A resort called Puerto Plata is located in the north of the Dominican Republic, on the coast Atlantic Ocean and quite different from the popular and crowded Punta Cana. Puerto Plata should be chosen by those people who do not like crowds and are not interested in stormy nightlife and want a calm, measured rest in silence. There are not very many hotels here, the beaches are often deserted, and sometimes there was not a soul on the beaches where we were.
As mentioned earlier, there is no vibrant nightlife in Puerto Plata, of course, there are a couple of bars, but it is difficult to find a disco there. Despite this, the resort has many cafes and restaurants to suit every taste and budget - you can go to inexpensive cafes on the coast, which mainly serve local cuisine, there is an inexpensive German restaurant owned by a German (this restaurant is located about 15 - 20 km from Puerto Plata itself), there is a rather expensive and beautiful Italian restaurant that also offers Mexican cuisine. Food lovers will find a restaurant there to suit their taste.
Those wishing to go to Puerto Plata should keep in mind that the resort is located on the Atlantic coast and on the vast majority of beaches the ocean is choppy, there are medium and even large waves. Those who like to swim calmly are unlikely to like this, but the resort is ideal for surfers, especially since there are surfing schools where they will teach you how to properly catch a wave with a board.
The rest of the entertainment at the resort is mainly closely related to nature - not far from the city... read more
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Weather in Puerto Plata by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Water temperature in the sea |
Number of solar hours per day |
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The original north of the Dominican Republic
Time flies! Every year, as we get to know one or another paradise on Earth, we become more and more convinced that the Dominican Republic has not come up with a better place for us. Since we want variety, for our fifth trip to the Dominican Republic our eyes fell on Puerto Plata. Moreover, the RIU hotel provided Pegasus with very preferential and interesting conditions, and a stream of “Russian tourists” rushed to the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
I must say that many are disappointed purely because of laziness to understand the features of this resort. And the resort, I must say, is specific. There are both pros and cons. I will try to highlight my wife’s and my opinions in detail point by point, which, by the way, for the most part, did not coincide.
Path - road:
We have already become accustomed to the terribly economical Pegasus airline NordWind, although more than once we promised ourselves not to fly with them anymore. But this time too the company added negativity to us. And what kind! The whole trip almost ended. Or maybe it was the fault (sorry), fucking Sheremetyevo, with its terminals at different ends of the airport. We had a transfer from the NordWind flight St. Petersburg-Moscow to the NordWind flight Moscow-Puerto Plata. Both flights and the transfer were included in the package. The agency assured us that the departure would be from terminal D, and, accordingly, the arrival would also be at this terminal. In general, for the most part, we don’t care, but the crossing was a little over an hour, and we still had to go through customs and all these lines. We landed. We drove up to terminal D. They put us on a bus, and... they drove us for half an hour in a circle through the entire airfield to terminal C! Until now, no one has understood why they dragged us there. And the luggage was delivered there even later. As a result, we ended up at the other end of the airport 35-40 minutes before our plane departed. We are ten more families just like ours. And no one understands anything about what we should do. And no one really cares that 10 people miss the flight, and everyone knows that NordWind will fly away without us. No announcements, apologies, nothing! There is some kind of shuttle between the terminals, but no one knows how and when it runs, and even if it departs right now, you still won’t be on time. There was only one way out: take a taxi and drive to terminal D for 1000 rubles, which is what everyone did. That's the only way we managed to do it. But the nerves were spent through the roof. We already think that this is a conspiracy at the airport in order to additionally milk tourists. In St. Petersburg, I drove halfway through the city to the airport at night for 300 rubles. And in Moscow, to travel between terminals of the same airport, you had to pay a thousand.
