The Dominican Republic was the land of the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World. Columbus entered the island on December 5, 1492, and then Santo Domingo becomes the first site of the permanent Europaea settlement in the Americas.
The Dominican Republic is a land with a rich collection of long history, the beautiful religion of bachata and merengue, incredible nature, and spectacular beaches with 50 shades of blue ocean. And all of that is within a reachable distance and with many different great places to discover.
If you want to read: Behind the Scenes of my trip in DR.
12 Days in The Dominican Republic Coast Itinerary
The Dominican Republic Itinerary is based on beaches and coastal areas. Due to my love of being close to the water like any other Scorpio. If you are not coming to the beaches, well, there are many other things to do as well, of course. The most spectacular thing about the Dominican Republic is its beaches and the ocean, in my opinion. But, I’m a beach girl and a Thalassophoile person, a lover of the sea.
Day 1 Travel to Las Galeras
If you enter the country in Santo Domingo Airport, get a taxi or Uber to Caribe Express to Samaná – 200 Pesos. Then you get on the bus and relax for three hours – 400 Pesos. Make sure that you take the bus to arrive in Samaná before 18.00. That is when the last local transport goes to Las Galeras, which is around 100 pesos. Or a taxi cost around 30 US dollars, or was it more? At least not an option for me.
Why Las Galeras?
Las Galeras was my favorite place, and I want to share it with you! It is a sleepy beach town, where everything is slower but with more fun and authenticity. Yes, there is one bar called number 9, and that’s where everything happens. In the end, you know everyone in the street. Las Galeras also has many foreigners that have settled down for the long term, and you can find French and Italian cuisine and local Dominican food. They also have the best beaches if you ask me.
Accomdation in Las Galeras
Stayed at Le Bdm in Las Galeras, which means at the end of the world in French? That was someone that told me that I’m not sure. It sounds beautiful if you ask me. Le Bdm is a cozy place to stay in Las Galeras, and I had a private room with a fan and bathroom. That is all I need of amenities to have a pleasant stay. I travel on a budget, and I’m not too fond of spending too much on accommodation. I rather spend them on fun activities to see the area.
P.S. Many long-termers were staying there, which means an excellent place to hang around!
Day 2 Playita in Las Galeras
Playita in Las Galeras
The first day in Las Galeras is to take it in a slower vibe because you want to recover from traveling to the Dominican Republic. Playita is perfect for interacting first time with the Dominican Beaches. Playita is a pretty little beach that takes around 15 minutes to walk from the city center or motor-taxi for 50 pesos. Perfect for soaking up the sun and preparing you for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 3 Playa Rincón close to Las Galeras
Playa Rincón, The Most Beautifuel Beach in The Dominican Republic?
A day trip to Playa Rincon is a must-do when being in Las Galeras. It is a 30 min drive with a motorbike, and it has incredible scenery, even going there is beautiful. The best part is the mangroves that have freshwater and turquoise clear water when swimming through the river.
Day 4 Playa Frontón
Playa Frontón: The Most Dazzling Beach in The Dominican Republic
If you think you are almost dying on the way out on the boat, you are doing it right! Playa Frónton is the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic, or at least it is for me. Never mind that I thought I was going to die before I arrived at the beach. The boat ride out is 25 minutes with heavy ocean and 4 meters high waves. That can be scary, but then look back at your tour guide, and he is having just another day at work. Then hang in there, and soon paradise will arrive at your doorsteps.
50 Shades of Blue in The Dominican Republic
Playa Frontón is where 50 shades of grey get changed to 50 shades of crystal clear turquoise water. Frontón is an untouched beach with not many people, and best of all, there is nothing to do except eat coconuts and sunbathe. Or play Robinson Crusoe? But without cannibals.
Day 5 Travel to Las Terrenas
From Las Galeras to Las Terrenas, you go on a Guague with other words, the local minivan that transports anyone that wants to get from A to B. Catch the Guague to Samaná, which should take an hour or so, will cost around 100-pesos. And from Samaná, get another Guague to Las Terrenas. Another hour or maybe two will cost around 100-pesos. Welcome to Las Terrenas, another beach paradise in the Dominican Republic.
If you are going early maybe stop by Limon Waterfalls, which are told to be another wonder of the world.
Why Go to Las Terrenas?
Suppose you thought that Las Galeras was a bit too tranquil. Well then you have Las Terrenas that gives a bit bigger outdoor scene, with surfing and kiting and, of course, a bigger nightlife, but we all know it comes down to REPLAY at the end of the night, just right next to the mosquito bar.
Day 6 Playa Bonita in Las Terrenas
Playa Bonita
Get a motoconcho or walk to Playa Bonita. The name is genuinely given because Playa Bonita is a beautiful beach surrounded by Palms, hot surfers, and a nifty beach restaurant with some tasty seafood dishes.
Brugal Extra Viejo with Coca Cola – The Locals Coktail
When the night comes down, it’s time for a small party, with small we always mean big in the Dominican Republic. First, you buy the essentials at the nearest supermarket. Obsessively that is rum, and the only one is Brugal Extra Viejo with Coca-Cola. And then, of course, ask for cups and ice-cubes while you are at it. Because this is the pre-party, it is going to be lit!
REPLAY
For the pre-party,
Day 7 Playa Coson in Las Terrenas
If you have time definitely have a beach stop at Playa Coson.
