dominican republic
The Dominican Republic has some of the longest beaches in the Caribbean, but there’s far more to it. Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial is the oldest European city in the Americas, the mountains are cool and green, and humpback whales gather off Samaná every winter.
The best hotels range from polished estates at Cap Cana and La Romana to quieter boutique places on the north coast.
where to go
Long beaches, marinas and the best-known resorts.
A large estate with golf, polo and a marina.
The colonial capital and its UNESCO-listed old town.
A green peninsula with whale watching in winter.
A national park with beaches and starfish shallows.
A wild, beautiful stretch of the north coast.
when to go
The Dominican Republic is warm all year, with the driest weather from December to April.
December to April
Sunny and dry. Humpback whales visit Samaná from January to March.
May to July
Hotter and quieter, with good value.
August to October
The wettest months and the highest risk of storms. Quiet and good value, though some hotels close for a few weeks.
where to stay
Puntacana 
La Romana Photo: Casa de Campo 
Playa Grande Photo: Aman 
Looking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in the Dominican Republic, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
See humpback whales in Samaná Bay from January to March.
Walk the colonial city with a historian.
Play one of the Caribbean's best-known courses.
A day of swimming and lunch on the beach.
Visit a cigar maker and a cocoa farm.
A replica Mediterranean village above the Chavón River.
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to Punta Cana, taking around 9 to 10 hours.
Cap Cana or Casa de Campo for polish and golf; Samaná or Playa Grande for a wilder feel.
Humpback whales visit Samaná Bay from mid-January to March.
Very, with calm beaches and some excellent family hotels.
pair it with
Seven hundred islands and cays, with pink-sand beaches and some of the clearest water in the world.
Explore
Grace Bay's powder-soft sand and calm, shallow water. Wonderful for families and for doing very little.
Explore
Seven Mile Beach, superb diving and excellent restaurants, all very easy and well organised.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us your dates and we'll plan the right mix of beach, history and whales.
Start a conversationDiscreet. Personal. No obligation.
ATOL protected
Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
