Dominican Republic Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Savvy travelers who are looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation have made a wise choice in the Dominican Republic. Renting a villa here will put you in the middle of paradise, complete with miles of beaches, rainforests, lakes, mountains, and more. Outdoor activities combined with shopping and entertainment make for a great vacation, and you’ll find all the information you need to know about the Dominican Republic here.
Why Dominican Republic?
- Dominican Republic is the most visited destination in the Caribbean.
- Dominican Republic is home to the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte.
- Dominican Republic is home to the oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo.
- The country is a mix of African, Spanish, and Taíno cultures, making it one of the most diverse countries in the Caribbean.
- The country is home to some of the world's best beaches, with over 1,000 miles of coastline.
Dominican Republic Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
Average Rainfall
News and Notable
Frequent visitors include Drake, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez.
Casa de Campo is a golfers dream!
Casa de Campo is a golfers dream! This award-winning course was developed by Pete Dye, who is considered the world's most renowned golf course architect. Play the Teeth of the Dog, the Links or the new Dye Fore. Ranked in the world's top 30 for more than 25 years, it's no wonder the courses at Casa de Campo have gained international recognition. In April 2008, Golf Magazine ranked Casa de Campo as havingTHE BEST GOLF in the Caribbean! Other activities at Casa de Camp Resort include: tennis, private beach, water sports, pools, horseback riding, spa treatments, shooting, boating and excursions. Outstanding dining, entertainment, year-round programs for kids and teens, new marina & yacht club, shopping and the wondrous Altos de Chavon artists' village!
Exploring D.R's Many Waterfalls
Hike through Dominican Republic's lush, tropical jungles to one of its many waterfall oasis. Swim in the crystal-clear lagoon pools and bathe in the cascading water falling overhead. The highest waterfall in the Caribbean is the Salto Aqua Blanca at 492 feet. Tours and hikes to this stunning site are offered in the city of Constanza. The Salto de Jimenoa, located in Jarabacoa National Park, is 131-foot. To get there you'll take a hiking trail through the jungle and over a narrow suspension bridge. There is a snack bar that's open on the weekends. El Limon is picturesque waterfall accessible only by horseback. Rides are around $15 and take 2 ½ hours round-trip. Bring a little extra cash for lunch. Near Puerto Plata, Damajagua Falls, also known as Cascades of Imbert and Seven Fallas, is a series of 27 waterfalls. Visitors climb up limestone boulders then jump or slide into the grottoes. The water can be swift so this excursion isn't for weak or young swimmers and water shoes are recommended.
Dominican Republic is the kiteboarding capital of the world.
Dominican Republic's north coast offers the perfect mix of water, waves and wind making this the kiteboarding capital of the world. Using a board and the power of a large controllable kite, the surfer relies on wind and heavy gusts to propel him over the water and waves. This is one of the fastest growing water sports. If you're a beginner, you won't have any trouble finding experienced kitesurfers offering instruction. Die-hard kitesurfers from around the world meet annually at Cabarete Beach to compete in the World Cup Windsurfing Championship, the largest kitesurfing event in the world.
Transportation on Dominican Republic
Getting to Dominican Republic and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
A passport is required for U.S. visitors as well as other countries.
Airlines Flying Here
American, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, LAN Airlines, Northwest, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, US Airways
Airport
Punta Cana Intl near Higuey, PUJ
La Romana Intl near La Romana, LRM
Gregorio Luperon Intl near Puerto Plata, POP
Cibao Intl, near Santiago City, STI
Herrera Intl, Santo Domingo, HEX
Las Americas Intl, Santo Domingo, SDQ
Departure Tax
As of April 1, 2018, arrival/departure tax is rolled into airline tickets.
Driving
On the right
Dominican Republic Weddings and Honeymoons
Vacationers don’t just stay in Dominican Republic villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Permission from the American Consulate in Santo Domingo must first be obtained, then proof of citizenship documents (including original birth certificates and passports) must be presented to the Dominican Consulate for approval. Divorce and death certificates must also be presented, if applicable. Notarized documents must be submitted two weeks before the wedding and translated into Spanish. Cost varies.
Know Before You Go...® - Dominican Republic Travel Tips
Before making their way to Dominican Republic villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Dominican Republic even more relaxing.