The Dominican Republic offers all inclusive holidays at the cheaper end of the scale for those looking for a Caribbean destination on a budget. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the North and Caribbean sea on the South, the Dominican Republic is easily accessible with eight international airports, and is also a favourite Caribbean destination for golfers.
The island of Hispaniola is split into two thirds Dominican Republic and one third Haiti. The island was named by Christopher Columbus in 1492, and is the second largest in the Caribbean after Cuba.
Seasons
There are two peak tourist seasons in the Dominican Republic, Summer is considered July & August and Winter from December to February.
Climate
The Dominican Republic is known for their “endless summer” due to the tropical warm and sunny conditions enjoyed most of the year. The winter season is from November to April, these cooler months have lower humidity with an average of 28°C in the coastal resorts during the day and 20°C overnight. In summer, which is considered May to October, the daily average in the coastal resorts rises to 31°C in the day and 22°C at night, the higher humidity can make it feel much hotter during this time of year. Temperatures in the desert region (southwest) can reach 40°C.
The rainy season is predominantly October to April in the north of the Dominican Republic and May to November in the south. Expect short bursts of torrential rain with the sun out shining an hour later.
The hurricane season is from June to November, the months of August & September are considered the prime risk for tropical storms & hurricanes in this region.
Resorts
Boca Chica: Known for it’s seedy sex industry, fabulous bay for diving and snorkelling
Casa de Campo: Golfer’s delight with 3 courses designed by Pete Dye including Teeth of the Dog which is ranked 43 out of the top 100 courses in the world
Punta Cana: Gorgeous coconut tree lined white beaches where guests rarely leave the mega all inclusive resorts
Samaná Peninsula: Famous for whale watching, visitors can expect to see humpback whales from mid January to mid March
San Cristóbal: Superb beaches with AI hotels but the southwest coast has been unable to emulate the success of the southeast resorts as yet
Silver Coast: Puerto Plata bustling port with 19th century architecture, Playa Dorada largest AI complex in the world, Cabarete is the spot for kiteboarding & windsurfing
Airports
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ): Resorts of Punta Cana & Cap Cana
Santo Domingo (SDQ): Capital airport & resorts of Boca Chica & Juan Dolio
Puerto Plata International Airport (POP): Resort of Puerto Plata, Cofresí, Playa Dorada, Sosúa & Cabarete
La Romana International Airport (LRM): Casa de Campo & Bayahibe
Juan Bosch International Airport (AZS): Resorts of Samaná, Cosón, las Terrenas & Portillo
Cibao International Airport (STI): Central airport serving Santiago, La Vega, Jarabacoa, Constanza, San Francisco de Macorís & Moca
Joaquín Balaguer International Airport (JBQ): Mainly domestic flights to Haiti
María Montez International Airport (BRX): Mainly domestic flights for Barahona
Currency
The Dominican Peso (RD$) is the official currency of the Dominican Republic.
Language
Spanish is the official language spoken in the Dominican Republic.
Time Zone
Dominican Republic Time is AST (Atlantic Standard Time). GMT/UTC – 4h.
Tourism
According to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization the Dominican Republic received 5.14 million tourists in 2014, which was a 9.6% increase compared to arrivals in 2013. Their goal is to reach 10 million annual visitors by 2023.
Entry Requirements
UK citizens can visit the Dominican Republic for holidays with a Tourist Card and a valid passport. The card costs US$10, it entitles the holder to stay for up to 30 days, it can only be used once and is valid for 1 year. The tourist card can be purchased online here www.dgii.gov.do/Tturistaweb
Departure Tax
There is a departure tax to exit the Dominican Republic, if this has not been included in your airfare, the amount due is US$20.
Health
Care should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitos when visiting the Dominican Republic, travellers are at risk of contracting Dengue Fever, Malaria and the Zika Virus. You may want to consider a vaccination for Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as travellers can get both through contaminated food or water in the Dominican Republic.