Blog
Discover the Caribbean,
your way.
your way.
Search 25 islands by vibe, season, language, or sustainability.
Search 25 islands by vibe, season, language, or sustainability.
locally: RD / Quisqueya
Merengue, all-inclusives, and the Caribbean's highest peak — the DR has more range than you think.
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most-visited destination, and most people never leave the Punta Cana resort strip. But beyond the all-inclusives lies Santo Domingo's colonial Zona Colonial (the oldest European city in the Americas), humpback whale nurseries in Samaná, and Pico Duarte — the Caribbean's tallest mountain.
Curated tools to book your island getaway. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best rates on resorts, villas & apartments
Snorkeling, island hopping, volcano hikes & more
Compare prices across 100+ airlines
Travel medical insurance from $45/month
Free trip budget calculator — plan lodging, food & activities
Free daily-budget tracker — protect every dollar
Santo Domingo vs Santiago, Las Terrenas vs Punta Cana — rent, cost of living and safety side by side.
Currency
DOP
USD accepted
Language
Spanish
Power
Type A/B
120V · 60Hz
Driving
Right
US-style
Airport
PUJ
Punta
Emergency
911
Police · Fire
Los Haitises National Park — mangrove and cave systems
Samaná humpback whale sanctuary
Jaragua National Park — largest protected area
Pico Duarte — highest peak in the Caribbean
Monthly breakdown
Hurricane risk: ModerateJan
Best
Feb
Best
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
Rain
Jun
Rain
Jul
—
Aug
Rain
Sep
Rain
Oct
Rain
Nov
Rain
Dec
Best
Major events
Whale Watching Season
Dominican Carnival
Merengue Festival
19.07°N, 69.50°W
A karst landscape of mogotes, mangroves, and Taíno cave art accessible only by boat.
18.51°N, 68.68°W
A turquoise cenote hidden at the base of a cliff in Punta Cana — a natural swimming hole.
18.47°N, 69.88°W
The first permanent European settlement in the Americas — cobblestoned, atmospheric, and alive.
The national dish — rice, beans, stewed meat, and salad. Eaten daily across the country.
Mashed green plantain with fried cheese, salami, and eggs — the Dominican breakfast.
A Dominican street burger — seasoned ground beef in a soft bun with cabbage slaw.
Transport
Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps — avoid unmarked vehicles.
Transport
Be cautious with motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) — helmets are rarely provided.
Crime
Stay alert in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial at night — petty theft is common.
Weekly island picks, deals, and data-driven guides. No spam.