The best things to do in the Dominican Republic in 2024

Just think of the Caribbean and images of fantastic hotels, beautiful beaches, unique towns and a blissfully laid-back lifestyle conjure up.

But even among a region blessed with seemingly ideal holiday destinations, the Dominican Republic stands out with its vibrant towns, pure white sand beaches washed by crystal clear waters and a plethora of beautiful natural sights.

This, combined with the distinctly Latin influences, from the local cuisine to the blaring meringue music, gives the Caribbean a true slice of South America.

The Dominican Republic offers much more than a laid-back plane trip. Away from its beaches and island paradises, towns like Punta Cana host lively parties and the capital city showcases the island’s cultural and historical attractions.

The interior is home to a multitude of natural attractions, from national parks to vast lakes, which add to a long list of must-sees for Dominican holidaymakers. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best.

Visit the capital

Like many Latin and Caribbean capitals, Santo Domingo is a city whose character has been shaped by strong traditions, years of colonialism and a series of post-independence developments. Its cobblestone streets are filled with historic sites, bars and a wide range of dining options, and modern Dominicans enjoy everything from a raucous nightlife, mainly concentrated along the Malecón waterfront, to baseball games between the city’s two biggest teams.

One of the first cities of the so-called New World, Santo Domingo is home to buildings dating back to when Columbus arrived on the island of Hispaniola. Zona Colonial features 15th-century landmarks such as the Alcázar of Columbus, where Columbus’ son Diego once lived, Fort Osama, and the Cathedral Primada. Today, the area is a popular spot for strolling the parks, hopping cafes and bars, and enjoying weekend music performances in the lively Plaza España.

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Go whale watching

Samana Bay, on the country’s northeast coast, is a great place for whale watching in winter, as large pods of humpback whales come to mate and give birth in these warm waters between January and March. If the beauty of the bay isn’t enough, a short boat trip will bring you right up to the whales, and some tour companies will also allow you to snorkel or dive with these magnificent creatures.

Enjoy the luxury life in Punta Cana

The island’s most famous resort town is Cancun in the Dominican Republic, a hedonist’s dream destination. It may not rival its Mexican counterpart in size, but this eastern city packs in the same vibe, from its luxury resorts and casinos to its beaches’ white sand and turquoise waters.

Daytime activities are plentiful, including scuba diving and day trips to nearby islands, and the parties start on the shore in the early evening and finish in town in the early hours of the morning.

Swim in the “Blue Hole”

Known locally as Hoyo Azul, this sinkhole (cenote) formed at the bottom of a 22-metre cave in the Cap Cana area, not far from Punta Cana. It’s accessible by a short hike through the rainforest, and your reward is a relaxing swim in the stunningly blue, 14-metre-deep water.

Watch for wildlife at Lake Enriquillo

Lake Enriquillo is a popular tourist destination thanks to its abundance of wildlife, from flamingos to crocodiles and endangered iguanas. The largest lake in the Caribbean, it lies near the border with Haiti and is part of Lake Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos National Park (named after the lake and its central island). Boat tours and wildlife watching are popular, but it’s best to plan your trip accordingly in summer, when average temperatures hover around 35°C.

Trip to Saona Island

A visit to this beautiful island off the south coast is one of the most popular day trips for tourists, and the trip usually takes about 45 minutes each way by catamaran.

Part of a national protected park, the island features the quintessential Caribbean image: fine white sand, gently swaying palm trees and incredibly blue waters. A smattering of beach shacks and resorts offer hearty lunches and cocktails in specially designated areas. The calm, shallow waters and pools are popular with swimmers, novice snorkelers and diving enthusiasts, in an atmosphere blaring with Hispanic and dance music.

Hike the island’s highest mountain

Part of the Cordillera Central mountain range, Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in Hispaniola and also the highest in the Caribbean. At 3,101 metres, the mountain can be summited on a guided tour over three days. The shortest route is La Ciénaga, a hiking trail of around 23 km. Trails usually start in or near the town of Jarabacoa, which itself is close to natural landmarks such as waterfalls and three different rivers.

Explore Puerto Plata

One of the island’s less touristy cities, Puerto Plata – located at its northernmost tip overlooking the Turks and Caicos archipelago – is the quintessential Caribbean city, from its colorful colonial architecture to its tranquil atmosphere and impressive nearby beaches, such as Playa Dorada and Cofresi Beach.

After exploring the city’s architecture and Independencia Park, hop on the cable car (known locally as Teleferico) to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres, where the flat summit features a botanical garden and a small but large statue of Christ. If you have time, take a short tour of Damajagua’s 27 waterfalls, with their dramatic cascades and tranquil pools.

Enjoy water sports in Cabarete

Cabarete is located on the country’s northern coast and is surrounded by choppy waters, providing ideal conditions for water sports like kite surfing, windsurfing, surfing and sailing all year round. Self-proclaimed “Water Sports Capital of the World”, water temperatures in Cabarete rarely drop below 18°C ​​and wind conditions are best from January to March and June to the end of September.

For surfers, Cabarete’s location on the Atlantic Ocean means there are good waves all year round, with the best surfing conditions from September to the end of April. For those who aren’t so keen on watersports, relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches will suffice: Playa Encuentro, Playa Preciosa and Kite Beach are all just a short drive away.

Check out our reviews of the best hotels for winter sun