Caribbean Paradise Awaits

Where the Caribbean
Comes Alive

From powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons to pulsating merengue rhythms and rich colonial heritage — the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most vibrant destination.

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1,600+ km of Coastline
300+ Days of Sunshine
500+ Years of History
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The Heart of the Caribbean

Discover the Dominican Spirit

A nation shaped by Taíno heritage, African rhythms, and Spanish colonial grandeur — the Dominican Republic offers a cultural tapestry unlike anywhere else on earth.

Merengue dancers in colorful traditional costumes
Culture
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Music & Dance

Merengue and bachata — both UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — pulse through every street corner, beach bar, and festival. Let the rhythm move you in lively dance halls in Santo Domingo, or take a merengue lesson with a local master.

  • Merengue: UNESCO World Heritage rhythm since 2016
  • Bachata: soulful guitar melodies born in barrios
  • Galerías de Arte in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone
  • Artisanal crafts: larimar, amber & carnival masks
Colorful Caribbean food spread with tropical ingredients
Cuisine
🍳

Flavors of the Island

Dominican cuisine blends African, Spanish, and Taíno traditions into a bold, comforting palette. From hearty morning mangú to slow-simmered sancocho, every meal is a celebration of heritage and fresh, tropical ingredients.

  • Mangú — mashed green plantain with pickled onions
  • Sancocho — the beloved seven-meat national stew
  • Fresh grilled lobster and Caribbean red snapper
  • Mamajuana rum, Brugal & Barceló aged spirits
Vibrant carnival parade with colorful masks and costumes
Festivals
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Festivals & Carnival

Dominican Carnival is one of the Caribbean's most spectacular celebrations — a fusion of Taíno, African, and European traditions exploding in color, music, and intricate handmade costumes every February in La Vega, Santiago, and Santo Domingo.

  • Carnival: February 27 — Independence Day celebrations
  • Merengue Festival: July–August on Malecón, Santo Domingo
  • Puerto Plata Merengue Festival: October
  • Festival del Libro in Santo Domingo: April

Thrill & Wonder

Adventures Beyond the Shore

Whether you seek the serenity of crystal-clear shallows or the rush of encountering the ocean's giants, the Dominican Republic delivers experiences that stay with you forever.

Pristine white sand beach with turquoise Caribbean water
Beaches
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World-Class Beaches

With over 1,600 km of coastline, the Dominican Republic boasts some of the Caribbean's finest beaches. Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana draws visitors with its endless white sand and calm, turquoise waters, while Saona Island — a protected national park — offers a pristine paradise accessible only by boat.

Bávaro Beach Punta Cana — resort-lined paradise
Saona Island National Park — coconut palms & starfish
Playa Juanillo 15 km from Punta Cana — secluded gem
Macao Beach Unspoiled — ideal for surfing & solitude
Underwater coral reef with tropical fish and clear blue water
Underwater
🤴

Diving & Snorkeling

Beneath the surface lies another world entirely. Saona Island is the Dominican Republic's most important sea turtle nesting site, and its crystal waters teem with marine life. The Silver Banks — a remote shallow plateau — is one of the world's only places where you can snorkel alongside humpback whales.

Saona Island Reef Sea turtles, starfish & tropical fish
Silver Banks Snorkeling with humpback whales
Punta Cana Dive Sites Colorful coral walls & wrecks
Bayahibe Pristine walls & Catalina Island
Humpback whale breaching in Samaná Bay with blue ocean
Wildlife
🐋

Whale Watching in Samaná

Every winter, thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales make the journey to Samaná Bay to breed and give birth — creating the Caribbean's largest whale-watching spectacle. Watch these magnificent creatures breach, sing, and nurse their calves in waters protected as a national marine sanctuary since 1986.

Season January 15 – March 31 each year
Species North Atlantic Humpback Whales
Best Spot Samaná Bay Marine Sanctuary
Silver Banks Multi-day snorkel-with-whale expeditions

Your Journey Starts Here

Getting to Paradise

The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean's most accessible destinations, with multiple international airports and direct flights from North America, Europe, and beyond.

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International Airports

PUJ Punta Cana International

The busiest airport in the Caribbean — direct flights from 60+ cities including New York, Toronto, London, Madrid, and Montreal. Gateway to Bávaro, Saona, and the eastern resort coast.

SDQ Las Américas, Santo Domingo

Serves the capital city and its UNESCO Colonial Zone. Ideal for business travelers and those exploring the island's south coast, history, and cultural sites.

STI Santiago International

Gateway to the Cibao Valley, Jarabacoa, and the Cordillera Central highlands. Great for eco-tourism, mountain adventures, and the vibrant city of Santiago.

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Best Time to Visit

Peak Season
December – April

Dry, sunny, and warm — ideal conditions with low humidity. This is also humpback whale season in Samaná (Jan–Mar) and peak Carnival period (February).

Shoulder Season
May – June & November

Fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush green landscapes. Occasional afternoon showers but still plenty of sunshine. Merengue Festival runs July–August.

Hurricane Season
July – October

Best travel deals and nearly empty resorts. Actual storm risk is lower than perceived — check forecasts and travel insurance is recommended.

Average temperature year-round: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
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Getting Around the Island

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Car Rental

Best for flexibility. Major international agencies available at all airports. 4WD recommended for exploring rural areas and mountain roads.

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Guagua (Local Bus)

The authentic Dominican experience — affordable shared minibuses connecting major cities and towns. Operated by OMSA and private companies.

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Domestic Flights

Charter and regional flights connect Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago, Samaná, and Puerto Plata — saving hours of road travel.

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Motoconcho & Taxi

Motorcycle taxis (motoconchos) for short hops. Official taxis available in cities — always agree on a fare before riding. Uber operates in Santo Domingo.

Ready to Experience Paradise?

Over 7 million visitors discover the Dominican Republic every year. Make this year your year.

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