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 on your holidays to Dominican Republic

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

• The Dominican Republic holidays poster child with long white-sand beaches and endless all-inclusive resorts.

• Buzzing nightlife, tons of dining options and super-easy transport links.

• Ideal for: families (loads to do), couples (romantic stays) and groups/party lovers (lively vibes).

Bavaro 

• Punta Cana's more chilled neighbour with a local feel and quieter stretches of sand.

• Same stunning coastline but less crowded and with more Dominican flavour.

• Ideal for: families wanting convenience without chaos, and couples after low-key romance.

Uvero Alto 

• A peaceful, less developed coastline with intimate, upscale resorts.

• Wide, uncrowded beaches perfect for some proper R and R.

• Ideal for: couples, older travellers or anyone wanting tranquillity with a luxury twist.

Bayahibe

• South coast gem with a proper fishing-village vibe and calm Caribbean Sea waters.

• Fab for little ones, plus it's the launchpad for Saona Island and brilliant snorkelling.

• Ideal for: families, adventure-lovers and anyone who wants authentic Dominican life mixed with beach days.

The best hotels to stay at on your Dominican Republic holidays

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.

What are the best beaches to visit on your Dominican Republic holidays?

The Dominican Republic isn’t short on coastline, but these showstoppers are the ones that really deliver those “wish you were here” vibes:

• Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana - the queen of Dominican beaches. Long, dreamy white sand, calm turquoise waves and a ton of beachfront hotels, bars and water sports. Perfect for families, couples and anyone who likes their beach days with zero effort required.

• Juanillo Beach, Cap Cana - think exclusive, elegant and ridiculously scenic. Shallow, crystal-clear water, swaying palms and chic beach clubs where you can sip cocktails with your toes in the sand. Couples and luxe-lovers, this one's basically your natural habitat.

• Playa Macao, Punta Cana - a little wilder, a little breezier and a lot more adventurous. Great for surfers, beach walkers and anyone who prefers “untouched beauty” over perfectly lined-up sunbeds. Plus, the waves here bring big-time fun.

• Playa Bayahibe, Bayahibe - calm Caribbean Sea, colourful boats bobbing offshore and some of the clearest snorkelling waters around. Ideal for families with little ones, chilled-out swimmers and travellers who love a beach with proper local charm.

• Playa Rincon, Samana - the kind of untouched, remote stunner you see on travel posters and assume must be Photoshopped. Lush mountains behind you, gin-clear water in front of you and barely another soul around. Absolutely made for explorers.

Your Dominican Republic holidays 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 family 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.

Getting Around on your holidays to Dominican Republic

• 🚗 Public Cars - budget-friendly and snug, with space for a few extra passengers. Around 50 pesos per ride. Have small change and tell the driver your stop when you hop in.

• 🚐 Guaguas (Minibuses) - great for groups or longer hops. Routes shown on the windshield. Expect 100-150 pesos for inter-city trips. A fare-keeper collects payment and helps with stops.

• 💡 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 - easy to arrange via hotels or local services. Confirm fares upfront. Short waits cost about 100 pesos per 10 minutes. Day rates usually fall between 1,000-3,000 pesos, paid at the end.

More Caribbean holidays:

• Antigua

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Cuba

• Jamaica

• St Lucia

• Tobago