Short
Description The Dominican Republic continues to grow as a major tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and abundance of available activities.
Destination
Highlights Large island with endless things to do
Several resort areas
Rich culture and history
Great beaches for diving and sunbathing
Local
Weather Average yearly temperature is 80° F. Tropical storms are possible during rainy season, June through October.
Other
Destinations
Description As diverse as the Dominican Republic is geologically, so are its vacation choices. To some the island is full of swank resorts and night life pulsating to merengue and non-stop casino action. Then there are those who come to enjoy a thousand miles of sugar-white beaches, or challenge some of the most beautiful and difficult golf courses in the world. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to trekking and biking through the magnificent mountain ranges which are scattered throughout the island, often dramatically rising straight up from the sea. In Old Santo Domingo, history aficionados can witness the buildings and streets that were once inhabited by Columbus, Ponce de Leon, and Cortez.
Nestled between Puerto Rico and Cuba on an island that it shares with the Republic of Haiti, the Dominican Republic offers travelers the best that the Caribbean has to offer, with a unique personality rooted deeply in her Latino heritage. On the island, there are 3 major tourist destinations. Puerto Plata to the north, Punta Cana to the east, and Santo Domingo to the south. All have excellent beaches and popular resort areas.
Beaches, beaches and more beaches - thousands of them to be precise. If sun worshipping is your pastime of choice, the Dominican Republic is ideal. Its appeal extends far beyond its shores, however. Its complex landscape is a mixed metaphor, boasting both the Caribbean's tallest mountains and its lowest inland point - a million year old lake the size of Manhattan. You'll find a mountainous interior and healthy rain forests encircled by miles of white sand beaches.
The people are passionate about music and dance. Merengue greets you at the airport, travels with you in your taxi, and is probably playing in the lobby as you arrive at your hotel! While you will hear the latest hits from America or Europe, you will also be able to experience a wide range of Dominican music (with influences from Africa and Latin America), including Salsa, Caribbean Jazz, Folkloric and the Tumba (horn) styles of neighboring islands.
Local Information The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the resort areas. The electric current on the island is 110 volts. This island is big, so you will need a car to do any major exploring. Driving is on the right, and an international driver's license is required.
Airport
Information Air service into La Unión Airport in Puerto Plata (POP), Punta Cana (PUJ), and Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ). It is served by ALM, American Airlines, American Eagle, Canadian International, Continental, Copa, and Lynx.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality. There is a $10 US entry fee per person payable at the airport upon arrival. You must pay this fee in order to pass through Dominican Immigration and you must retain the paperwork until you depart the country. Fee is subject to change at any time, with or without notice.
