Imagine a setting with palm trees, beautiful beaches and the Caribbean calling your name. If this sounds appealing to you, the Dominican Republic (DR) may be right for you and your new spouse to consider as one of your top choices of honeymoon destinations away from home. Honeymooners are welcomed to this world class island not far from the United States to experience a wonderful getaway at this popular honeymoon location.
About the Geography of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is half of the island of Hispaniola, which is comprised of this nation plus Haiti. It’s bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Forests of all types exist here, including a rainforest, scrub forest and Hispaniolan shared coniferous pine forest with Haiti.
The capital city is Santo Domingo, located on the south side of the country.
Dominican Republic Time Zone
The Dominican Republic observes Atlantic Standard Time. They do not change their clocks for, or observe, Daylight Savings time. The country has little fluctuation in hours of daylight throughout the year. It hovers between eight hours of daylight in November and December and ten hours of sunlight in July and August.
Language in the Dominican Republic
Spanish is the official language of the country. Though most people speak English, especially at honeymoon resorts.
Currency
The Domincan Peso is the currency here. One USD is equal to about $58.45 Dominican Pesos.
Visa and Passport requirements for your Dominican Republic Honeymoon
You do not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic from the United States. You will need a valid passport that doesn’t expire for a minimum of six months as well as a blank page within the passport for customs to stamp validating your entry and exit from the country.
Getting to the Dominican Republic for Your Caribbean Honeymoon
It’s easy to leave the stresses of home behind you as you hop on a plane to your romantic honeymoon. There are seven international airports in the Dominican Republic for easy access and entry into the country. Air travel is the ideal way to get to this island, of course.
A direct flight from NY to the Dominican Republic to reach your honeymoon will be between 3.5 to 4 hours to the north side. It will be about an hour longer if you’re going to the south side of the island.
Here are the airports and airport codes, what city they’re in, and where in the country they’re located:
Cibao International Airport, Santiago (STI)
This airport is on the north side of the Dominican Republic. Nearly every major (and minor) airline flies here. Arrive to STI if you’re going to Puerta Plata, but only if it’s more affordable than flying directly to POP airport. Take the drive to reach your honeymoon resort into consideration in this case as well – the drive between the two destinations is over an hour and a half.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport, also known as Puerto Plata Airport (POP)
This is the best airport to arrive to if you’re honeymooning as a couple in Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option it may be worthwhile to fly into STI (mentioned above) to save a few hundred dollars and enjoy a car ride together to get from the airport to your Puerto Plata honeymoon resort
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Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo (also known as José Francisco Peña Gómez Airport) (SDQ)
This airport is in the capital city and it’s the largest airport in the Caribbean. Fly here if you’re visiting the tourist area of Boca Chica.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
This airport and city are in the southeast area of the country. Punta Cana is a very popular wedding destination as well as honeymoon area. It’s easy to fly into and reach your Punta Cana Resort in no time if you land at this airport and it’s probably the best value as well. Fly here for access to any areas or resorts along Playa Bavaro.
La Romana International Airport (LRM)
This airport is in the southeast end of the country. Travel here if you’re staying at Casa de Campo resort, a very popular destination for a Dominican Republic honeymoon.
El Catey International Airport (also known as Juan Bosch International Airport or Samana Airport) (AZS)
This airport is located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. Fly here for access to the Samana Peninsula and Samana Bay, including the gorgeous beach, Playa Rincon.
María Montez International Airport (BRX)
This is the most southern airport in the Dominican Republic. If you’re desiring a more jungle-like honeymoon, with access to Jaragua National Park, this is the closest airport to fly into. Most resorts are within an hour’s drive south of the airport if not a little longer. And the park is another hour south.
La Isabela Airport (JBQ)
We also want to mention La Isabela Airport, but it’s a domestic airport, with select international destinations including Haiti and Cuba. It could be a great option if you’re flying within the nation, from the north side to the east end, for example.
Sample Flight Costs from the United States to Punta Cana and Santiago
Here are some sample flight costs arriving at the two most popular airports for honeymoons in DR, during the second week of March:
To Puna Cana:
NYC area to PUJ: $400 round trip (with one stop)
Houston area to PUJ: $725 non-stop or with one stop
LAX to PUJ: $500 with one stop
To Santiago:
NYC area to STI: $430 round trip (with one stop)
Houston area to STI: $600 with one stop
LAX to STI: $500 with one stop
COVID Safety in the Dominican Republic
Visitors are no longer required to provide a negative COVID test upon arrival into the country as of September. People entering the Dominican Republic, including honeymoon couples, are subject to temperature checks.
