Dominican Republic Highlights
Caribbean beaches, humpback whales and the oldest city in the Americas
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most diverse destination — Punta Cana's world-class all-inclusive resorts, the humpback whale watching of Samaná Bay, the colonial history of Santo Domingo (the oldest European city in the Americas), the mountain scenery of Jarabacoa, and the kitesurfing of Cabarete make it a country of extraordinary variety.
Top Dominican Republic Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate dominican republic highlights experience
Samaná Peninsula
Humpback whales, jungle waterfalls and the Dominican Republic's most beautiful beaches
The Samaná Peninsula is the Dominican Republic's most beautiful and unspoiled region — a lush, jungle-covered peninsula on the northeast coast with dramatic beaches, the extraordinary El Limón waterfall, and the world's most accessible humpback whale watching. Every January to March, thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay to breed and give birth — the whale watching boats operate from the town of Samaná and offer one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in the Caribbean.
Highlights
- Humpback whale watching — January to March, the best in the Caribbean
- El Limón Waterfall — a 52-metre cascade in the jungle
- Playa Rincón — one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean
- Las Terrenas — a cosmopolitan beach town with excellent restaurants
- The lush, jungle-covered landscape — very different from resort Dominican Republic
Things to Do
- Take a whale watching boat tour
- Hike to El Limón Waterfall
- Swim at Playa Rincón
- Explore Las Terrenas
- Take a boat to Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island)
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
January–March for whales; December–April for beaches
Recommended Duration
3–5 days
Typical Cost
Affordable; whale watching tours from US$50
Travel Tips
- ·Fly to Santo Domingo or El Catey Airport (Samaná) — 3 hours from Santo Domingo by bus
- ·Book whale watching tours in advance — January to March only
- ·Las Terrenas has the best restaurants and accommodation on the peninsula
- ·Combine with Santo Domingo's Colonial City (3 hours)
Nearby Attractions
Punta Cana
The Caribbean's all-inclusive capital — 50km of white sand and turquoise sea
Punta Cana is the Caribbean's most popular all-inclusive resort destination — a 50km stretch of white sand beaches on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, lined with world-class resorts. The beaches of Bávaro and Punta Cana are consistently ranked among the world's finest — calm, turquoise water, powdery white sand, and year-round sunshine. Beyond the resorts, the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, the Hoyo Azul cenote, and the Cap Cana marina offer alternatives to the beach.
Highlights
- 50km of white sand beaches — among the Caribbean's finest
- Year-round sunshine and calm, turquoise water
- World-class all-inclusive resorts
- The Hoyo Azul cenote — a stunning natural swimming hole
- Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park — 12 freshwater lagoons
Things to Do
- Relax on Bávaro Beach
- Swim in the Hoyo Azul cenote
- Take a catamaran snorkelling trip
- Visit the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
- Play golf at Cap Cana
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
December–April (dry season); year-round for beach holidays
Recommended Duration
7–14 days
Typical Cost
All-inclusive resorts from US$150/night per person
Travel Tips
- ·Fly direct from London Gatwick to Punta Cana (9.5 hours)
- ·All-inclusive resorts are the best value — food and drinks included
- ·Book resorts 3–6 months in advance for the best rates
- ·Combine with a day trip to Santo Domingo's Colonial City (3 hours)
Nearby Attractions
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