Santo Domingo
From sunlit shores and barefoot luxury to colonial streets, island adventures and all-inclusive escapes, discover a Caribbean destination with a different story around every corner.
Explore the Dominican RepublicOverview
Some days call for nothing more than a lounger by the sea. Others begin with a boat cutting through turquoise water, leading to a long lunch in a historic square, and ending with music drifting through warm evening air.
The Dominican Republic makes room for all of it. Beyond the palm-lined beaches of Punta Cana, discover the old-world streets of Santo Domingo, the island escapes of Bayahíbe, the lush landscapes of Samaná and the cooler mountain towns inland.
Santo Domingo
Spanish
Dominican peso (DOP)
Tropical, warm throughout the year
Beach resorts, island excursions, culture, cuisine, golf and outdoor adventure
All-inclusive holidays, couples, families, multi-stop escapes and adventure-led stays
Explore the Map
Long stretches of white sand, beachfront resorts, golf courses, water sports and lively evenings.
Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, museums, Dominican cuisine and the energy of the capital.
A gateway to Saona Island, with clear waters, coastal villages, diving and laid-back beach days.
Palm-fringed coves, waterfalls, lush hills and seasonal whale-watching excursions.
North-coast beaches, mountain views, historic streets and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Rivers, waterfalls, pine-covered mountains and a refreshing change of pace from the coast.
Getting There
Getting Around
Private Transfers & Taxis
Best for airport arrivals, hotel transfers, and day trips. Pre-book transfers for a smoother arrival and confirm the fare before setting off in a taxi.
Intercity Coach Buses
Modern, air-conditioned coaches connect to major destinations including Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Romana and Puerto Plata. A useful option for travellers to add a city or another region to their stay.
Car Hire
A rental car gives clients more freedom to explore coastal towns and inland landscapes. Check licence and insurance requirements, allow for tolls, and plan routes ahead.
Local Transport & Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in major urban areas, including Santo Domingo. Local minibuses also operate, though pre-arranged transport may be more convenient for visitors unfamiliar with local routes.
Boats & Island Excursions
Speedboats and catamarans connect visitors with popular coastal experiences, including Saona Island trips departing from the Bayahíbe area. Excursions are often sold with transfers, so check exactly what the package includes.
Travel tip: The Dominican Republic is larger than many visitors expect. Avoid planning several distant regions into a short stay, and allow enough time for transfers between the airport, resort, and excursions.
Things to Do
Go beyond the resort and bring the Dominican Republic’s culture, landscapes and local experiences into your clients’ itineraries.
01
Culture and Heritage
Explore the Catedral Primada de América, Alcázar de Colón, Calle Las Damas and Plaza de España. Add local food tastings and an evening of merengue or bachata, subject to availability.
02
Culture and Heritage
Explore limestone caves and freshwater springs at Los Tres Ojos, with an optional snorkelling or glass-bottom boat experience at La Caleta.
03
Culture and Heritage
Visit a local producer near Santo Domingo or Higüey to learn about cacao cultivation, chocolate-making and coffee roasting.
01
Island and Coastal Experiences
Spend a day exploring the beaches and natural pools of Saona Island within Cotubanamá National Park. Include snorkelling and a fresh seafood lunch, with an early departure to avoid peak crowds.
02
Island and Coastal Experiences
Explore the Mediterranean-style village overlooking the Río Chavón, visit its amphitheatre and discover local artisan studios.
03
Island and Coastal Experiences
Visit the village in the morning to see the local fishing activity, explore the seafood market and enjoy a ceviche tasting.
01
Nature & Adventure
Visit Salto Jimenoa or Salto Baiguate, with opportunities for gentle river activities and a traditional mountain lunch.
02
Nature & Adventure
Explore flower and strawberry farms, mountain viewpoints and the cooler landscapes of the Dominican Republic’s central highlands.
01
Nature and Local Experiences
Explore mangrove waterways, limestone formations and caves featuring Taino petroglyphs on a guided boat excursion.
02
Nature and Local Experiences
Take a guided hike or horseback ride through rainforest landscapes to reach one of Samaná’s best-known waterfalls.
03
Nature and Local Experiences
Visit local cacao producers, learn about cultivation and chocolate-making, and continue towards Playa Costa Esmeralda.
04
Nature and Local Experiences
Experience humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay between January and March, with licensed operators. Sightings are not guaranteed.
05
Nature and Local Experiences
Spend a day on this island in Samaná Bay, with time for beach relaxation and a fresh seafood lunch.
Ready-Built Itineraries
Give clients a starting point for their Dominican Republic holiday, whether they want to settle into a resort, explore the capital or combine the two.
Ideal for: Clients seeking a balanced holiday combining culture, beach experiences and premium accommodation.
Experience Santo Domingo’s colonial heritage, explore Altos de Chavón and take a private excursion to Saona Island before unwinding at a luxury beachfront resort.
Download Itinerary
Ideal for: Repeat visitors, luxury FIT clients and travellers looking to explore more of the destination.
Discover the capital’s heritage, explore mountain landscapes and waterfalls in the central highlands, experience Samaná’s natural attractions and finish with the beaches and island escapes of the south-east.
Download Itinerary
Ideal for: Clients who prefer a resort-focused holiday with a few curated cultural and local experiences.
Combine a relaxed beachfront stay with a visit to Bayahíbe, the historic village of Altos de Chavón and a day trip to Saona Island. An optional Santo Domingo excursion adds a cultural experience to the itinerary..
Download ItineraryDownloadable Resources
Bring the Dominican Republic to life for your clients with destination materials designed to support itinerary planning, product knowledge and sales conversations.
Marketing Materials
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