Dominican Republic

The Americas
Written By Alex Hall

The Dominican Republic shares Hispaniola with Haiti and offers far more than all-inclusive resorts. Santo Domingo has the oldest European settlement in the Americas, the north coast has surf and kitesurf towns, and the Samaná Peninsula is lush, quiet and ringed with palm beaches. Each winter, thousands of humpback whales arrive in Samaná Bay.

Why it is on my list

Samaná and the whales. Seeing a humpback breach from a small boat in the bay where they come to mate and calve is the kind of moment I would plan a whole trip around.

Best time to go

  • Jan 15 to Mar 15: Humpback whale season in Samaná Bay. Book early.

  • Dec to Apr: Dry and sunny, the high season.

  • May to Nov: Hot, humid and wetter. Hurricane risk peaks from August to October.

  • Crowds: Busiest at Christmas and in February. Samaná stays quieter than Punta Cana.

Where to stay

  • Las Terrenas: A bohemian beach town with European flavor and good restaurants.

  • Las Galeras: Quiet, with wide beaches at the end of the peninsula.

  • Samaná town: The whale-watching hub on the bay.

  • Santo Domingo Colonial Zone: Historic and walkable.

  • Cabarete: Kite and wind sports on the north coast.

Getting there and around

  • Flights: Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) have the most US service. Samaná El Catey (AZS) has limited flights.

  • Drive: Samaná is about two and a half hours from Santo Domingo on a modern toll road.

  • Taxis and motoconchos: Common in towns, so agree prices first.

  • Buses: Caribe Tours and Metro link major cities.

  • Boats: Whale tours leave from Samaná town, with licensed operators.

What to eat

  • La bandera: Rice, beans and stewed meat, the national lunch.

  • Mangú: Mashed plantains with onions, eggs and fried cheese.

  • Sancocho: A hearty meat and root vegetable stew.

  • Pescado con coco: Fish in coconut sauce, a Samaná specialty.

  • Tostones and chicharrón: Fried plantains and crispy pork.

What to drink

  • Presidente: The national beer, best very cold.

  • Rum: Brugal and Barceló are the major brands.

  • Mamajuana: An herbal rum and wine infusion served by the shot.

  • Coffee: Strong and sweet, grown in the mountains.

  • Fresh juices: Passion fruit, tamarind and pineapple.

Don't miss

  • Whale watching: Boats leave daily in season from Samaná.

  • Salto El Limón: A waterfall reached by horse or on foot.

  • Playa Rincón: A long, wild beach.

  • Los Haitises National Park: Mangroves, caves and birds.

  • Cayo Levantado: A palm-fringed island in Samaná Bay.

  • Zona Colonial: The first cathedral in the Americas.

  • Playa Frontón: Reached by boat or hike.

Day trips and side trips

  • Los Haitises: A boat trip from Samaná.

  • Playa Rincón: Usually by boat from Las Galeras.

  • Santo Domingo: A day or two of history.

  • Damajagua waterfalls: Near Puerto Plata.

Festivals and events

  • Carnival: Usually February, with devil masks and parades in La Vega and Santo Domingo.

  • Semana Santa: Usually March or April, a busy beach holiday week.

  • Merengue Festival: Usually late July in Santo Domingo.

  • Dominican Jazz Festival: Usually in November.

Music and dance

  • Merengue: Fast, joyful dance music.

  • Bachata: Romantic guitar music from the countryside.

  • Dembow: Modern street rhythm.

Nightlife

Dominicans love music, dancing and long evenings outdoors. In small towns, the colmado corner store doubles as a bar.

  • When people go out: After 9 pm, with dancing past midnight.

  • Where the action is: Zona Colonial, Las Terrenas beach bars and Cabarete.

  • Good to know: Expect loud music everywhere.

Photography spots

  • Samaná Bay: Whales and green hills.

  • Playa Rincón: Palm and sand.

  • Salto El Limón: Waterfall light.

  • Colonial Zone: Cobblestones and cathedrals.

  • Drones: Registration is required, and military zones are off limits. Check current rules.

Cost of living

  • Overall: $$ compared with New York.

  • Coffee: $1.50 to $3.

  • Local lunch: $5 to $9.

  • Dinner for two: $35 to $70.

  • Beer: $2 to $4.

  • Mid-range hotel: $70 to $140.

  • Daily budget: $80 to $150.

Samaná is good value, though beach boutique stays can cost more.

Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

  • Wi-Fi: Reliable in cities and many beach towns.

  • Coworking: Spaces in Santo Domingo, Cabarete and Las Terrenas.

  • Time zone: Same as US Eastern in summer, one hour ahead in winter.

  • Visas: Tourists get a stay of around 30 days, and a digital nomad visa exists. Check current rules.

  • Nomad rating: 3/5.

Good to know

  • Language: Spanish. English is common in resorts.

  • Currency: The Dominican peso. Dollars are accepted in tourist areas.

  • Plugs: Types A and B, 110 V, same as the US.

  • Entry for US citizens: Passport and electronic entry form. Check current rules.

  • Getting around: Uber works in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Taxis elsewhere.

  • Tipping: 10 percent often included, extra for good service.

  • Water: Drink bottled water.

  • SIM/eSIM: Claro and Altice are the main networks.

Useful phrases

  • Hola, ¿cómo tú ta?: Hello, how are you, in local style.

  • Gracias: Thank you.

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much?

  • Una Presidente, por favor: A Presidente beer, please.

  • Dímelo: What's up.

Meeting people

  • Social scene: Friendly, warm and talkative.

  • Apps: Facebook groups and Couchsurfing.

  • Etiquette: Greet people and ask permission before photographing them.

  • Stay smart: Beware of pushy beach vendors, a polite no is enough.

Staying safe

  • Petty theft: Do not leave valuables on beaches.

  • Roads: Traffic can be chaotic, so avoid night driving outside towns.

  • Boats: Use licensed whale operators with life jackets.

  • Water: Take care at wild beaches with strong currents.

Alex Hall
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