renovation
Where to Book Iberostar Costa Dorada – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
Hotels.com
A Brief History of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has always had stunning beaches and beautiful jungles, but its status as a top tourist destination is largely new in the grand scheme of things. This island country has centuries of colonial history dating back to European explorer times – in fact, it was here that Christopher Columbus first landed in 1492, when he “discovered” the Americas.
Columbus encountered the native Taíno people who had been there for millennia. Still, he claimed the island for Spain and named it La Isla Española; this was later Latinized to Hispaniola. They established the first Spanish settlement in the Americas, La Isabela, which is modern-day Puerto Plata, one of the popular resort areas.
Santo Domingo, the modern-day capital of the Dominican Republic, was established shortly after, and it’s still the longest-continuously inhabited European city in the hemisphere. The colonial remains in these cities, including the nearly 500-year-old Gothic Cathedral of the Americas and the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, remain popular tourist sites.
The island was mostly a Spanish colony for the next centuries, except for a brief period of French rule and then some time as a unified colony with Haiti. Even after the Dominican Republic declared independence in 1844, both Spain and the United States occupied the island for a few years each.
While it’s had its struggles, the DR found its success as a major tourist destination in the 1990s and has capitalized on its spectacular natural features ever since.
Feel Like Getting Out of the Resort?
The Dominican Republic is the most popular destination in the Caribbean and definitely has a reputation as a place to sit back and relax for an entire vacation. That’s especially the case with these all-inclusive resorts, where it can be difficult to leave! However, there’s a lot to see around the island.
It’s important to note that the major tourist resorts, such as Punta Cana, La Romana, Samaná, and Puerto Plata, are not close to each other. Unless you plan on staying in different places around the island during your trip, it is not a good idea to plan activities outside of your region, as the drive is just too far.
Diving & Snorkeling
There are diving and snorkeling opportunities all around the Dominican Republic for visitors of all skill levels. Luckily, the weather is always hot, and the water is relatively warm. But the December to March season is not just best for diving due to the lack of rain – this is also humpback whale migration season, and you can hear them sing to each other underwater!
Punta Cana has plenty of dive shops, and many resorts even offer one on-site. There’s a massive reef stretching from north to south off the coast here with colorful life, large animals, and a few wrecks in shallow water. The area is definitely suitable for beginners, and certification courses are offered; snorkelers can see many of the same sites from the surface.
One of our favorite spots on the island, however, is near the southern La Romana and Bayahíbe resort areas. These are close to the islands of Saona and Catalina, as well as the shoreline of a large national park.
Visibility in these waters is outstanding, and there is very little current. Environments range from beautiful reefs and mangrove forests, suitable for beginners, to overhead environments like caves and caverns for the more experienced.
In the north, Puerto Plata and Sosúa are gateways to much deeper reefs, walls, and wrecks, and currents can be stronger here. While experienced divers have more opportunities in these areas, there are a few spots that are snorkeler and beginner-friendly.
Adventure Parks
While the offshore waters of the Dominican Republic are awesome, there are spots on land that offer even more. A few adventure parks make crystal-clear waters, exotic caves, and other wild features much more easily accessible.
Scape Park in Punta Cana is one of the most famous. Just minutes up the road from some of the country’s best resorts, you can zipline through the jungle, swim under waterfalls, spelunk around stalagmites in caves, and much more. You’ll also see local wildlife and experience indigenous culture, making this an all-around fantastic day trip from the resort.
There are a few more of these types of places near Puerto Plata. The Monkey Jungle Dominican Republic offers not only ziplining and jungle exploration but close encounters with adorable (but mischievous) spider monkeys! Country World Adventure Park adds ATVing and horseback riding.
27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
The Damajagua Waterfalls are different from an adventure park and just all-around awesome, so this place deserves its own mention. It’s a canyon network with, as you guessed, 27 waterfalls in the mountains behind Puerto Plata.
You won’t believe that water carved this place out naturally – it looks like a manufactured movie set, but it’s very real. You’ll put on a helmet and canyoning gear before being guided through narrow slots, large pools, and natural slides that the water flow has created. The colors range from electric blue to emerald green and contrast beautifully with the rocks and jungle around.
Most visitors do about 12 of the waterfalls, as all 27 would take all day. There are just a few guides that can take you through this experience, and this is one of the most popular activities in the country. So, if you’re adventurous, plan in advance for this one.
History & Culture
History buffs have plenty to see in the Dominican Republic. Start in the capital, Santo Domingo, as this is where much of the colonial past of the country took place. The Ciudad Colonial neighborhood, fronting the port, is the aforementioned oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
For that, it’s earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are countless monuments and historic places to see. The Fortaleza Ozama is a 16th-century fortress by the river, while the Alcázar de Colón is a stone palace built by Columbus’ son. A central park honors Columbus with a statue of him.
To the west of Puerto Plata, you can explore modern-day La Isabela, the first European settlement in the region that didn’t last. However, there’s an interesting archaeological museum there. In central Puerto Plata, you can explore the Fortaleza de San Felipe, which has sat guard over the city since the 1500s. Here, and in any city around the Dominican Republic, you can find local food and see daily life go by on the island.
Related Reviews
Frequently asked questions
Especially when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic does tend to be cheaper than Cancun, although the difference can vary depending on your preferences for luxury.
There are certainly some very expensive high-end places to stay in the Dominican Republic. But generally, you’ll get more for your buck here; this is especially true as you move away from ultra-luxury properties.
Budget and mid-range resorts in the Dominican Resort provide very high quality at more reasonable prices.
November through April are considered the best months to visit the DR in terms of weather, as it is significantly less wet and pleasantly warm.
Outside of that window, you risk not only rain but dangerous hurricanes. But this also makes it the high season, when crowds are biggest, and prices are highest. Consider late April and early May for a prime period of weather, crowds, and costs.
While the Dominican Republic has a bit of a reputation for less-than-stellar safety, Punta Cana is one area where it’s generally safe to venture out.
There are some fantastic shopping areas, golf courses, and adventure parks around the area that tourists frequently visit. One common recommendation is to arrange your transportation through the resort or with a reputable tour agency, just to be totally confident.
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