A romantic getaway to this Caribbean island includes breathtaking natural beauty, white sandy beaches, and affordable lavish resorts. A Dominican Republic honeymoon is a top choice for beach, nature, and rum lovers.
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Is the Dominican Republic a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The Dominican Republic is a world-class honeymoon destination with beautiful beaches and great adventure opportunities for lovebirds. Located between Puerto Rico and Cuba, Hispaniola island (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) is strategically placed for quick arrival from the US and a great starting point for a multi-destination honeymoon.
It offers visitors an unforgettable experience that is rich in culture and comfort. This island has many luxury resorts that offer guests royal treatment.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic?
- Horseback riding. One of the best times to enjoy horseback riding is sunset on the beach with your partner.
- Engage in water sports. Enjoy activities like catamaran sailing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving on Islands like Virgin Gorda.
- Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise. Punta Canta offers many romantic experiences, one of which is a slow sunset dinner cruise where you’ll enjoy fresh, delicious food while watching the sun sink into the ocean.
- Beach activities. Visit one of the unique places in the Dominican Republic, Playa Rincon. In this elegant strip of land, you will experience a sense of timelessness, smooth turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and giant cliffs.
- Whale watching. Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the Dominican Republic yearly, and you and your partner can enjoy seeing them up close at Samana Bay. While in Samana Bay, you can also enjoy many hiking trails or trek to El Salto del Limo, among other activities.
- Take a day trip to Altos de Chavon. Altos de Chavon village is the point where the Mediterranean meets the Caribbean. Treat yourselves to a day trip at the mausoleum and amphitheater in this village.
What Is the Best Month to Visit the Dominican Republic?
The best time for a Dominican Republic honeymoon is between December and April. It has a humid tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, the temperature gets slightly lower from December to April, with less humidity and rain showers.
The rainy season is from May to November. Usually, this is not the best time to travel to the Dominican Republic. More so, disastrous hurricanes can occur between August and October.
Is a Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic Expensive?
The Dominican Republic is a popular honeymoon destination offering unforgettable experiences in luxurious resorts at affordable rates. For instance, in Punta Cana, several luxurious resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages for as little as $550 per person for a six-day stay.
If you don’t choose an all-inclusive resort, a one-week stay in the Dominican Republic typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500.
How to Plan a Budget Dominican Republic Honeymoon
- Book a shorter stay. Two weeks would be ideal for a fantastic honeymoon experience. However, a 7-day trip will save you some money.
- Book early. Hotels and flights will offer you lower prices when you book early.
- Stay at an all-inclusive resort. If you’re not concerned with experiencing the Dominican culture firsthand, all-inclusive resorts are a great choice and typically cheaper.
- Book your trip during the low season. Airlines and hotels charge more during the high season.
- Use low-cost transportation. You can use a scooter or public transport around the island instead of taxis.
- Enjoy free or low-cost activities. For example, going for walks, sightseeing, and enjoying the beach.
- Book weekday flights. Flights are often cheaper on weekdays rather than on weekends and holidays.
7 Best Cities to Stay in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the capital city of the Dominican Republic. It was the first European colonial city and has well-preserved Gothic and colonial architecture. It is located strategically, allowing you to access the international airport easily.
During the day, take advantage of informational walking tours, visit museums, or hike the Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall. Santo Domingo is about an hour from several beaches and has a vibrant nightlife.
Where to stay: Zona Colonial, Boca Chica, Gazque, Bella Vista
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is located between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean at the Dominican Republic’s eastern tip. Many tourists consider it an ideal holiday destination. This city is tactfully built for enjoyment, with 11 beaches, including the famous Bavaro Beach.
Enjoy everything the clear ocean offers, including scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. For a more adventurous day, head to Saona Island. Here you’ll find pre-Columbian rock art in caves, coral reefs, turtle sanctuaries, and starfish.