Okay, we forgot, let's rest. But when we were flying back, another interesting situation occurred at Sheremetyevo. Here we had 5 hours, and we were in no hurry. Once again we were brought to the wrong terminal. We took the shuttle. It turned out that it takes 2.5 hours to get from one terminal to another using the shuttle! Well, okay, it doesn’t matter (only we are tired, we haven’t slept for almost a day), we go to registration, we got there first, and ask us to register together (we are a family, after all), and at the window. Let me remind you - we are the first. Empty plane. Russian-speaking idiot at registration. And he puts us in different rows in the aisle. Actually, it didn’t matter - the plane was one-third full, and everyone moved as they wanted. But still, how do they develop personnel at NordWind? Where does this nasty thing come from in the soul of a person who says that it’s good, he heard us, and at the same time gives us the worst places. I have only one explanation: he wanted money, and when he didn’t get it, he gave us filthy places in revenge and edification. Do you think we are mistaken? What about selling your airline check-in in advance to your hotel? This is now legalized in NordWind! Pay 100 bucks (I think that’s how much) and we’ll reserve you the seat you specify!. What can I say? Those bastards! No company is humiliated like this
Puerto Plata Airport:
Nothing special. The building is a simple two-story building without any special features. It was immediately forgotten. Minimum personnel. Everything is fast both there and back. There are few shops. Less than in Punta Cana. The selection and prices are the same.
Puerto Plata
This is a very specific place, which has a lot of differences from the rest of the famous resort Dominican Republic. There are differences that are positive, some that are negative, and some that are not for everyone. First of all, it is a cheap holiday area. Among the locals, it is considered the poorest part, although this is not very noticeable. But it is noticeable that the local people here are a little concerned about petty mercantile problems. Merchants, a little more than everywhere else, want to sell you their goods, and at a higher price. The prices in the stalls here are just like airport prices! You need to know where to buy what. We'll advise you later.
Next, the most important thing is the climate. It is due to the fact that it is mountainous, which means there are a bunch of small rivers and rivulets coming down from the mountains and flowing into big water, like everywhere else in the tropics where there are mountains. The consequence of this is humidity, clouds, rain. And one more consequence - fresh water, flowing into the salty sea - runoff from fields, microorganisms, algae, in general - a muddy sea, with the exception of certain special places where they are taken for money. On the way from the airport to the hotel, I counted that we crossed the beds of about 15 rivers and streams. Mountains are, of course, beautiful and majestic. The clouds are not large quantities– this is also beautiful. All this pleases the eye. The camera lens too. But the body is not very happy, because the clouds - heavenly wanderers - block the life-giving rays of the sun and prevent the water from heating to the state of fresh milk, as at the same time the water is heating up along the entire Caribbean coast, as well as on the beaches of Punta Cana, where there are fewer waves. In addition, snow-white sand, obtained by natural grinding of pieces of dead white corals, is actively mixed with ground mountain soil, which has a different color, mainly black, and such gray beaches are obtained. Using the Photoshop method in photographs you can get snow-white beach, but don't let that fool you. This gray color of sand is essentially no worse than snow-white, since it still does not heat up so much as to burn your feet. But the color of coastal water directly depends on the background on which the water is located. Against a white background, the water is very beautiful - blue - almost blue, just turquoise, you can’t take your eyes off it. And against a gray background, accordingly, ... it’s simply beautiful, that’s all. Moreover, it’s a little unclear. The water itself also has its own color, and it is different from the Caribbean color. And the color of the water is also affected by the angle of incidence of the sun's rays. Sunsets and sunrises in Puerto Plata can only be observed from the land side, which is not very beneficial for the color of the water and for melancholy thoughts during the pleasant contemplation of sunsets or sunrises.
So, draw your own conclusions. In my opinion, it is best to start getting acquainted with the Dominican Republic from this area.
Hotel RIU MERENGUE
Decent hotel. Very harmonious price-quality ratio. As far as I understand, due to the fact that this hotel has a fairly high population density. So, the hotel absorbed more than 300 Russians at a time, and no one even noticed. But it's not too noticeable. Every piece of territory is used wisely. You feel overcrowded only at the pools, where older couples like to hang out, and in the evening, in places of scenic entertainment. Of course, there are disadvantages, but, in our general opinion, there are more advantages, and we are now ready to visit other hotels in this chain. Why not this one - only because we don't return to the same places. Well, maybe in many years...
Placement.
