Population
The country has a population of close to 10,000,0000 (9,900,000). Some 3,500,000 reside
in the urban area, or the greater Santo Domingo area. The balance is spread throughout
urban and rural areas of the nation’s 26 provinces. Approximately 1,000,000 Dominicans
live abroad in the United States. The second city is Santiago in the Cibao region (est. pop.
500,000), followed in importance by San Pedro de Macorís (est. pop. 200,000). Most of
the population descend from the original Spanish settlers and their African slaves
Climate
The Dominican Republic enjoys a year-round tropical maritime climate. Its location at
17°36′ – 19°58′ latitude places it on the very border of the tropical zone. Temperatures
average 23°C in the early mornings to 32°C at noon time year round. Temperatures rarely
falling below 16°C [60°F] nor rising above 32°C [90°F].The lowest temperatures occur in
the mountain areas near Constanza, where temperatures have dropped to 0°C, while
record highs in the summer have been registered at the border with Haiti, 39°C. May
through November are regarded as the rainy season. Although the hurricane season goes
from June through November, August-September are the peak of the season. David
(August 1979) and Georges (September 1998) were the last major hurricanes to hit the
island . All of these features have made the Dominican Republic a first-class tourist
destination. Santo Domingo is accessible by air from New York (3 hours), Miami (less than
2 hours) and San Juan (45 minutes), as well as several major cities in Europe, Central and
South America.
Topography
The Dominican Republic is truly an island of contrasts where rocky cliffs and mountain
ranges tower to the highest peak, and valleys fall to the lowest-lying point in the
Caribbean. It is a land that spreads from rain forests and fertile valleys to cacti-strewn
desert regions. Its 1,600 kilometers of coastline include 300 kilometers of prime, soft sand
beaches. Four rugged mountain ranges bisect its terrain from northwest to southeast.
Cordillera Central is the largest of these mountain ranges where Pico Duarte rises over
3,175 meters to the tallest point in the Caribbean. Three large fertile valleys rest between
these ranges, one of which holds Lake Enriquillo in the southwest with the lowest point in
the Caribbean falling 40 meters below sea level and boasting the only salt water lake in
the world inhabited by crocodiles.
Beachs
The country boasts almost 800 miles of coastline, featuring some of the most stunning
sands in the Caribbean. With so many beaches on one island, vacationers will never have to
search for great surf and sand.
Sugary white sands and crystalline blue waters are just a few reasons to visit any of the
beaches in Dominican Republic. In addition to the ample sunshine and powdery sands, an
assortment of watersports are available at many of the island’s beaches. Also, because the
Caribbean’s tourism industry is mainly focused on other islands in the region, vacationers
won’t have to deal with heavy crowds, which gives beachgoers a truly relaxing time on the
island’s seashores.
The beaches of the Dominican Republic vary greatly in their individual characteristics and
overall appeal. You can find beaches all along the island, but here are some of the more
popular areas:
The small colonial town of Puerto Plata is one of the island’s top beach destinations.
Visitors come to this area mainly for the brilliant beaches, which consist of soft white sands
and aquamarine waters. These clear blue waters are home to an offshore coral reef
formation that is an excellent place for snorkeling. The coastal area in Puerto Plata also has
a good selection of beachfront accommodations. If you want to visit more secluded sands in
this area, head over to Guarapito, which provides a wonderfully relaxing beach experience,
complete with sunshine, peace, and quiet.
Heading east from Puerto Plata, you’ll find Sosúa, one of the island’s small fishing villages.
Though the town doesn’t have a lot to offer, the beaches here are truly amazing. The locals
say that the beaches at Sosúa are some of the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic.
The Beaches in Dominican Republic northern shores are famous for windsurfing, especially
in Cabarete. These northern beaches feature steady winds, making them ideal for this sport.
Located about 25 minutes from Puerto Plata, Cabarete is easy to reach, so vacationers
should have no problems getting to these shores. An annual windsurfing competition is
held in Cabarete every June, so you can enjoy a little competition while catching some
amazing winds and waves.
Samaná is also one of the popular beaches in Dominican Republic. Located on the Samaná
Peninsula, the weather here is exceptionally good, the sands are snowy white, and the
waters are crystal clear. A few small villages are situated along these shores, and this area
only about an hour from Puerto Plata. From December to March, boats will take
vacationers on whale watching excursions, where whales can be spotted mating and
calving. Yachts from all over the world visit this harbor during the winter months, creating
a colorful display against the blue Caribbean waters. While visiting the beaches at Samaná,
keep in mind that there may not be a life guard on duty and the undertows here can be
extremely dangerous.
Probably the most popular beach destinations for tourists is Punta Cana, where many of the
island’s top beachfront resorts are located. Along with amazing oceanfront scenery, there
are plenty of places for entertainment and activities along these beaches. Numerous bars,
restaurants, nightclubs, and shops edge the sands here, so you can find plenty to do after
spending the afternoon on the gorgeous beaches.
The undeveloped region of Barahona, also known as the”Pearl of the South,” is unique.
Unlike much of the island’s other coastal property, the development of beach resorts has
not spoiled its beautiful beaches. In Barahona, the beaches are amazing and the waters are
superb, creating the perfect beach experience without the hustle and bustle of more
crowded shores.
Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital city, is also home to several popular
beaches. A few of Santo Domingo’s beaches feature perfectly calm shallow waters, such as
at Boca Chilca, and are very popular with families. Other beaches are frequented by
vacationers who enjoy bathing in the sultry island sun. Still others boast plenty of activities
such as sailing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and much more.
Other lovely beaches are located throughout the Dominican Republic in places such as
Azua, Baní, La Altagracia, Miches, Montecrist, Pedernales, Río San Juan, San Cristóbal,
and San Pedro de Macorís. All of these areas have different styles of beaches, but all have
one thing in common: their breathtaking natural beauty has remained relatively unspoiled.
Whether you’re looking to stay near a beach, or looking to find a beach near where you’re
staying, you’ll have plenty of options in the Dominican Republic.