Overview

The palm-tree-studded beaches and tropical maritime climate of the Dominican Republic attract Caribbean-destined vacationers from across the world. Few islands boast a diverse terrain like Hispaniola, of which the DR occupies a third. Imagine miles of white sandy shoreline, rocky cliffs, fertile soil, remote deserts, rivers, waterfalls, jungles, mountains, cities and rural villages. Insert palm-frond-roofed cabanas at pool dotted resorts and you’ve found the ideal breezy, sunny vacation destination.

Founded by Christopher Columbus, the capital Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas. It has history and art museums, casinos, shops, a historical district called Colonial Zone and an aquarium. Punta Cana is less city and more resort town. In addition to gorgeous beaches, it has many water-centric activities. Take advantage of helicopter tours, a floating platform for swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, speed boat tours and horseback rides into the mountains. Puerto Plata is another popular resort destination known for pretty beaches and friendly Dominican shop owners. Harder to get to and more untouched is Playa Bonita, a small stretch of shoreline popular among European and American travelers.

Snorkelers, boaters and hikers have plenty of reasons to get excited in the Dominican Republic. Apart from the expected tropical fish, lobsters, sponges and crabs of coral reefs, visitors can spot large marine mammals such as West Indian manatee and humpback whales. Near water, rhinoceros iguanas, large turtles, American crocodiles and frogs can be seen. Further inland, look for parakeets, flamingos, blue herons, owls, boars and cats. If coconut palms, the sound of crashing waves, intensely blue waters and a laid-back culture don’t get you ready for a fruity cocktail and a lounge chair, then the word “vacation” isn’t in your vocabulary.