A Candid Review of the Dominican Republic

I’m glad I visited the Dominican Republic because I love exploring new places, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it, and I wouldn’t return. If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, don’t worry—you’ll have fun! This article will give you some insights to help set your expectations as an avid traveler.

I spent five days in Punta Cana celebrating a friend's birthday. During our stay, we were at one of the three Riu all-inclusive resorts, located about 30 minutes from the airport. While the beaches are beautiful, the rooms are comfortable, and the food was average, I was disappointed by the dining experience. Most of the food had a strange aftertaste, and much of it was Americanized. The themed nights weren’t much better, and we were hoping to try authentic Dominican food, which sadly was not offered.

Restaurants We Tried Off-Site:

• JellyfishAmazing food! We went at night, but I’d recommend going during the day. The restaurant is beachfront with an incredible ocean view and even offers seating on the beach.

• Noah

• SBG

• A random empanada place our driver took us to one night. Tip: Highly recommend having a local take you to a random spot for an authentic dining experience. This strategy has never let me down!

Things to Do in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic offers a lot of fun activities, but many are pricey, especially considering the country's poverty. It’s heartbreaking to see so much of the country struggling while resorts occupy the best beach areas.

Everything is negotiable, and excursions can be found at different prices, often with providers making up their own rules. Here's what we did:

• Beach Day: Enjoy lounging on the beach. The sand is fine, and the water temperature is perfect (we went in December). You’ll find locals selling fresh coconuts everywhere—definitely worth trying!

• Party Boat + Snorkeling: As someone who loves anything boat-related, this was a must for me. We spent four hours drinking, partying, snorkeling, and swimming. While the snorkeling area wasn’t the most colorful or beautiful, there were plenty of fish to see.

• Parasailing: This was a fun experience, though it was a bit much for just five minutes in the air. We paid a man on the beach, got into a boat, and were taken out to another boat with the parasail. No one communicated with us at all, even though we had questions. It was fun, but a bit odd.

• Dune Buggies: Prepare to get muddy! This was a blast, especially if you’re ready for the mess. The guys on our trip did this while the women enjoyed a beach day. The ride was bumpy, muddy (up to their knees!), and exhausting—some of them were sore afterward. Price varies depending on who you book with, so negotiate for a better deal!

Things We Didn't Do but Would Recommend:

• The Scape Park: It looks like it has everything, but we found the price a bit high for an all-day commitment at an island-themed adventure park. We were more interested in experiencing the local culture, so the price tag caught us off guard.

• Damajagua Waterfalls: If we had stayed longer, we would have gone to the stunning Damajagua Waterfalls, which are eight hours by car from Punta Cana. There are tour groups that offer day trips, though!

• Horseback Riding: This seemed a bit expensive for something you can do almost anywhere. Also, I’m not sure about the treatment of the horses, which made us hesitant.

• Monkey Farm: I saw this online but didn’t meet anyone who visited. There’s a monkey farm nearby if you’re interested in adding a unique experience to your itinerary.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, my time in Punta Cana was memorable, but the experience left me questioning the authenticity of the destination. If you’re looking for a beach resort getaway with a focus on luxury and all-inclusive convenience, it might be a good choice. However, if you’re hoping for a more immersive experience into Dominican culture and cuisine, you might want to set your expectations accordingly.