DOMINICAN REPUBLIC


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Looking to experience Latin American warmth and Caribbean charm at value for money prices? Look no further than the Dominican Republic.

Explore the Dominican Republic

A combination of enchanting history and lush scenery with beautiful beaches, azure waters and the seductive beat of the meringue, make the Dominican Republic one of the most popular Caribbean islands.

Getting Around
Private taxis are available from all hotel receptions and provide a reliable service. Public taxis aren't for the faint hearted, very cheap but very hot and cramped. Car hire is not recommended in the Dominican Republic.

Local Interest & Culture
Music and dance area at the core of Dominican life - watch out for the popular 'merengue' and 'bachata', Dominican music.

Beaches
The beach at Cabarete is a wind surfer's paradise, lots of trendy beach bars and cafes line the wide expense of golden sand. The resort of Playa Dorada has a pretty beach of fine golden sand with a variety of non-motorised water sports available.

Eating and Drinking
The national dish consists of chicken or beef Creole style served with rice and beans (beans are prepared with herbs, garlic and veg) and fried plantain - it's the most popular dish in the country. Local rum is the favourite tipple and can be found in all the cocktails prepared in the hotels.

Fun for the Children
Don't miss the exciting chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and many more! Ocean World is situated on the North Coast, just 10 minutes outside of Puerto Plata.

Highlights

Four must sees: the beautiful Dominican countryside explored during our 'Outback Jeep Safari', Santo Domingo - the oldest city in the Americas, Cabarete Beach - one of the top 10 wind surfing beaches in the world, Saona Island - paradise island in the Caribbean sea, just off the South East coast.

Great Views: Puerto Plata is nestled at the foot of Mount Isabella from which there are beautiful views over the city and coastline.

Memorable moments: A relaxing catamaran cruise exploring coral reefs, swimming with dolphins.

Destination treasures: It's a great place to taste the tropical life without breaking the bank.

Practicalities

Language: Spanish

Currency and money: Dominican pesos and US Dollars. US Dollars traveller's cheques are recommended.

Cost of living: Eat out on a budget RD$200, mid-range RD$400, top end RD$700, half a bottle of wine RD$100, coffee RD$25, beer RD$25, ice-cream RD$30. Prices are approximate and subject to change.

Tipping: 10% recommended.

Health Hints: Recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio Drops. See your doctor for the most up-to-date information. Each hotel and excursion featured have invested in contracting a hygiene company to ensure that the highest standards are maintained.

Departure Tax & Visitors Fee (subject to change): US$20 per person. Payable in US$ at check-in when leaving the airport (subject to change).

Tourist Card: All visitors require a tourist card. These can be purchased on arrival for $10 (Dollars only) or cost approximately £10 when purchased in the UK. Phone 09001 600260 for more information.

Tourist Office: Dominican Republic Tourist Office, 18-22 Hand Court, High Holborn, London WC1V 6JF. Tel 0207 242 7778. www.dominicanrepublic.com/tourism

Events

A wild party is thrown during the last week of July and first week of August, a meringue festival that is the epicentre of the art form, attracting the world's top talent to Santo Domingo for a festival that engulfs the city and the surrounding suburbs in music and dance.

Activities

Rafting through exciting mountain rapids, spying on lovesick hump back whales, admiring the final colonial architecture and relaxing on the beautiful golden beaches.

Please Note: During Easter the Dominican Republic have public holidays where due to an increase of people on the beaches, water sports will be limited for safety reasons. During local holiday periods, there may be an increase in hotel occupancies.

Recommended Reading

Lonely Planet: Dominican Republic and Haiti by Scott Doggett and Leah Gordon
The Rough Guide to Dominican Republic by Sean Harvey

Dominican Republic Resorts

Please click for further information on the following Dominican Republic resorts:

Cabarete
Playa Dorada
Bavaro
Cofresi
Bahia Maimon
Uvero Alto
Sosusa
Bayahibe