Rum punch, reggaeton and tropical temps – live your best island life on holiday to the Dominican Republic.
Big on beaches
The Dominican Republic’s the second-largest island in the Caribbean – creds to its major coastline. We’re talking over 1,000 miles of beach cliché realness – white sand, swaying palms, clear waters etc… so it’s easy to see why it’s considered so beaut. On the east coast, Punta Cana’s super still shallows are a great spot for swimming and paddle-boarding, and the reefs right near the shore were made for snorkelling. Up north, Puerto Plata’s beaches are home to a thriving surf scene, and La Romana’s south-facing sweeps and off-shore islands are the perfect setting for watching the sun set.
Culture combo
There’s a strong Spanish vibe here, but the island’s roots start way before Columbus turned up. The Taino – the indigenous people – were here first and have left their mark with prehistoric paintings in the southern caves. Fast forward to the sixteenth century and the Spanish arrive, building the oldest European settlement in the Americas. You can soak up all the history in the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, which is now a UNESCO site. The food and the music have a bit of everything, though – flavours from Africa and the Middle East have made their way onto menus, and you’ll hear beats that borrow bits from bachata, merengue and reggaeton playing everywhere.
Nature’s finest
The beaches are the star of the show, sure, but don’t sleep on the Dom Rep’s diverse landscape. Beyond the coast, the island is covered in jungle, mountains and waterfalls straight from a fantasy film. Kayak across mangrove lagoons, hike in Los Haitises National Park and zipline through the rainforest canopy… it’s all core memory material. The wildlife here’s off the scale, too – join a boat tour and keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays and sharks. On dry land, look out for flamingos, iguanas or even monkeys – and you might spot a wild celeb in the boujie resorts, too.
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Dominican Republic FAQs
You can count on blue skies and sunshine in the Dominican Republic. The northern shore packs in a massive 300 sunny days a year, with average temperatures in the high 20s. Things get even hotter between June and October, although you’ll get a few tropical downpours. Over in Punta Cana, average temperatures sit at around 29°C, with summer temperatures nudging into the low 30s. Hurricane season usually lasts between June and September.
Citizens from the UK, US, Canada and the EU don’t need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. If you’re from a non-Schengen country, make sure you check specific visa requirements before your trip. Your passport also needs to be valid for at least six months after you plan to return – you can check this with our passport checker.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). You’ll find ATMs in the main in touristy areas, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for local markets and tips. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but you might get charged international transaction fees.
You’ll need to bring a plug A or B adapter for the Dominican Republic, which are the same types used in the US and Canada.
Tipping isn’t mandatory in the Dominican Republic, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill, but you could leave an extra 5-10% for good service.
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Dominican Republic travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens must have a valid passport to visit the Dominican Republic. A tourist visa card is required for entry and is included in the cost of your holiday, so you won’t be expected to pay for this on arrival. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/health