Everyone writes about the amazing speed with which new arrivals are accommodated. Indeed, this is something!!!. All hotels around the world should organize an experience exchange tour here. Such a conveyor was organized - one treated us to a cocktail, another gave us a questionnaire and a pen, the third looked for an envelope ALREADY READY IN ADVANCE with documents and keys, the fourth took the questionnaire, the fifth put on bracelets, the sixth attached a number to the luggage for the porter, and showed us the direction where we should go. By the way, the porter managed to bring our suitcase in 2 minutes. In short, half an hour, and 300 people were accommodated. And this is early in the morning, before breakfast. And the rooms are all ready for occupancy. This, I tell you, is very pleasant and unexpected, and very useful after a difficult and long flight. By the way, we received the exact number we wanted, which we requested via email. mail to the reception. We received, like everyone else, the standard answer that, they say, they don’t guarantee anything, everything is possible. I don’t know whether they granted our request, or whether it was a coincidence, but we got what we wanted.
We were completely satisfied with it. Although, it is noticeable that everything is so old, it does not cause any unpleasant sensations. The TV is decent, there is one Russian channel that shows some crap, and that’s good. There's no point in flying halfway around the world to sit in front of a TV set. Of particular interest is the alcoholic beverage dispenser located in the room. I have repeatedly heard conversations that it is now convenient to steal directly from the room. Let no one be under any delusion; in a cheap hotel they will not put high-quality alcohol in your room. In general, the company "TREMOLS" is the cheapest company that produces fake surrogate fakes, and in this issue you will find the cheapest options from this swill. The only digestible use for these liquids is to use them in cocktails in small quantities. As for the rest of the contents of the minibar, or rather the refrigerator: everything is as usual. Two colas, two Schweppes, two cans of beer (not bad), and two bottles of still drinking water. Sometimes it's a sprite. The refrigerator works rather poorly - it is clogged in a confined space and the evaporator is poorly ventilated. The air conditioner also works so-so, and is still a little noisy. But acceptable. It's been worse, and it's rarely been better with the economy option. The room had only the bare essentials to a minimum. No hair dryer, no iron. The only detergents are soap and shampoo in bags. Everything is more or less clean. The bed is huge, not creaky, the illumination is varied, the sockets work for the most part, the water pressure is normal, both cold and hot, and the bathroom is not slippery. You can live.
To be fair, I want to say that not all rooms are equally comfortable. There are places where there is constant noise from operating service mechanisms such as laundries and pumps. It’s unpleasant to even walk there; I don’t know how they live there. But you shouldn’t be afraid of noise from evening animation or daytime bustle by the pools. We have not noticed any buildings where this would interfere.
Territory
I won't repeat myself. In general, there is one promenade for three hotels, along the beach. It goes to all the hotel's attractions. The first thing to do is walk on it. And all questions regarding the territory will be clear. At the end of this promenade there is a climb to this cape with a gazebo, from where you can see the docked ocean liners.
The only interesting thing I want to tell you is to talk about a very interesting corner of the hotel, where not everyone wanders. And it's not on the diagram. You need to get to the cape, then turn left, go down to that second small beach overlooking the port, walk along this entire beach, and at the end of the beach walk along the short paved path to the left. Local young barkers are sitting there and inviting you to go there, to their shops. Agree. There are many stalls there, and the prices in some are much cheaper than on that central path of the hotel. But that is not all. There is a small mangrove reserve behind these stalls. A crowd of turtles, ducks, fish, birds are swimming - very interesting. And everything is on the hotel premises. No one knows. The next interesting and long route through the territory is a promenade along the surf line along the beach.
