Travelisto destinations
Dominican Republic holidays
Palm-lined all-inclusive beaches, whale season in Samaná and the oldest colonial city in the Americas — about nine hours from the UK.
Overview
Welcome to Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is the Caribbean's biggest all-inclusive destination: long white-sand beaches backed by coconut palms, calm reef-protected water on much of the east coast, and resorts for every kind of trip, from huge family complexes with water parks to adults-only hideaways. It is also far more than a beach. Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the first cathedral, street and university of the Americas; the Samaná Peninsula has some of the island's wildest beaches and, from mid-January to March, thousands of humpback whales in its bay; and the interior climbs to Pico Duarte, at 3,098m the highest peak in the Caribbean.
Most UK visitors fly into Punta Cana on the east tip. The resort coast runs north from Cap Cana through Punta Cana and Bávaro to Uvero Alto, which is quieter and more secluded. Further south, La Romana and Bayahibe sit on calmer, sheltered water and are the gateway to Saona Island and Catalina Island day trips. The Atlantic north coast is different again: Puerto Plata and Playa Dorada for long-established resorts and the cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres, Sosúa for snorkelling, and Cabarete for kitesurfing and a livelier, independent feel.
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The Dominican peso is the local currency, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in the resort areas. Spanish is the national language, and English is widely spoken in hotels. Dominican food is hearty and good: la bandera (rice, beans and stewed meat), sancocho stew, fried plantain tostones, fresh fish in Bayahibe and Samaná, local rum, and merengue and bachata wherever there is music.
Best for: all-inclusive family holidays and half-term winter sun, couples who want an adults-only resort on a long beach, golfers (Punta Cana and Casa de Campo have some of the Caribbean's best-known courses), and travellers who want to add a day in Santo Domingo, a Samaná whale-watching trip or a few nights on the north coast. It pairs easily with a Caribbean cruise, or with Cuba or Mexico for a two-centre trip.
From the team
Why we love Dominican Republic
Choose the coast before the hotel. Bávaro and Punta Cana for the classic long beach, Uvero Alto if you want peace, La Romana for calmer water and Saona days, Samaná for wild beaches and whales. Then I match the resort to how you like to holiday.
Amanda Amanda, Americas & Caribbean Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersFind your trip
Holiday types in Dominican Republic
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
Where to stay
Beach destinations grouped by resort area — pick the cluster that matches your pace.
Punta Cana & Bávaro
Bávaro · Punta Cana · Cap Cana · Cabeza de Toro
See hotels →
Uvero Alto & Macao
Uvero Alto · Macao · Arena Gorda
See hotels →
La Romana & Bayahibe
La Romana · Bayahibe · Dominicus · Casa de Campo
See hotels →
North coast & Samaná
Puerto Plata · Sosúa · Cabarete · Las Terrenas · Samaná
See hotels →City breaks
Dominican Republic's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Cruises
La Romana, Puerto Plata (Amber Cove and Taíno Bay), Samaná and Santo Domingo are regular Caribbean cruise ports, and some winter cruises start and finish in La Romana.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Beach plus Santo Domingo
A resort stay with a night or two in the colonial capital, transfers and guide arranged.
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Family all-inclusive
The right resort for your children’s ages, with kids’ clubs, water parks and family suites.
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Two-centre Caribbean
Pair the Dominican Republic with Cuba, Mexico or a Caribbean cruise.
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Honeymoon or adults-only
An adults-only resort or a suite with a private pool, with the romantic touches arranged.
EnquirePractical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
29°
Feb
29°
Mar
30°
Apr
30°
May
31°
Jun
31°
Jul
32°
Aug
32°
Sep
32°
Oct
31°
Nov
30°
Dec
29°
The dry season, December to April, is the best time: sunny, 29–30°C and lower humidity, and it is when the humpback whales arrive in Samaná Bay (mid-January to March). May to July is hotter, with short tropical showers and good value. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October.
Flights & how to get there
Direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Punta Cana take about 9–10 hours, with seasonal direct flights to Puerto Plata. Santo Domingo is reached with one stop. Transfers from Punta Cana airport to most Bávaro and Punta Cana resorts take 20–40 minutes.
Visa & passport
UK passport holders do not need a visa for a holiday. The tourist card fee is usually included in your air fare, and every traveller must complete the free online E-Ticket form for entry and exit. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for the Dominican Republic.
Currency & money
The Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are accepted in most resort areas and cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Carry small cash for markets, tips and taxis.
Language & tipping
Spanish. English is widely spoken in the resorts and tourist areas.
Health & safety
Drink bottled water, use insect repellent (dengue is present) and pack high-factor sun cream. Consult your GP or a travel clinic about six weeks before you travel, and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
FAQs
Dominican Republic — your questions
When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
December to April is the dry season, with sunshine, temperatures around 29–30°C and lower humidity. It is also whale season in Samaná Bay from mid-January to March. June to November is hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.
How long is the flight from the UK to the Dominican Republic?
Direct flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Punta Cana take about 9 to 10 hours. Seasonal direct flights also serve Puerto Plata on the north coast.
Do I need a visa for the Dominican Republic?
UK passport holders do not need a visa for a holiday. You must complete the free online E-Ticket form before you travel, and the tourist card fee is usually included in your air fare. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before you go.
Which area is best: Punta Cana, Bávaro, La Romana or the north coast?
Bávaro and Punta Cana have the classic long beaches and the widest choice of all-inclusive resorts. Uvero Alto is quieter and more secluded. La Romana and Bayahibe have calmer water and easy trips to Saona Island. Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Samaná suit travellers who want more character and wilder beaches.
Is the Dominican Republic good for families?
Yes. It is one of the Caribbean’s best family destinations, with large all-inclusive resorts offering kids’ clubs, water parks, family suites and shallow beaches, plus a flight time that works for half-term and Easter holidays.
Make this trip yours
Plan your Dominican Republic holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
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