Explore the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is more than just a pin on a map for us, it’s a place of vibrant rhythm, crystal clear turquoise waters, and the backdrop for some of our most cherished milestones. Whether you’re looking for a high energy family escape or a romantic sanctuary, the Dominican Republic delivers and our blogs will help you to navigate the best the island has to offer.

Why We Keep Coming Back to the DR

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, offering a diverse landscape that ranges from the highest peaks in the Caribbean to the world's most famous white-sand beaches.

The Vibe: Infectious Bachata music, warm hospitality, and a "tranquilo" pace of life.

The Scenery: Thousands of coconut palms, coral reefs, and world class golf courses.

The Flavours: Don't leave without trying some incredible fresh seafood dishes and La Bandera Dominicana, the traditional lunch of rice, beans, and meat, and wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Mamajuana.

Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, Bavaro Beach , Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Our Honeymoon in Paradise

When we first started planning our honeymoon, we knew could only do one week away, and our initial instinct was to stick to Europe as we assumed that anything in the Caribbean would involve gruelling travel days that would eat up half our trip.

However, we quickly realised that the Dominican Republic was the ultimate travel hack. Even with a flight time of 9 to 10 hours from many UK airports, the flight times and time difference made Punta Cana incredibly accessible. We didn't feel like we wasted our week travelling, instead, we were in the pool with a cocktail by mid afternoon on Day 1.

Read our honeymoon blog here.

Our Dominican Republic Travel Blogs

Browse our latest adventures and detailed itineraries below.

Our Dream Honeymoon: Why We Chose the Dominican Republic

9 Nov 2025 13:06

Getting married in March 2014 was a dream come true, but with our adorable three-year-old, Charlie, already a huge part of our lives, the idea of a traditional honeymoon seemed… well, a bit out of reach. We’d never even had a holiday together, just the two of us before Charlie came along! But our incredible families, stepped in with the most amazing gift: a week of childcare so we could have our own romantic escape. This was it, our first, and likely last, opportunity for a holiday just the two of us.

Your Guide to the Caribbean Pirates Tour in Punta Cana: An Unforgettable Experience

23 Jul 2016 18:14

If you're heading to the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean Pirates Tour in Punta Cana with Punta Cana Adventures is an excursion you won't want to miss. It's more than just a boat trip, it’s a full-fledged, family-friendly experience that takes you on a treasure hunt filled with snorkelling, marine life encounters, and a thrilling pirate battle.

Returning to the Dominican Republic For A Family Adventure

16 Jan 2016 19:38

In May 2014, Mark and I celebrated our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, at the incredible Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda hotel in Punta Cana. That trip was our first holiday as a couple, and it was a fantastic week spent enjoying the luxury resort, local area, and stunning beaches. We loved the Dominican Republic so much that we've decided to return.

Munchies in Macao Tour: An Authentic Taste of the Dominican Republic with Punta Cana Mike's Dominican Adventure

18 Jun 2015 18:04

Planning a trip to the sunny shores of Dominican Republic? While the all-inclusive resorts offer a luxurious escape, many travellers seek a deeper connection with the local culture. If you're looking for an authentic and memorable day trip in Punta Cana that goes beyond the typical tourist path, you have to book with Punta Cana Mike and try his renowned "Munchies in Macao" tour.

Our Unforgettable Honeymoon at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

11 Jun 2015 18:27

Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that the Caribbean would be within our budget or be do-able from the UK for a 1 week holiday. As a young newly married couple with a toddler at home, we hoped for a luxury holiday but on a budget of £1,500 weren't sure where it would get us. To our surprise Tui delivered, with us booking a 7 night stay at the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The Best Places to Stay in the Dominican Republic

Choosing the right resort can make or break your trip. Whether you’re looking for a fun family holiday or a secluded romantic sanctuary, there is a perfect patch of sand waiting for you. Here are our top picks based on location, luxury, and that all important wow factor:

Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda

Secrets Cap Cana

Hard Rock Punta Cana

Nickelodeon Resort

Vibe	Best for...	Stand Out Facilities
Luxury Family	All Inclusive Luxury & Families	17 dining options with unlimited a la cartes, swim- up bar, water park, room service & minibar included
Sophisticated & Romantic	Honeymoons & Couples	Infinity pools, world-class spa, and white sand private beach.
High Energy & Fun	Nightlife & Entertainment	Massive casino, 13 pools, and a Jack Nicklaus golf course.
Family Friendly	Kids & The Young at Heart	Aqua Nick waterpark, character breakfasts, and swim-up suites.