A curious place. It is curious that the shadow over the couches is not created by special umbrellas - fungi, or even palm trees, but by specific trees with thick round leaves of different colors. By the way, the shade turns out quite well. I would be grateful if anyone could tell me their name. Small yellow birds frolic among these leaves, which creates a good atmosphere. The beach is equally good along its entire length. And the sea is the cleanest and most transparent, all other things being equal (slight waves), in the middle of the beach and further, to the left, closer to the gazebo. There the sea is not so deep, this makes the waves and undercurrents quieter, and the bottom is easier to see with a mask. The right side, on the contrary, is more muddy, but you can frolic and swim calmly without touching the bottom almost immediately from the shore to the buoys. The mask and snorkel came in handy a couple of times, but the fins never came in handy, not counting diving. We chose the right wing of the beach because it is closer to the habitats. Plus, it's a little more interesting. A clean, transparent stream flows along the border of the hotel and flows into the sea. In this stream you can see fish, crabs, and the most interesting thing is that in the coastal mud a crab claw sticks out from every hole. If you don’t move for 20-40 seconds, then all this will move. On the other side of the river, a dozen local Dominicans sit quietly, waiting to earn money - a massage, a hair curler, whatever. They sit there quietly. They were prohibited from imposing services and crossing the river. But we, the guests, can. But not recommended. They frightened you with all sorts of passions - faces like that the locals can do whatever they want to you outside the territory, and the police won’t even look into it... It’s beneficial for them (Pegasus) to set people up in such a way that people take more excursions. But in fact, it’s not all that scary. Everyone walks, one at a time, and in groups, for a long time, and far. Naturally, there, to the right, across the river to a wild beach. First there is a series of local, pathetic market-type stalls. Then an endless wild beach with large boulders, a little reminiscent of the Seychelles. You can arrange a very interesting photo session. There is also an option for this wild beach go deep into the territory, around these two low characteristic mountains, similar to an overgrown ruined castle. But there was no company. I saw that young guys from Moscow sent a drone-quadcopter there from a wild beach with the goal of finding nests of large birds of prey there, which fly around in large numbers. If you find their recordings on YouTube, it’s amazing how interesting it is! Just don't put it down!
I hasten to say that this was the most organized diving of all where I was lucky enough to dive. And in comparison with other Dominican places, I’ll say this: it’s about the same as diving from Bavaro beach, Uvero Alto, and other places close to Punta Cana. Of course, it doesn’t reach the Caribbean coast at all. But it’s nice that the equipment did not break down, the boat is specialized for divers - with ladders and a canopy, the instructors are qualified and friendly, they try to do everything themselves and without a sour face. They even filled out my dive log! Groups are not overloaded and do not go out in bad weather. In general, everything is with soul. And there are more than enough clients in the hotel! You won't get there right away the next day. They will say that the group is full. The price is the same as everywhere else - two dives - 98 bucks. I recommend. You will not regret.
This is a big and bold plus for the hotel. Tasty, varied, no queues. I can’t even imagine how it’s possible to organize food for such a crowd of people. I won’t repeat myself and list everything. I will only tell you the differences. I was especially pleased with the organization of drinking. You can serve whatever you want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And beer, and wine (3 types), and tea, and a coffee machine right there, and hot and cold milk, and all kinds of lemonades (Pepsi, Sprite, etc.), and juices like improved yuppies, whatever your heart desires. No restrictions. Lovely! In the morning, still crushed fruits and vegetables in a blender with ice (fresh juices). The baked goods, to my discerning taste, are so-so. Not bad. It can be better. There are a lot of different fruits. The pineapples were especially pleasing. So hard to put down that even all my gums were almost dissolved until they bled with these pineapples! I had to take breaks, and this was a big test of my will. Try it yourself and you will understand. You won’t taste such tender and aromatic pineapples in Russia.
It is noticeable that this hotel is designed in such a way that fat travelers do not bother themselves with long trips for food and long breaks. You can crack from breakfast almost continuously until dinner. Lunches, in addition to the main restaurant, are organized directly at the pools next to the bars, and they are open all day. Eat - I don’t want to! And, you know, there by the pool among the Canadians I felt like a slender cypress! My stomach lay next to me separately, but I was glad that it did not hang from the lounger to the ground on both sides, like many of my neighbors.
Swimming pools
Clean. But cold, until the sea warms up too. The pools are boring and small. There are sun loungers densely packed next to them. But you can always find a place. Seats are taken in advance. But there are always empty seats. Especially in the heat of the moment.
PegasTours
Having read negative reviews about the guides (I think Katya and Evgenia, I don’t remember, I didn’t want to stir up old reviews again), we decided not to listen to anyone and not to take excursions. But the company prudently changed the lecturer, and some young, literate man spoke so skillfully about all the excursions that we almost ordered something! Just some kind of zombie! But they resisted, and are very happy. Nobody NOBODY!!! Of those who bought them, they were not satisfied. Very bad organization. And overpriced. In general, if you really, really want to go somewhere...