Suppose I could have re-done my travel in the Dominican Republic. I would have spent one more day in Las Terrenas because there is a handful of pretty beaches around the area that should have been explored more.
If you need to cut time, then skip Santo Domingo. Do not get me wrong, Santo Domingo is an okay city, but it’s only Zona Colonial recommended to visit if being a tourist. If you have been to Cartagena de Indias historical town in Colombia, you will not be blown away with Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo.
Whales & Cayo Levantado in The Dominican Republic
Whale Watching in Samaná
I decided to go check out the Whale in La Samaná due to being in season. The whales were in love, and they were dancing on the ocean, wowing their body to make a move on the pretty ladies down in the ocean.
After the whale watching tour, we went to Cayo Levantado. We had an hour of perfect water for swimming and a pearl white beach to sunbathe on. An hour? That is just too short. It was much appreciated.
Travel to Santo Domingo in The Dominican Republic
I went with a tour company. I was by that transported to Samaná and could by that do the bus to Santo Domingo. The bus company was Caribe Express from Samaná at 2 PM for 400 pesos.
Day 8 The Cpaital is Santo Domingo
Explore Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the first city in the new colonial world and has many first churches, hospitals, streets, etc. I would recommend walking around the Zona Colonial and getting to know them. Maybe even support one of the many tour guides trying to make their daily living in the city. One of them was speaking six languages. And he gave me an introduction to his tour, which was many important historical facts and stories about the new world settling down in the Dominican Republic
If you want fine dining and a gourmet experience, have dinner at Buche de Perico.
Los Tres Ojos in the Dominican Republic
In the afternoon, go visit Los Tres Ojos, which are sinkholes. They are only a 15-minutes Uber drive from Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo. The Los Tres Ojos delivers a spectacular sight!
It cost 200 pesos for entrance money, 300 Uber ride roundtrip, and it cost 25 pesos for each person to cross over the boat to the other side, which is worth the money.
Los Tres Ojos close to Santo Domingo
Day 9 Travel to Punta Cana, The Most Famous Spot in The Dominican Republic
Take an Uber to the Express Bavaro bus place near Zona Colonial, only 10 minutes drive. And get on a bus that goes to Bavaro in Punta Cana. It will be 400 pesos, and the trip will take three hours or two movies depending on your time preferences.
Arriving at the hotel, and then hit the closest beach for a siesta and a refreshing swim in the ocean. Then relax after the traveling day.
I decided to stay at this Grand Caribe Special Low Price, which had a great location, fair price, and an excellent pool on the rooftop terrace. A three-minute walk to the beach and good restaurants nearby.
Day 10 Punta Cana
Punta Cana is open for you to explore as you want! Many options and many pretty beaches and a ton of activities to crack on. If you want to relax in a sun-chair, I think you should do it! You are on vacation, do not stress. Enjoy the place of Bavaro in Punta Cana with just being.
Maybe check out: Macao Beach, the local hang-out spot! UNESCO has listed Macao Beach as one of the Caribbean’s best beaches due to crystal clear water, pearl white sand, and a ton of palm trees for the Caribbean finish.
Day 11 Isla Catalina Next to Punta Cana
The Last Day in Punta Cana Should be a big bang! By this, go wild and take that tour that is a little bit expansive but everything you dreamed about. The best part is that you don’t need to lift a finger because you are on vacation. Or maybe if you want to swim with the corals and colorful fishes in the beautiful Isla Catalina.
In the evening, it’s time to dress to impress. Because tonight you are going where the queens of Punta Cana go for dinner. Bachata Rosa in Punta Cana is the hottest place to be seen dining. One thousand two hundred bottles hanging high on shelves surround the bar that needs to be removed when the party is lit! But before turning into a night scene, it is all about high-end dining and outstanding service from the waiters. Bachata Rosa is the place to be a Queen and also treated like one as well.
Day 12 Travel home from The Dominican Republic
Time flies fast when having fun, and by that, the time has come to go home, which is very sad since you had maybe one of your most thrilling times in the Dominican Republic. Don’t worry; you can always come back. The island is waiting for you!
If you have a late flight, enjoy the rooftop terrace with a panorama view of Punta Cana before heading to the airport. Either way, safe flight home!
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic was a blast! I was everything I hoped for y pristine beaches surrounded by tranquility. And the warmest people to help out on the road when traveling. Traveling alone as a solo female traveler was without any problems. Or the only problem was maybe my three future husbands that wanted to move with me to Norway. They accepted very much when I said no, even do they did encourage me to enjoy life. I sure did! But in my way with excellent beaches, tasty food, sunshine on my skin, and saltwater in my hair.
Love the Island
I recommend anyone to travel to the Dominican Republic, but please do not make me choose between the Dominican Republic and Colombia, which I can not do. Or let’s say this if you have a short time in the Dominican Republic, if you have more than three weeks, go to Colombia.
Who is Booking Tickets to the Dominican Republic?
5 Comments
Good article! Thanks for sharing this information – very useful for our upcoming trip to DR.
Thank you Bert! I had an amazing time there!!
Great story Pauline. Top, you enjoyed it, that’s for sure. I think your readers will do the same.
Ja det var det også!! Anbefaler dette på det varmest!! 😉
Det ser bare helt herlig ut. Flotte bilder! Mange fine strender ispedd litt bykultur liker jeg godt. Takk for tips 🙂