Sun, sea and sand
With miles of pristine, white, beaches, the island’s coast is an attractive draw for any tourist. Don’t forget to take a dip in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean to cool off after spending some time in the sun. Punta Cana, Playa Grande and Playa Blanca are just a few of the palm tree-lined beaches that are perfect for relaxing and sipping on a dark rum cocktail.
Chase the buzz
Head to the north coast and the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua for an unforgettable experience. Climb up waterfalls and jump from breath-taking heights into glimmering pools below. Even if you don’t want to jump from the highest point of 10 metres, the view of craggy rocks and turquoise water is well worth the trip. If that’s not enough, try canyoning. Grapple, scramble, jump, slip and slide through the gorge while the mountain river rushes around you.
Giant gymnastics
The end of January brings humpback whales to the warm waters of the Caribbean. Watch as these gentle giants of the ocean jump high into the air, trying to attract a mate by breaching the waves.
When to go
The Dominican Republic has a few peak seasons to keep in mind when booking your travels: December to February, July to August and the week leading up to Easter. July and August will see flight prices take a sharp jump upwards due to an uptake in American and European visitors to the island. December to February is the dry season with temperatures reaching the high 20s, making it the perfect winter escape.
Whale watching is another major draw of the dry season. The best time to see humpback whales is throughout February and into March. There is likely to be a dip in prices after Christmas and New Year’s, so this is a great time to get an amazing deal on airfares.
Take advantage of great offers in the shoulder season as well. The weather is dry and warm; the crowds are thin. Keep in mind that October to early December is prime hurricane season in this part of the world. Although there may be some excellent deals, unlikely storms could change your plans unexpectedly.
Airports and airlines
Use the Netflights website to find the best deals for Dominican Republic flights. Enter your details and using the table at the top of the results page, compare the best prices by airline at a glance. We highlight both the cheapest and fastest routes. You can also filter the results shown by departure and arrival times to find the best, cheap flights to the Dominican Republic that match your schedule.
Direct return flights to the Dominican Republic from the United Kingdom aren’t very common. Most journeys will require a transfer in Europe or the United States. Extending your holiday by a few days at a stopover could help to bring down your travel costs. Carriers flying to the Dominican Republic include Delta Air Lines, Iberia, American Airlines and British Airways.
Popular destinations in the Dominican Republic include Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. To reach other island destinations, it may be worth booking a short domestic flight from the capital. The best deals on airfares can usually be found by booking two to three months in advance with mid-week departures often offering the best deals.