Passengers will also be required to fill out a Health Affidavit form along with the customs forms they receive on the airplane, or at the airport, to enter the nation.
LGBTQ+
It’s illegal to discriminate against the LGBT community in the Dominican Republic but same-sex marriage is not currently legal there. Gay couples will be welcomed but it’s perhaps less common for public affection to be on display.
Times of Year to Visit the Dominican Republic
The weather in this country is fairly steady year-round due to its tropical location just a bit further north than the equator. You can expect temperatures to be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you visit.
February through May are the driest months in terms of rainfall which makes it an ideal destination for honeymooners getting married in winter in the U.S. who want a warm location to relax after they say “I do.” Note that hurricane season affects all Caribbean resort areas, including the Dominican Republic, from around June through November.
Peak times are summer vacation and holiday breaks over November and December.
Dominican Republic Activities and Relaxation
The Dominican Republic is one of the best destinations to enjoy a relaxing honeymoon. But there are an array of honeymoon activities to do there if you want to switch things up between days of relaxation and days set aside for excursions.
Golf Course Enjoyment
Golf courses exist in DR where most popular resorts do, with the exception of the jungle area in the south where Jaragua National Park is. Reserve tee time at courses like Iberostar Bavaro Golf Course in Punta Cana, Punta Esada Golf Club at Cap Cana resort on the water, and Playa Dorado Golf Course in Porto Plata.
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving is amongst many water sports available at hotels and resorts around DR. The Caribbean waters provide some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. You’ll see colorful fish, coral reefs and potentially even whales as you dive in at Boca Chica, Porta Plata or Samana.
Horseback Riding
If you’re the type of honeymooners who appreciate equestrian sports, ask about reserving a package at your resort that includes horseback riding on a white sand beach or that may go through a rainforest with waterfalls. It all depends on what area of DR you’ll be in and where you’re staying but horseback riding is available all over the nation.
Whale Watching
This is a seasonal activity due to the migratory patterns of whales. The spot to see whales in the country is on the water south of Samana peninsula, from mid to late January, to mid to late March. Leave the beach and board a boat for this excursion. on Samana Bay.
It’s a small window of time but if you’re there during this portion of winter it could be a unique opportunity to see these glorious mammals. Reserving a spot on a whale watching tour is perfect for couples who enjoy nature.
Have a Cultural Experience
Be sure to check for things like rum distillery tours, cigar making experiences, national park tours, or historic walking tours in the area you’ll be staying in, whether La Romana or Punta Cana, or beyond. There’s plenty of these enriching experiences around DR.
Deep Sea Fishing
Fishing is great year-round in the Dominican Republic. Fishing enthusiastic can expect to catch Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Wahoo, or Marlin depending on the month.
Sand Beach Relaxation
There are many beaches in the Dominican Republic to choose from. But the island is large, however, so it’s unlikely you’ll beach hop. Instead, you can try to choose from honeymoon resorts according to what beach area most appeals to you. Imagine yourselves walking hand-in-hand along beautiful white sand beaches, enjoying your new life together at Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.
Where to Stay in DR
There are all inclusive honeymoon luxury resorts for adults for your romantic getaway, boutique hotels, and rooms with honeymoon packages at a myriad of properties around DR. We couldn’t possibly list them all here. But here are a few that are in high demand…
Punta Cana all inclusive resorts and hotels on the far eastern shores
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Barcelo Bavaro Beach
Iberostar Grand Bavaro
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana (a luxury all inclusive resort – check out their special honeymoon packages, including specials on resort spa treatments)
Sanctuary Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort Capa Cana
Resorts in La Romana
The number one resort in this area in Casa de Campo, a popular luxury beach resort with absolutely stunning suites and photo opportunities at this wedding and honeymoon spot.
Hilton La Romana, with concierge and room service, and a central infinity pool
Boca Chica Beach
Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach, with plenty of suites overlooking their private beach
DR Honeymoon Registry
Don’t forget to create your Honeymoon Registry on Honeyfund, for friends and family to contribute to your hotels and experiences for your Caribbean honeymoon.
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