Where to stay: Bavaro, Cap Cana, Cabeza de Toro
La Romana
La Romana is a very upscale area that attracts affluent visitors. The hotels in this city are all lavish and stylish. It only accommodated the nobles and high-ranking officers in colonial times; Spanish soldiers were kept from staying there.
Here, you will find an archeological site where you will learn about the Taino people. You can also go horseback riding, cave swimming, explore Monkeyland, and learn more about Altos de Chavon.
Where to stay: La Romana municipality, Guaymate, Villa Hermosa
Las Terrenas
La Terrenas is perfect for people with an ideal image of what a honeymoon should look like in the Caribbean. It is a romantic destination for newlyweds, with multiple hidden coves and beautiful virgin beaches.
Couples can enjoy boat trips through the mangrove canals. Alternatively, relax at one of the seven beaches, Las Ballenas being one of the best. From Las Ballenas, you can enjoy the view of whales that breach near the coastline.
Where to stay: Bonita, El Portillo, Punta Popy
Santa Cruz de Barahona
This area is hardly touched by tourism, despite being one of the most important cities in the Dominican Republic. It is home to a major port and sugar plantations. It’s even more special because it’s one of the few places where you can find Larimar stone.
Santa Cruz has a cloud forest preserve and unique jungle orchid species. You and your partner will experience great seafood restaurants and relaxed quality time in this area.
Where to stay: El Cachón, Villa Central, La Guázara
Bayahibe
Bayahibe is the perfect city for couples who love diving. Here you get to enjoy lots of ocean activities and underwater exploration. On land, there are many hiking trails with lush forestry and ocean views.
Snorkeling and scuba diving at Bayahibe have become more attractive as there are two easily accessible shipwrecks off the coast. This city is also a great kick-off point for visiting Saona and Catalina Islands.
Where to stay: Boca de Yuma, Guaymate, Otra Banda
San Felipe De Puerto Plata
San Felipe De Puerto Plata is a city that allows you to experience both a beach and city scene, with many beautiful photogenic sites.
You will see Amber Cove, a terminal for cruises with a public pool. You can also view the Fortress of San Felipe De Puerto Plata, a significant monument for the people of San Felipe. It served as the bastion that offered the natives protection against corsairs and pirates.
Where to stay: Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada
What Is the Best Way to Travel to the Dominican Republic?
There are seven international airports in the Dominican Republic. The three most popular are:
- Punta Cana International
- Las Américas International
- Puerto Plata International
However, you can also arrive in the Dominican Republic on a cruise through the Caribbean Sea. Most cruise ships dock in the Port of Samana.
Traveling within the Dominican Republic
Renting a car is the most convenient and comfortable way to get around this island. However, not all of the roads are in pristine condition. Luckily, taxis are common, and Uber exists in major cities. You could also rent a scooter if you’re comfortable on two wheels.
In terms of public transportation, you can take large public buses or guaguas (privately owned minivan buses). If you choose either of these options, carry small coins and try to pay with exact change.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in the Dominican Republic?
Regardless of your taste or budget, you can choose from various honeymoon accommodations in the Dominican Republic.
The most popular options include beachfront honeymoon resorts and villas, which often offer concierge services and spa treatments. Many have world-class golf courses, impeccable white sand beaches, ocean views, private pools, and equestrian centers. Choose from all-inclusive or adult-only options.
There are also plenty of boutique hotels. They are generally slightly less expensive than resorts and offer more privacy.
Budget-conscious travelers can also find many mid-range hotels and Airbnb properties.
4 Local Foods To Try in the Dominican Republic
- La Bandera Dominicana. Ask for authentic Bandera Dominicana any time in the day to re-energize. The colors of La Bandera Dominicana represent the Dominican flag. It’s a hearty meal with red beans, salad, stewed chicken or meat, rice, and tostones.
- Mangú. Mangú is one of the best breakfast meals before a long day’s adventure during your honeymoon. It consists of dense pre-boiled green plantains that are mashed. Usually served with fried cheese, fries, salami, or eggs.
