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#Discover Dominican Republic: Trip Tips For Families
The Dominican Republic is the most popular travel destination in the entire Caribbean Sea. In 2023, over 10 million people came from across the globe to experience the country’s beaches, wildlife, history, and culture.
Families make up a huge number of those visits. Discover what makes the Dominican Republic such a great family vacation destination, and learn tips and tricks to make the best of yours.
What Is The Dominican Republic? (Quick Facts!)
The Dominican Republic is a nation making up ⅔ of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea.
It’s a free, democratic country and a rich Latin American culture. In the last twenty years, the island has earned international praise for its tropical beaches and preserved historical sites.
Where Is The Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is on an island called Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. Its Northern border meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Geographically, The Dominican Republic’s latitude is 17° to 20° N, and its longitude is 72° to 68° W. It shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Tropical Ecology & Wildlife
The Dominican Republic is home to 1,126 distinct animal species, including 26 birds found only on the island—and nowhere else on Earth. It’s also the only place you’ll ever find a rhinoceros iguana or the critically endangered Samana least gecko.
History of Hispaniola
The Taíno are believed to be the first people to ever set foot on Hispaniola Island, in 600 AD.
The first European to reach the island was Christopher Columbus, who landed there in 1492.
The Dominican Republic gained independence in 1844.
5 Reasons To Visit The Dominican Republic With Kids
The Dominican Republic is among the best destinations for a family trip with kids. Here’s why the extraordinary island nation is ideal for creating childhood vacation memories.
1. It’s The Ultimate Tropical Beach Vacation
The Dominican Republic has 1000 miles of coastline with over 200 unique beaches. Punta Cana has a particularly vast array of family friendly options, from the calm waters of Juanillo Beach to Playa Bávaro’s white sands.
The tropical experience extends to the weather, where 84% of days are filled with bright blue skies and sunshine, and the air is warm year-round.
2. A Dominican Republic Family Vacation Offers Something For Everyone
If your family likes history, explore the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. This preserved colonial era neighborhood is The Dominican Republic’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Love food? Try elegant dining from Higüey to Santo Domingo. Or, join tasting tours for an intimate experience of the country’s artisan chocolate, coffee, or rum.
Enjoy nature? Explore Los Tres Ojos National Park. The park’s three “eyes” are a trio of lovely subterranean lagoons, secluded in an open air cove.
In The Dominican Republic, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
3. Visitors Can Experience New Cultures, Or Reconnect With Their Roots
The Dominican Republic is a culturally rich country, influenced by the indigenous Taino, the Spanish colonial era, and descendents of enslaved Africans. Together, these influences created a truly remarkable culture, one with iconic, globally influential music, food, spirituality, and arts.
Whether the culture is entirely new to you, or you’re hoping to reconnect to your roots, there’s no better place for that experience than this island nation.
4. Dominican Republic Kids’ Attractions Earn Rave Reviews
On the beaches, kids have ample opportunities. Families who’ve ventured praise places facilitating excursions to snorkel among the island’s reefs, or offering kids age appropriate surf lessons.
Experiences like dolphin encounters, ocean parks, zipline adventures, caves, and cenotes are all beloved by kids.
5. A Family Trip To Dominican Republic Is Budget-Friendly
Many accommodations and experiences in The Dominican Republic are highly affordable. All-inclusive resorts often charge as little as $100 - $200 per night, and shared hostels can cost as little as $25.
Travelers often benefit from a favorable exchange rate, and group rates can drive the price down even further.
The Best Place to Visit In The Dominican Republic For Families Is…
There’s no single, perfect destination for all families touring the Dominican Republic.
Instead, insights from travel directors, parents’ reviews, and detailed surveys suggest three different destinations tie for first place. Here are the places filled with beaches, gardens, cultural hubs and historic sites worth exploring on a family trip.
Bávaro Beach In Punta Cana
Playas Bavaro is a pristine beach in Punta Cana. Its white sands, turquoise waters, and colorful reefs make it picturesque from every angle.
Ciudad Colonial In Santo Domingo
The Colonial Zone (Ciudad Colonial) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santo Domingo. Its cathedrals, museums, castles, and more date back to the 16th century. Much of the authentic colonial architecture has been preserved.
Learn more about the Colonial Zone in Caravan’s guide, “Is Santo Domingo Worth Visiting?”
Higüey: A City of Culture & Wildlife
Higüey is a city filled with cultural and natural wonders alike. Visitors can explore the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a 16th century cathedral filled with detailed frescoes.
Or, feed squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland, an up close and personal preserve for free-roaming rainforest creatures.
Learn more in Caravan’s All-In-One Guide To Touring Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic .
Dominican Republic Family Vacation FAQs
Before embarking on an international trip, it’s normal to have a few questions. Here are a few things traveling families often want to know before visiting the Dominican Republic.
Is The Dominican Republic Safe For Families On Vacation?
Yes, the Dominican Republic is a safe destination for vacationing families. For more insights, as well as health and safety tips, we invite you to read our guide, “Is Dominican Republic Safe? Risks Weighed By Travel Experts.”
Caravan’s travel directors have also published and now actively maintain safety resources specific to Santo Domingo. Please explore the most recent update to our Santo Domingo safe travel guide.
Which Attractions & Experiences Are Must-See?
The Dominican Republic offers too many excellent attractions to name them all here. To discover the top ten—as picked by Caravan’s travel pros—check out our guide to The Best of The Dominican Republic. . Within, you’ll find the ten attractions, destinations, and experiences you just won’t want to miss.
Enjoy The Ultimate Dominican Republic Tour With Your Family—Courtesy of Caravan
The Dominican Republic is a destination unlike any other.
Caravan’s 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour offers unique access to its beaches and historic sites an all-inclusive adventure.
With Caravan, guests never have to lift a finger. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime—at a truly affordable price!
If you’re interested in learning more about visiting the Dominican Republic, or any other destination, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3, 4 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
Day 7 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free departure transfers to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The drive to the airport takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
| Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
| May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
| Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
| temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
| rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
| temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 10 Travel Tips. Read all 42 Travel Tips Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
