Dive into sizzling beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes in the stunning Dominican Republic.

Good to know

🤩 Fun Fact: The Dominican Republic is the only place in the world where you can find the Rhinoceros Iguana! 

🏖️ Best Beach: It’s got to be Bávaro Beach, hands down! With soft, white sand, turquoise waves, and the chance to swim with dolphins or snorkel among vibrant reefs, Bávaro is the epitome of paradise. What more could you possibly need? This beach has it all for a picture-perfect escape! 

🍺 Price of a Pint:  Around 250 Dominican Pesos (RD), which is approximately £2.50

Destination highlights

• Endless beaches: sunbathe, swim, and soak up the scorchio vibes!

• Lush rainforests: Explore nature's playground, mahoosive and bursting with life.

• Top-notch resorts: Swanky stays guarantee a boujee, 10/10 experience.

• Delish cuisine: Tuck into tantalizing dishes, each bite a fiesta.

Where to stay

The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean's absolute superstars! Year-round sunshine, some of the most gorgeous beaches you'll ever clap eyes on, friendly locals who'll make you feel like family, and it's brilliant value for money compared to loads of other Caribbean islands. The food's incredible (wait till you try the fresh seafood!) There's proper culture and history to explore if you fancy it, and the music and dancing scene is infectious. Plus, it's dead easy to get to from the UK with loads of direct flights.

When it comes to picking where to stay, these four resort areas are the absolute cream of the crop.

Punta Cana

Basically the poster child of Dominican holidays - and for good reason! It's where you'll find those postcard-perfect white sand beaches stretching for miles, plus it's got the biggest selection of all-inclusive resorts you can imagine. The nightlife's buzzing, there's loads of restaurants and bars, and getting around is dead easy. Families love it because there's tonnes to do, couples adore the romantic resort options, and party-goers? Well, let's just say you won't be short of a good time!

Bavaro 

Punta Cana's slightly more chilled cousin - literally next door but with a more relaxed, local feel. The beaches are just as stunning but less crowded, and you'll get a bit more authentic Dominican culture mixed in with your holiday. It's brilliant for families who want the convenience of Punta Cana but prefer things a bit quieter, or couples looking for romance without the full-on party atmosphere.

Uvero Alto 

Your hidden gem. Think pristine, less developed beaches where you can actually find a peaceful spot to yourself! It's perfect for couples wanting proper tranquillity, older travellers who prefer a more sophisticated vibe, or anyone who wants luxury without the crowds. The resorts here tend to be more upmarket and intimate.

Bayahibe

Completely different from the others - it's on the south coast and feels like a proper fishing village that happens to have incredible beaches. The water's calmer (Caribbean Sea rather than Atlantic), making it fantastic for families with little ones. Plus, you're right next to Saona Island for day trips, and there's brilliant diving and snorkelling. It's perfect if you want authentic Dominican life mixed with your beach time, or if you're the adventurous type who loves exploring beyond the resort.

So basically: Punta Cana for first-timers and party-lovers, Bavaro for relaxed families, Uvero Alto for luxury-seekers and quiet couples, and Bayahibe for water sports enthusiasts!

Getting Around on your holidays to Dominican Republic

🚗 Public Cars
Public cars, or shared taxis, are a budget-friendly way to travel, especially for solo travellers or small groups. They typically fit 2–3 extra passengers, so expect a snug ride. Fares are around 50 pesos (1 USD), and you’ll need small change to pay as you board. Just let the driver know your stop when you get in.

🚐 Guaguas (Minibuses)
Guaguas are ideal for groups or longer trips, acting as a cross between a bus and a van. Routes are displayed on the windshield (e.g., “Puerto Plata - Sosua”), making it easy to spot your ride. Fares are usually 100–150 pesos for inter-city travel. Each guagua has a fare-keeper who handles payments and can assist with stops and directions if needed.

💡 Top Tips for Public Transit
Carry exact change for fares, as drivers often don’t provide change. Always confirm your stop with the driver when boarding to avoid confusion.

🚖 Taxis
Taxis are a convenient and flexible way to get around, easily arranged through hotels or local taxi services. Recognisable by their rooftop signs, they are great for both short trips and longer excursions. Confirm fares upfront to avoid surprises. For quick stops, drivers typically charge an extra 100 pesos per 10 minutes of waiting time. If you’re planning a multi-stop day, negotiate a daily rate, which usually ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 pesos. Payment is made at the end of your trip, offering flexibility if plans change.

The best hotels to stay at on your Dominican Republic holidays 2025 / 2026

From swanky resorts with the best all inclusive, to charming beachfront stays that are perfect for some bliss with a dash of luxury, Dominican Republic holidays offer a variety of top-tier accommodations no matter what you're looking for. Here are some of our faves:

• Whala!boca Chica - Lush pools, an outdoor gym and the tastiest of tasty cuisine from the three on-site restaurants, it's giving gorge vibes.

• Bahia Principe Grand La Romana - Luxurious resort with sprawling grounds, top-notch dining, and activities for all ages - it ticks all the boxes, what more could you ask for?

• Barcelo Bavaro Palace - Family-friendly resort featuring a golf course (we hear the dads cheering), water park, and tonnes of delish dining options.

• Iberostar Selection Coral Bavaro - Exclusive, upscale experience with personalised service, gourmet dining, and stunning beachfront views, yeah, that's what the luxe life is all about.

• Caribe Club Princess - All-inclusive paradise with lush gardens, diverse dining, and plenty of entertainment options perfect for the whole fam.

Your Dominican Republic holiday travel guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do for families in the Dominican Republic

Start your adventure at Manati Park in Punta Cana, where the little ones can get up close and personal with dolphins, parrots, and even iguanas. Take a family trip to Dolphin Explorer for a day of swimming with these friendly creatures and learning about marine life. For a bit of educational fun, visit the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo, which offers fascinating exhibits and touch pools.

Scape Park at Cap Cana is a must-visit with its zip lines, water caves, and jungle trails that promise endless thrills - but more on this later. Lastly, unwind at Bavaro Adventure Park, where everyone can enjoy activities like paintball, bungee trampolines, and a Dino World perfect for the kids. It’s a great mix of fun, learning, and adventure that the whole gang will love.

👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏾 Things to do for couples in the Dominican Republic

Couples seeking a romantic escape will find a Dominican Republic holiday brimming with dreamy activities. Begin your journey with a sunset cruise along the Punta Cana coastline, where you can sip champagne and watch the sky turn into a palette of vibrant colours. Later, you might fancy a stroll hand-in-hand through the charming streets of Santo Domingo. Relax as you indulge in a couple’s massage at one of the swanky beachside spas, then cap off your day with a candlelit dinner at a seaside restaurant.

🏝️ Things to do for groups in the Dominican Republic

Start your group escapade with a catamaran party cruise in Punta Cana, complete with snorkelling, dancing, and tropical drinks. Explore the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, where you can hike, slide, and jump through a series of refreshing waterfalls – an absolute thrill for adventure seekers.

For a cultural twist, take a day trip to Saona Island with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for lounging and beach games. Round off your day with a lively night out at the Coco Bongo Show & Disco in Punta Cana, where acrobatics, live performances, and dance floors promise a night of unforgettable fun.

More Caribbean holidays:

• Antigua

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Cuba

• Jamaica

• St Lucia

• Tobago