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.
| Average Temperatures | ||
|---|---|---|
| Highs | Lows | |
| January |  84 ° F |
 ° F |
| February | 84 ° F |
° F |
| March | 84 ° F |
° F |
| April | 84 ° F |
° F |
| May | 86 ° F |
° F |
| June | 91 ° F |
° F |
| July | 88 ° F |
° F |
| August | 88 ° F |
° F |
| September | 88 ° F |
° F |
| October | 88 ° F |
° F |
| November | 86 ° F |
° F |
| December | 84 ° F |
° F |
| Average Rainfall | |
|---|---|
| January |  2.4 inches |
| February | 1.4 inches |
| March | 1.9 inches |
| April | 3.9 inches |
| May | 6.8 inches |
| June | 6.1 inches |
| July | 6.4 inches |
| August | 6.3 inches |
| September | 7.3 inches |
| October | 6 inches |
| November | 4.8 inches |
| December | 2.4 inches |
Nestled between Puerto Rico and Cuba on an island that it shares with the Republic of Haiti, the Dominican Republic offers travelers the best that the Caribbean has to offer, with a unique personality rooted deeply in her Latino heritage.
Beaches, beaches and more beaches - thousands of them to be precise. If sun worshiping is your pastime of choice, the Dominican Republic is ideal. Its appeal extends far beyond its shores, however. Its complex landscape is a mixed metaphor, boasting both the Caribbean's tallest mountains and its lowest inland point - a million year old lake the size of Manhattan. You'll find a mountainous interior and healthy rain forests encircled by miles of white sand beaches.
One of the largest nations in the chain, travelers need more than a day or two to experience all that the Dominican Republic has to offer. A Spanish-speaking country, English is prevalent at the hotels and restaurants, but not much beyond there. You can choose from various accommodations from deluxe resorts to charming B&Bs. Don't look for impeccable service, however. The Dominican Republic serves everything from food to entertainment with the friendly laissez faire style that is its trademark.
Boredom is the only thing that you won't experience here. Water sports on the Dominican Republic are numerous, but its land sports are one of a kind. Exploring is a big attraction here in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean basin. Touring the jungles, forests and mountain areas of the Dominican Republic would be any hiker's idea of paradise. Horseback riding, sailing, deep sea fishing and whale watching add to the extensive mix of activities to enjoy here. You can even go to the horse races!
Unfairly reputed as an unsafe destination, the Dominican Republic can hold her head high as an exciting, cost effective destination for a variety of world travelers.
It is said that in 1976 Altos de Chavón was built as a gift for the daughter of the late Charles Bludorn. He was a wealthy Gulf & Western President who wanted this Mediterranean Village erected as a monumentally extravagant birthday present. It is now one of Dominican Republic's best known tourist attractions. Perched high on a bluff, above the La Romana Resort overlooking the Chavón River, this impressive hillside village looks a bit out of place in the Dominican Republic. Visitors are transported back in time to 1500's old Europe. Dominican stonecutters, woodworkers, and iron-smiths combined their crafts to create the rich architectural landscape. Plan to spend a day or so browsing through the Altos de Chavon archaelogy museum, walking gobble-stone paths to the shops and the art galleries. Stop at one of the many restaurants and relax while taking in the incredible view. In the evening you can hit the dance floor at one of the discos, or watch as world-class performers take the stage in the amphitheatre.
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'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.
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!
The Dominican Republic is one of the best places in the world to whale-watch. Thousands of humpbacks migrate here during mating season, which runs mid-January through mid-March. Catch a boat to Samana Bay and you may see as many as 300 whales frolicking just a few yards away. Whales race underwater, then launch into the air, and crash back into the water. It's a site you'll never forget. Cheering for more you may also see whales roll onto their backs and sides raising their tail and flippers high into the air and then slapping down on the water. Bring your camera. It's fun for the whole family!
Getting to Dominican Republic and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Proof of citizenship is required to purchase a $10 "tourist card". A passport is required for U.S. visitors as well as other countries.
American, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, LAN Airlines, Northwest, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, US Airways
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
US$20
On the right
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 must be presented to the Dominican Consulate for approval. Divorce and death certificates must also be presented, if applicable. Cost: No cost
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.
| Capital: | Santo Domingo |
|---|---|
| Population: | 9,183,984 |
| Size: | 48,730 sq km |
| Electric Current: | 110 |
| Time: | 16:23 pm zone:-4 (GMT/UTC -4) |
| Official Language: | Spanish; English spoken in places. |
| Topography: | rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed |
| Telephone: | International: country code - 1-809 |
(809) 221-4660
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