To the point
Through this guide, explore the best activities, all-inclusives and hotels in the Dominican Republic's main tourist regions.
We love the Dominican Republic for its superb beaches and pleasant year-round tropical climate, but also for its warm Caribbean culture.
In every corner of the island, you’ll find a generous selection of hotels, including the many all-inclusive resorts that contribute to the destination’s popularity among travelers looking for relaxation, entertainment and even luxury.
With an ever-expanding tourism industry, there is now something for every taste and budget in the Dominican Republic.
If you love white sandy beaches, outdoor or cultural activities and quality accommodation, this guide will help you choose the perfect destination to suit your preferences.
How to get to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is served by major airlines from Canada, such as Air Canada, Sunwing, WestJet and Air Transat, as well as low-cost carriers like Flair Airlines.
A travel agency, such as Air Canada Vacations, allows you to take an all-inclusive package to the Dominican Republic, without any headache. What’s more, Aeroplan Members earn up to 12,000 additional Aeroplan Points per Member on select packages.
Or, if you have Aeroplan points, you can go on your own, whenever you want.
For a low-cost vacation, use your Reward Points to escape to the South. For example, take advantage of Easter vacations and statutory holidays to go to the Dominican Republic. With 23,100 Aeroplan points and $197, see the best this island has to offer.
What’s more, with an Aeroplan credit card, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, the first baggage item is free, as is that of the 8 other people on your reservation.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the country’s most important tourist region. If you’re looking for a hassle-free vacation in the sun, Punta Cana is the place to be.
The region offers a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, with extensive facilities for the comfort of vacationers. Punta Cana is also renowned for its lively nightlife and a variety of water sports and outdoor activities, attracting adventure seekers.
All-inclusives recommended in Punta Cana
Suggested activities
A day at Bavaro Adventure Park for an immersive outdoor adventure, with zip lines, exploration of the Blue Lagoon cenote, a peaceful stroll along a river winding through the jungle, and a magnificent natural swimming pool embellished with a picturesque waterfall.
A visit to the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, home to cenotes, tropical rainforests and several animal species, offers an immersive experience in Dominican nature.
For the whole family, visit Katmandu Park Punta Cana. This new theme park stands out as the very first of its kind in the Caribbean, with immersive entertainment, games and innovative attractions inspired by characters from the Katmandu franchise.
Golf enthusiasts will love the magnificent Punta Espada Golf Course, a world-renowned golf course renowned for its panoramic ocean views, or Corales Golf Course, another superb Punta Cana course.
Other popular activities in Punta Cana include a Dune Buggy excursion into the hinterland, followed by scuba diving or catamaran sailing; or why not discover the high-quality handicrafts and culture of the Dominican Republic: rum, coffee, tobacco and chocolate?
Santo Domingo
If you’re passionate about history and culture, Santo Domingo is a must-see destination. Located on the south coast, it is the country’s capital and largest city.
Founded in 1498 by Christopher Columbus’ son Bartholomew Columbus, Santo Domingo is also the oldest permanent European city in the Americas. With a rich history marked by Spanish colonization, it has played a major role in the development of the history of the New World.
Hotels recommended in Santo Domingo
Suggested activities
Stroll through the colonial zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover historic buildings, fascinating museums and an authentic atmosphere. Don’t miss the National Palace and explore the Catedral Primada de América.
The 4D cinema, The Colonial Gate , plunges you into the Battle of Santo Domingo, a historic event that shaped the destiny of the Dominican Republic.
On the outskirts of Santo Domingo, in Juan Dolio:
The Ron Barceló History Center offers an immersive experience, revealing modern rum production processes, while showcasing vintage equipment for a captivating perspective on the distillery’s past and present. The program includes a museum, plant tour and tastings.
La Cueva de Las Maravillas, also known as the Cave of Wonders, is an impressive cave with an underground labyrinth of fascinating rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites that tell the story of millions of years of geological processes.
La Romana
On the south coast, La Romana is a region as popular with families as it is with honeymooners, divers and golf enthusiasts.
It features the renowned Casa de Campo resort, a marina and world-class golf courses.
Nearby, the Bayahibe region offers picturesque beaches and several all-inclusive resorts.
All-inclusives and recommended hotels in La Romana
Suggested activities
A day’s catamaran trip to Saona will take you to a paradise island of white sand, crystal-clear waters and unspoilt tropical landscapes. This tour is also available from Punta Cana.
Built in the 1970s to evoke 16th-century architecture, the Altos de Chavon village is sure to charm you. With its craft stores, art galleries, restaurants, picturesque church and open-air amphitheater, it hosts concerts by major international artists.
Samana
Located in the north-east of the Dominican Republic, Samana is the ideal haven for nature lovers. Here you’ll find superb landscapes and secluded beaches.
This region offers all-inclusive hotels set in unspoilt natural landscapes. The province’s main town is Santa Bárbara de Samaná.
The town of Las Terrenas has a charming atmosphere with lively streets, local stores and several restaurants.
All-inclusives and recommended hotels in Samana
Suggested activities
Humpback whale watching, available from January to March, is an unforgettable experience for visitors to Samaná, who can admire these majestic marine creatures in their natural habitat.
The hike to the El Limón waterfall plunges you into a tropical jungle, with a spectacular waterfall to discover as a reward!
The beaches of Las Terrenas seduce with their stretches of white sand lined with palm trees, an idyllic setting for relaxation and water sports.
In Los Haitises National Park, you’ll discover unique karst formations, lush mangroves and caves home to a rich diversity of birds and wildlife.
Puerto Plata
On the north coast, Puerto Plata is a vibrant seaside destination renowned for its historic charm and golden sandy beaches, such as Playa Dorada.
The city center, rich in colonial architecture, invites you to stroll through its cobbled streets and lively squares.
All-inclusives recommended in Puerto Plata
Suggested activities
In Puerto Plata, you’ll love riding the cable car to the top of Isabel de Torres mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit history at Fort San Felipe, a historic fortress offering a fascinating glimpse of 16th-century military architecture.
Stroll through the city center to admire the colonial architecture, visit local stores and discover everyday Dominican life.
If you love museums, head to the Amber Museum to learn more about the geological and cultural history of the Dominican Republic, including amber, a local gemstone.
If you’re more of a watersports enthusiast, nearby Cabarete is renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Bottom Line
From Santo Domingo to Samana, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of the Dominican Republic, a sun destination that’s easier than ever to get to.
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