- Plantain and Beef Pockets. Plantain and beef pockets are a delicacy that people love to prepare during Christmas; however, you can enjoy them year-round. The dough is made from plantains and vegetables, and the meat is seasoned with Dominican spices.
- Tostones. Tonstones are crispy green plantains that are mashed and fried. You can find them at fine dining restaurants or street vendors. They are more like french fries. You can have them as a side dish or on their own.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Dominican Republic Honeymoon?
The Dominican Republic is a lively country full of life and excitement. The cultural experiences here range from merengue dancing to cigars. Ensure you take some time to have the following incredible cultural experiences:
- Visit Altos de Chavon, where you’ll be taken back to the 16th century and see La Romana’s Mediterranean village. At Altos de Chavon, you get to see the finest arts and crafts traditions of the Dominican Republic in a working artists’ colony. There is also an open-air amphitheater hosting luminaries like Carlos Santana.
- Visit the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora De La Altagracia. This magnificent structure in Higüey was completed in 1971. It has a beautiful, awe-inspiring arch rising 225 feet above the landscape. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the western hemisphere, highly valued by the people of the Dominican Republic.
- Explore the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve. This fascinating natural and cultural wonderland is in Punta Cana. It spans over 1,500 acres and has a petting zoo and freshwater lagoons.
- Take a tour of the ChocoMuseo. The people of the Dominican Republic do not view chocolate just as a sweet treat, as it is a significant part of their culture. Visit Punta Cana’s ChocoMuseo and sample authentic Dominican chocolate as you experience its rich heritage. Learn how the Dominicans harvest the chocolate, how they add flavor, and how they ensure it gets to different parts of the world.
- Learn about Dominican cigars and rum. Did you know that the Dominican Republic is the world’s greatest cigar producer? The country takes pride in being the largest producer since the 16th century. They produce cigars not only in large quantities but also in high quality. There’s also an evident rum culture in the Dominican Republic, with over 15 distilleries. Visit one to see the process, learn why it’s so important to the culture, and learn how to drink it properly.
What to Pack for a Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic
Locals and tourists dress casually in the Dominican Republic. The country experiences warm weather year-round, so you may want to bring a couple of light layers, but otherwise, stick to summer beachwear.
Don’t forget bathing suits, cover-ups, tennis shoes and sandals, sunglasses and hats, sunblock, and bug spray.
Is the Dominican Republic Safe to Visit?
A honeymoon trip to touristy areas of the Dominican Republic is safe. However, there is a high crime rate, especially when you are out of your resort. Keep the following safety precautions in mind:
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry while walking on the streets.
- Do not use any unlicensed taxi. Licensed taxis usually have a sign bearing the taxi company’s name on the roof.
- Refrain from using your phone on the streets.
- Avoid leaving your valuables unattended.
- Do not leave your drink unattended in a bar.
- Never walk alone late at night on the streets.
- Keep off crowded and chaotic streets like La Duarte Street in Santo Domingo.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit the Dominican Republic?
No. Any person from the U.S., the European Union, and Canada can visit the Dominican Republic as a tourist without a visa.
You only need to pay a $10 fee for a tourist card, which you can either get online or as you are entering the Dominican Republic. A tourist card is valid for only 30 days, after which you will pay an overstay fee at the airport, equivalent to the extended period.
Bonus Dominican Republic Honeymoon Tips
- Tap water in the Dominican Republic is unsafe to drink or brush teeth. Use filtered or treated water.
- Spanish is the most spoken language in the Dominican Republic, but many people can still communicate in English, especially in areas with tourists.
- Tipping is not obligatory, but if you receive good service, leaving 10% is customary.
- Not all shops and restaurants accept cards. Carry some cash.
- Avoid exchanging money at your resort or the airport because the rates are very high. Look for a bank or a casa de cambio for cheaper rates. The currency is the Dominican peso. At the time of writing, 1 USD = 55.35 DOP.
- Always carry a copy of your passport with you.