Things to do in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic covers the larger, eastern part of Hispaniola, and Haiti holds the rest. The first decision is which coast to base on. Things to do in the Dominican Republic follow that map, and most day trips leave from the east.

How the country divides

• The east. The Punta Cana coast, a strip of resort beaches with an airport of its own since 1984.
• Bayahibe and La Romana. The south-east, and the launch point for the islands of Saona and Catalina.
• Santo Domingo. The capital on the south coast. Its Colonial Zone is a UNESCO site, with the first cathedral and fortress built in the Americas.
• Samaná. A peninsula in the north-east, with Las Terrenas and Las Galeras. Humpback whales gather in its bay from January to March.
• The interior and the north. The Cordillera Central peaks at Pico Duarte, 3,098 metres. Puerto Plata sits on the north coast.

Crossing between them

Distances decide the plan. From the east coast, Santo Domingo is a long day out and back. Samaná and Los Haitises are longer still.

What the days are made of

• Islands and reefs. Saona and Catalina by catamaran, with snorkelling. Saona's water is shallow and has no waves.
• Whales and mangroves. Samaná Bay in season, and Los Haitises for mangroves and caves with archaeological remains.
• Countryside. Buggies, a zip line and safari trucks through coffee, cocoa and sugar-cane land.
• The old city. Santo Domingo's colonial streets, Boca Chica beach and the Tres Ojos lake.

Most days run as shared seats with a hotel pick-up. A private Saona boat costs many times a seat.

Practical

• Weather. The country averages about 25C through the year, and the mountains run near 18C. Rain falls mainly from May to November, so December to April is the drier stretch.
• Hurricanes. The season runs from June to November and peaks from August to October. Storms can shift boat days.
• Whales. Whale watching in Samaná Bay runs from January to March.
• Tipping. Restaurants add a 10 per cent service charge and 18 per cent tax to the bill. Diners leave a further 5 to 10 per cent for good service.
• Cash. The currency is the Dominican peso, and cash helps for tips and small souvenirs.