And one more thing Pegasus Tour got - it’s paid early booking seats on the plane for the return trip. For me, this is blatant robbery and deception. Moreover, there were cases when places were paid for and not received. Okay, I'm tired of this topic.
For children:
There is nothing. Or almost nothing. The hotel is not designed for this. In general, dragging small children halfway around the world is adult selfishness towards the child and others, and great stupidity. It's just useless to talk about it. Everyone who has intelligence understands this themselves. And the rest don't care. And the health of your child, and the spoiled vacation of those around you.
I don't know what else to write. Please ask questions
Overall, I liked the holiday, but my wife not so much. We spent the entire vacation arguing about this – who likes/dislikes what. So, study, read, ask.
About country " "
Nature
About the resort ""
Nature
Food (restaurants, cafes)
Shopping (shops, markets)
Cost/quality ratio
About the hotel “Playabachata Resort 5*”
Hotel location (distance from the airport, sea, mountains, etc.)
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Hotel building (condition)
In this article we will help you navigate the Dominican Republic: we will tell you where the Caribbean Sea is in the Dominican Republic, which side it is washed by the ocean, where which resorts are located, and what are their main differences.
The Dominican Republic is located in the eastern part of the island of Haiti. This island is one of the Big Islands Antilles which are located in Central America. The southern coast of the island is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and the northern coast by the Atlantic Ocean.
The most popular and largest resort in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, is located in the eastern part of the island, which is washed by the Atlantic. However, resort guests have a great opportunity drive a little south and appreciate the beauty Caribbean Sea.
After all, just not far from Punta Cana is the Eastern national reserve, and its pearl is the island of Saona, which attracts tourists year after year with its magnificent pristine beaches. The island of Saone is already the Caribbean Sea.
Between Saona and the coast of the Dominican Republic is the Catuana Strait - it is believed that this is where the waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea connect.
There are hotels on the Caribbean Sea, but there are not so many of them compared to the Atlantic coast.
This is due to the fact that there are very few sandy beaches on the southern side of the island. As a rule, the coast is a shallow coral reef, or mangroves extend along the coast.
Resorts on the Caribbean Sea:
- Barahona
- Boca Chica
- Juan Dolio
- La Romana
- Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo - capital Dominican Republic- also located on the south coast. But for lovers beach holiday there's nothing to do there. Although there are, of course, decent city-type hotels in the capital (for example, Hilton). But the nearest beaches are located outside the city limits - in the small settlements of Juan Dolio and Boca Chica.
The resorts of the Caribbean Sea are distinguished by the presence of not very large and comfortable hotels, clean beaches, and there are rarely such strong waves as on the Atlantic. Eat good places for snorkeling, diving. Another bonus for aesthetes is the magical sunsets! Well, proximity to the capital, of course, will be a plus for many.
Resorts on the Atlantic
There are much more resorts on the Atlantic, we will list the most famous and popular:
- Punta Cana (Bavaro)
- Puerto Plata
- Sosua
- Cabarete
- Samana
- Las Terrenas
Of course, largest resort from this list is Punta Cana. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and excellent all-inclusive hotels. This is a real tourist paradise. Here you can find entertainment for every age, taste, and budget.
Tourists from Europe associate it with a paradise island where winter never happens. It seems that any resort in this beloved region embodies all the beauties of the advertising brochure: languidly bent palm trees with lush greenery, white sand baked by the sun, turquoise waters of the lagoon, the colorful world of coral reefs... Therefore, tourists often do not bother to find out before the trip , what is the Dominican Republic, where is it located, what kind of sea is there, when is the best time to go there. Our article aims to clarify these issues. The problem of choosing a coastline is especially pressing. What does it seem to matter? After all, the island of the Caribbean archipelago is located in tropical latitudes, so the sea, regardless of the coast, will be warm. It's right. But in addition to temperature, factors such as sea waves, wind and underwater currents are also important for recreation.
A little geography
The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean archipelago. From the east, the Mona Strait separates the state from another piece of land - Puerto Rico. This island is a possession of the United States of America. And to the west of the Dominican Republic are Jamaica and Cuba. The island of the Dominican Republic is divided between two states. Approximately one third of its western part is occupied by the country of Haiti. located in the center and east. All the islands of the Caribbean archipelago (except Haiti) are popular among tourists as beach holiday destinations.
