Approx flight time to the Dominican Republic from the UK
9.5 hours
GMT
-4 hours
Language spoken in the Dominican Republic
Spanish and English
Currency used in the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Pesos, although US Dollars are widely accepted
Best Time to Visit the Dominican Republic
December to April are the most popular months for couples looking to get married in DR or for those after a Dominican Republic honeymoon, although visitors in December and January can catch the tail of the lightest of the two rainy seasons (May to October bring the heaviest rains and potentially hurricanes also). It is generally warmer of the coast than it is inland, with average annual temperatures fluctuating between 18 and 27 degrees. Like most of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is said to have only one season – Summer!
Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic
Picture-postcard beaches are everywhere and, like many of its Caribbean counterparts, the Dominican Republic offers honeymooners choice after choice after choice. Some of the country’s best beaches can be found at Punta Cana in the South East and Playa Dorada and Puerto Plata to the North.
For Activity Lovers
You may fancy trying your hand at the national sport of baseball, but more likely you will want to hit the greens and play one of the country’s superb golf courses. As you would expect from somewhere with an abundance of beaches, watersports are available around the island with snorkelling, sailing and kitesurfing readily available. If you fancy heading inland, you could always try your hand at hiking through one of the National Parks.
Local Flavours of the Dominican Republic
Dominican cuisine blends local tastes and flavours with Spanish influences to create an array of exciting dishes. Pork, goat, chicken and seafood are perhaps the most popular meats used in cooking and when washed down with locally produced Presidente Beer or Brugal Rum taste great. If you want to sample local delicacies, try ‘La Bandera’ (which comprises rice, red beans, meat, salad and fried green plantain) or Chicharrones de Pollo (small pieces of fried chicken).
On a Night in the Dominican Republic
Colourful and lively are just two words to describe the nightlife in the Dominican Republic, but at the same time you could also use chilled and relaxed – put simply, if you are after a laid-back Dominican Republic honeymoon or a hotspot for an upbeat wedding, there is something for everyone in this Caribbean gem. Casinos, nightclubs, beach-front restaurants and Vegas-esque revue bars can all be found here, and discos and bars playing everything from bachata and merengue (local speciailities) through to the latest Euro and US Chart toppers can be found.
Shopping in the Dominican Republic
Shopping on the island is relatively low-key so if it’s malls teeming with high-street brands that you’re after then here probably isn't for you. What the Dominican Republic can offer in the way of shopping however are a number of local specialities for you to take home with you. The jewellery sold on the island is ornate and unique, and often pieces will incorporate the local milky-blue larimar stones or amber. Cigars, rum and salsa CD's are popular take-aways, or if you have a little spare luggage allowance then why not take home a vibrant painting from the region or even a Dominican Republic speciality – a rocking chair!
Top Resorts in the Dominican Republic
To the North of the island, Puerto Plata is the main resort featuring miles of beautiful golden sand beaches. Towards its Eastern shore, Punta Cana is the star with white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. The capital of Santo Domingo lies on the South coast and offers culture and heritage as well as being lively and fun.
Out & About in the Dominican Republic
A visit to the Dominican Alps including the Caribbean’s highest peak – the Pico Duarte, is a great day out, especially if you take a mule to the summit! The cigar factory in Santiago (towards the North) makes for interesting viewing, whilst for those after more natural entertainment, the Jimenoa Waterfalls provide breathtaking scenery. The Manati Park near Punta Cana offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the zoo, gardens, wildlife and recreated Taino village, in fact you can even arrange to swim with dolphins. Boat trips to the marine caves at the Gri Gri Lagoon are popular as is a catamaran visit to the unspoilt island of Saona. Adreniline seekers will love the opportunity to go tubing (floating down a river in a giant rubber tube!) or cascading (climbing up, the rappelling down a waterfall), or if you are after a more sedate activity then watch the locals play baseball. For culture-seekers, Santo Domingo offers rustic charm as well as the National Theatre and Gallery of Modern Art.
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