Exploring Punta Cana: Beyond the All-Inclusive

While it’s tempting to never leave the comfort of a swim up bar, we wanted to see the real Dominican Republic. We quickly discovered that the best memories aren't always found within the resort walls, they’re found in the local schools, on rustic beaches, and even aboard a battle worn pirate ship.

Punta Cana Mike’s Munchies in Macao Tour

While it’s tempting to never leave your sun lounger, Punta Cana has so much more to offer. We’ve ventured off the resort grounds to find the heart of the region. If you want to trade the touristy excursions for something truly authentic, you have to book with Punta Cana Mike. His "Munchies in Macao" tour was the highlight of our trip.

This isn't your average sit on a bus excursion. Mike takes you in small groups into the heart of the local community, including:

The Little School: We visited a local school in the barrio, where we got to meet the children and see how Mike’s tours directly support their education. It was a grounding, beautiful experience we’ll never forget.

Cigars & Rum: We learned the craft of cigar rolling and sampled some of the island’s finest small batch rum at a local producer away from the crowds.

Macao Beach Lunch: The day ended at the rustic Playa Macao. We sat at "La Doña," one of the oldest seafood spots in the region, eating fresh fish with our toes in the sand. It was island time in its purest form.

Top Tip: Bring some small change or school supplies if you do Mike’s tour, it’s a great way to give back to the community that makes this island so special!

Book direct with Punta Cana Mike and read our blog about our trip here.

Book Direct

Macao Beach, Bavaro Beach , Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Caribbean Pirates: Sharks & Stingrays

Another of our favourite trips in the Dominican Republic was the Caribbean Pirates Tour. We boarded the Hispañola, a massive replica 16th-century galleon, and channelled our inner swashbucklers. Read our blog here.

This tour is equal parts high energy show and incredible marine adventure:

The Snorkel: Our first stop was a pristine natural reef where we swam through clouds of tropical fish.

Shark Island: This was the adrenaline rush! We got into the water to snorkel with nurse sharks and interact with stingrays. It’s surprisingly peaceful being that close to such majestic creatures in a supervised environment.

The Battle at Sea: On the sail back, the crew put on a full scale pirate performance with sword fights, stunts, and attacks from rogue pirates. With a rum punch in hand and the Caribbean sun setting, it was the ultimate day trip perfect for both families and couples.

Top Tip: Bring a waterproof camera or phone case as you won't want to miss out on incredible photos.

Book direct with Viator and get the lowest price guaranteed.

Book Direct

Punta Cana Pirate Tour , Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tips for Your Trip

Currency: The Dominican Peso (DOP) is official, but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.

Language: Spanish is the main language, though English is common in resorts. Learning a few phrases like "Hola" and "Gracias" goes a long way!

Best Time to Visit: December to May offers the best weather, avoiding the humidity and the peak of hurricane season.

Dominican Republic FAQs

Is the Dominican Republic good for honeymoons?

Absolutely. It is one of the top all-inclusive honeymoon destinations in the world. Areas like Cap Cana offer world-class luxury, while Samaná provides a more secluded, eco-friendly vibe for couples who want to escape the crowds.

Is it safe to travel outside the resorts?

Yes! We felt very safe exploring the local towns. We recommend using licensed tour operators or "Guaguas" (local buses) for an authentic experience, but always keep your wits about you as you would in any new country.

Join Our Adventures

Want more live updates? Follow Explore with the Cookes on Instagram and TikTok for daily videos of our adventures.

Explore The World With Us

Follow our blogs around the world, for our latest tips and reviews.

Need Help Planning your Perfect Trip?

Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely. Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help! Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime. Click the link below to find out more.

Personal Travel Planner Services