Now let’s clarify the question of which sea the Dominican Republic is located on. The Caribbean is part of the Atlantic Ocean. This huge water area also has seas. From the north, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The southern coast of the island is caressed by waves. It is mostly calm. And that part of the Atlantic that adjoins the republic from the north is called the Sargasso Sea. This is a short geographical information.
Does it matter what kind of sea is in the Dominican Republic?
In this island country, resorts are located on both the northern and southern coasts. Which one should you choose? It all depends on what you understand by the words “beach holiday”. By the way, the sand is snow-white, and palm trees are green everywhere. The whole problem is in the water area. If you are an unimportant swimmer and generally prefer to swim in calm water, you definitely need to go to the southern resorts of the country. But if you are a lover of active recreation, then repeat with delight after numerous surfers: “What sea in the Dominican Republic can compare with the ocean?!” The waves there are such that you just want to ride their crest with a board. The wind is also fresh. Thanks to him, the small town of Cabarete turned into a Mecca for all windsurfers. The northern coast (and therefore the Atlantic Ocean) is also respected by divers. The best coral reefs are located off the islet of Cayo Levantado in Samana Bay.
North coast resorts
Many lovers of a relaxing beach holiday book a hotel in Puerto Plata, without at all asking what the sea is like in the Dominican Republic. And they are often severely disappointed. There are always serious waves in the ocean that washes the northern shores of the island, even during the high tourist season. But this does not mean that the only water entertainment you can do is dive into the hotel pool. On the northern coast you can find coves and small bays. The capes protruding far into the water area dampen some of the power of the ocean, and on such beaches you can swim without fear. And the island of Cayo Levantado, already mentioned above, is generally considered a beach paradise. Which resorts in the Dominican Republic open to the ocean? Besides Puerto Plata, these are Playa Dorada, Las Terrenas, Samana, Cabarete and Sosua.
South coast resorts
Well, what about the opposite end of the island? Southern Dominican Republic - what is the sea like there? Any tourist who has visited the beaches of the south of the country will say that it seems to have stepped off the pages of advertising brochures. Sky blue, turning into malachite aquamarine in the distance - these are the words travelers describe the Caribbean Sea. The beaches of the south are good both for swimming with children and for romantic walks along the water's edge. The entry into the sea is very gentle. Where there is a coral reef close to the shore, there are no waves at all. What resorts are located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic? These are Bavaro, Barahona, Bayahibe, Boca Chica, Altos de Chavon, Juan Dolio, La Romana and San Pedro. Such resorts also include the island of Saona, on which a national reserve is located. In the south is also the capital of the state, the city of Santo Domingo.
Punta Cana
This resort is special. It is located in the very east of the Dominican Republic. What sea or ocean washes Punta Cana? Both water areas! And this - the kiss of the dark blue ocean and the soft turquoise sea - is the main “feature” of the resort. Punta Cana appeared on the map of the country relatively recently. Just a couple of decades ago, in this place, endless coconut groves alternated with mangroves. Now Punta Cana has turned into an agglomeration of small resort areas: El Macao, Cabeza de Toro, Playa Bavaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto and El Cortecito. This resort also has its own international Airport, where direct flights from Moscow land (Vnukovo and Domodedovo). Punta Cana is considered a very prestigious holiday destination. The hotels here are mostly five-star. In Punta Cana they don’t like to build large buildings. All hotels at the resort are dozens, or even hundreds of small bungalows, hiding under the canopy of palm trees.
Pros and cons of different coasts
Ocean waves are “the best,” according to surfers, in the fall. Only then do they reach a height of two to three meters. At other times of the year they are one and a half meters long. Impressive too? Then go to South coast. Temperatures in the Dominican Republic are the same everywhere and depend on the season. Another thing is how the heat is felt by the body. There is a constant fresh breeze in the north. In the south you may feel stuffy. Entertainment, including water, is available at all resorts. What is the sea in the Dominican Republic without fishing?! But you will get the best catch in Atlantic waters. In addition, only in the ocean can you see humpback whales, which at the end of winter swim to the northern tip of the island to give birth. And at the resort of Punta Cana you will enjoy all the advantages of two coasts.
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Map of resorts and beaches of the Dominican Republic
If you have not yet decided which resort to choose in the Dominican Republic, take a closer look at Punta Cana. The noisy and cheerful city is located in the center of the resort area of the same name in the southeast of the country. Couples and businessmen come here to relax.
Beach holiday. According to reviews, Punta Cana is one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are several areas here. In the center there is an urban area with an airport. A little further - fashionable area Cap Cana with expensive hotels and the more affordable area of Bavaro, where there are shops, a hospital, pharmacies and banks.
The coastline stretches for 32 km. The beaches of Bavaro are considered the best in the Dominican Republic. The shore is covered with white sand, the entrance to the water is gentle, and the swimming area is separated from the shore by coral reefs. Hotel beaches have the necessary infrastructure, but municipal beaches do not. In free places you usually won’t find changing cabins, toilets or showers.
(Photo © Mustang Joe / flickr.com / License CC0 1.0)
Things to do. Punta Cana has a rich underwater world, so diving is developed. Fish restaurants The resort has the reputation of being the best in the country. In the vicinity there are two national parks and a marine reserve.
Prices. Most coastal hotels are 4-5*. On average, a double room costs from $80. It is much cheaper to live in a guesthouse - $25-35 per night.
Punta Cana in high season (winter):
(Photo © unsplash.com / @joelcasilla)
Where is the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic? If you are not limited by budget, we recommend going to the elite suburb of Punta Cana - Cap Cana. This is a young resort designed for wealthy clients.
Beach holiday. The coastline extends for 8 km and is covered with white, very fine sand. The beaches of Cap Cana are clean, with a gentle entrance to the water. Some of them belong to hotels. The most beautiful beaches are located in the southwest of the resort.
Things to do. Cap Cana has a modern port for 200 yachts and 200 boats, as well as excellent golf courses. Swim in the outdoor pools with sea water, go to a fitness center or spa. During your vacation, take an excursion to the Manati Nature Reserve and watch the exotic birds on the tropical island of Cayo Levantado.
Prices. Cap Cana has the highest prices among other resorts in the Dominican Republic. There are five luxury hotels and a boutique hotel. They serve guests on an all-inclusive basis, so tours are expensive.
Cap Cana in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Green Village 03)
When asked where to go to the Dominican Republic for a holiday with small children, many answer unequivocally - to Boca Chica.
Beach holiday. One of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic is located in a natural lagoon and is reliably protected by a coral reef from waves and large predators. The beaches are covered with white powdery sand. The swimming area is shallow - no more than one and a half meters. 30 km from the resort is main city Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo, so on weekends the beaches of Boca Chica are crowded with vacationers from the capital.
Things to do. Water activities are popular among tourists: diving, yachting, surfing and sea fishing. Take an excursion to Santo Domingo and visit the small tropical islands.
Prices. Accommodation is cheaper than in Punta Cana: there are no 5* hotels and many 3-4* budget hotels.
Boca Chica in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / whala!boca chica)
Where to go to the Dominican Republic if you want a relaxing holiday? Tourists recommend Juan Dolio - this is a quiet resort in the Dominican Republic, compared to neighboring Boca Chica. Located on the Caribbean coast, 50 km from the capital.
Beach holiday. The beaches of Juan Dolio are in no way inferior to others. Everything is as advertised: fine white sand, turquoise water, rows of tall coconut trees. There are almost no waves near the shore, and the depth is small - 1.5-2 m. In some places, corals are located close to the shore, and there are fragments of them - take special shoes.
Things to do. Play golf or bowling, ride horses, go diving and snorkeling. Go see the sights of Santo Domingo: Aquarium Park, Columbus Lighthouse and Ozama Fort.
Prices. Juan Dolio is a budget resort in the Dominican Republic. The cost of a holiday there is approximately the same as in Punta Cana.
Juan Dolio in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Marbella Juan Dolio I)
Samana
Many people believe that the best place to relax in the Dominican Republic is at the Samana resort. It is located on a protected peninsula, far from large cities.
Beach holiday. Samana is called an ideal place for lovers of individual recreation, newlyweds and lovers of eco-tourism. Tourists enjoy the beaches in the southern and northern parts of the peninsula, as well as on the island of Cayo Levantado.
Things to do. Horseback riding excursions, jeeping, diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing are popular. Admire ancient rock paintings in deep caves, visit the 30-meter El Limon waterfall, watch dolphins and manatees. From mid-January to March you can see the migration of humpback whales.
Prices. Accommodation in 3-4* hotels will cost from $40 to $80, and a double room in a guesthouse will cost $20-30.
Samana in high season (winter):
(Photo © Einfach-Eve / pixabay.com)
A large recreation area is located in the north of the country, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It unites three resorts at once - Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Sosua.
Beach holiday. The coastline is more than 100 km. Hotel beaches are equipped. Here are ideal conditions for aquatic species sports because ocean waves higher than in the Caribbean.
Things to do. It is better to go to this Dominican Republic resort for those who like to diversify beach activities excursions and active recreation. In Puerto Plata, all attractions are located compactly. The coastal city has preserved the colonial style of the era of the conquerors - neat houses decorated with carvings, defensive structures and Catholic churches. Visit the ruins of Columbus's home, visit the Amber Museum and the Brugal Distillery.
If you like to be active, take the cable car to the top of Isabel de Torres. Take a windsurfing school, play golf and ride horses. Watch spectacular cockfights at the Gallistico Club.
Prices on vacation for northern resorts The Dominican Republic is slightly lower than Punta Cana.
Puerto Plata in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Playabachata Resort)
A large resort center is located in the southern part, between Punta Cana and the capital of the country. La Romana is considered one of the best Dominican Republic resorts in the Caribbean.
Beach holiday. Tourists like silence and cleanliness. Shady coconut groves grow on the shore, and hotels have excellent beach infrastructure.
Things to do. The main entertainments are tennis, golf, diving, spearfishing, fishing, yachting, horse riding and jeeping. Tourists are in demand for excursions to the city of artisans and artists of Altos de Chavon and boat trips to the islands of Saona and Catalinita. Visit Central Park, admire the City Hall building and the ancient Catholic church Santa Rosa de Lima.
Prices. The cost of a holiday in La Romana is the same as in Punta Cana. For independent budget holiday choose 3* hotels - accommodation costs $50-80 per night. Guesthouses are even cheaper - $30-40.
La Romana in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Luxury Bahia Principle Bouganville)
Determining which Dominican Republic resort is better is not easy. According to reviews, an unusual option is a holiday in the capital of the country.
Beach holiday. The city has a rocky coastline and no beaches. Swimming spots are located around Santo Domingo - Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. They are conveniently accessible by public transport. Locals and tourists also enjoy the picturesque sand beach Guayacanes.
Things to do. Santo Domingo is the first city of the New World, which was founded by Europeans at the end of the 15th century. Today it is the cultural and economic center of the country. Most of the city's monuments and museums are concentrated in the so-called “Colonial Zone”.
Connoisseurs of architecture and history love to relax in the capital. Santo Domingo is popular with fans of shopping, as there are many markets here, shopping centers and boutiques. If you want to see natural attractions, go to the Three Eyes Cave, a national Botanical Garden, zoo, Mirador Suri and Enriquillo parks.
Prices in the capital of the Dominican Republic, prices are no higher than in other popular resorts in the country, and there is a greater choice of inexpensive accommodation.
Santo Domingo in high season (winter):
(Photo © booking.com / Catalonia Santo Domingo)
The best resorts in the Dominican Republic receive the most flattering reviews from tourists from different countries peace. Holidays on the coast of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are ideal for anyone who is not afraid of long flights and relatively high prices.
According to reviews, a universal place for tourists with different needs is Punta Cana. Youth groups and families with small children prefer Boca Chica or La Romana. Those who want to spend their holidays alone come to the Samana Peninsula. Whatever the choice, at any resort in the Dominican Republic you can count on clean beaches, comfortable hotels, water activities and interesting excursions.
Introductory image source: © Playabachata Resort / booking.com.
