THE SOUTHEAST & EAST
The Dominican Republic’s most iconic region is a paradise of white-powder sands and turquoise waters. From Punta Cana’s world-class luxury to the pristine offshore islands of Bayahibe, this coastline offers the ultimate tropical escape for sun-seekers and adventurers alike.
Why Visit The Southeast & East?
World-Class Beaches: Home to 48 kilometers of continuous white sand and some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Caribbean.
Island Escapes: Easy access to uninhabited gems like Saona and Catalina Islands, offering untouched palm-fringed shorelines and vibrant coral reefs.
Luxury & Adventure: A perfect blend of high-end all-inclusive resorts, elite golf courses, and massive eco-adventure parks for all ages.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April–June): This is the ideal time to visit; the winter crowds have thinned, and the weather remains beautiful before the peak of hurricane season.
Deep Off-Season (September–November): You will find the best value on luxury resorts. While it is hurricane season, many days are sunny, and the beaches are incredibly peaceful.
Peak Season (December–March): The weather is perfect (around 28°C / 82°F). The region is very popular, so book well in advance and expect lively, crowded beaches.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Punta Cana & Bávaro
The world-famous resort strip and the peak of convenience. This area features a staggering array of all-inclusive resorts, world-class golf, and Scape Park—a massive eco-adventure hub known for its blue cenotes and zip-lining.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the beauty of the coast without the resort crowds, take a sunrise walk on Bávaro Beach; the light is magical and the shore is serene.
Bayahibe & La Romana
Bayahibe is a charming fishing village with the calmest waters in the country, while nearby La Romana hosts the exclusive Casa de Campo. Don’t miss Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style village handcrafted from coral stone.
Your Smart Tip: Use Bayahibe as your base for boat trips to Saona Island. Depart early in the morning to arrive before the large catamaran tours from Punta Cana.
Miches & Montaña Redonda
The “New Frontier” of Dominican tourism. Located north of Punta Cana, this rugged eco-destination is famous for its “sky swings” atop Montaña Redonda, offering 360-degree views of giant lagoons and the Atlantic.
Your Smart Tip: Combine a trip to Montaña Redonda with a visit to Playa Esmeralda for a glimpse of what Punta Cana looked like before the resorts—raw, wild, and pristine.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is tropical and consistent. Expect daytime highs of 29°C–31°C (84°F–88°F). Brief tropical rain showers are common but usually pass quickly, leaving blue skies behind.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Spanish is the main language, but English and French are widely spoken in resorts and tourist hubs.
Dining: In resorts, “Resort Elegant” dress codes often apply for dinner. In villages like Bayahibe, the atmosphere is very casual and centered around fresh seafood.
Tipping: While many resorts are all-inclusive, small tips for staff are greatly appreciated and go a long way in the local economy.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses ($40–$60), mid-range boutique hotels ($90–$180), luxury all-inclusive resorts ($300+).
Food: Local “Comedor” lunch ($8–$12), dinner at a tourist restaurant ($25–$50 per person), fine dining/resort specialty ($70+).
Transport: Private airport transfer ($35–$60), local “Guagua” bus ($2–$5), car rental ($50/day).
Activities: Saona Island tour ($70–$100), Scape Park entry ($130), Golf green fees ($150+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$110 (guesthouses, local eateries, public transport).
- Mid-range: $150–$250 (hotels, mix of tours, nice restaurants).
- Luxury: $400+ (high-end resorts, private boat charters, spa treatments).
Getting Around
By Car: Ideal for exploring Miches or driving between La Romana and Punta Cana via the modern Coral Highway.
By Private Transfer: The most popular way to get from the airport to resorts; safe, air-conditioned, and reliable.
By Guagua: Local minibuses are very cheap and frequent for traveling between Bávaro and Higuey or Bayahibe.
Must-Try Food
Pescado con Coco: Fresh catch of the day simmered in a rich, savory coconut milk sauce.
Langosta a la Parrilla: Freshly caught grilled Caribbean lobster, best enjoyed beachside in Bayahibe.
La Bandera Dominicana: The traditional lunch of white rice, red beans, and stewed meat (chicken or beef).
Mofongo: Mashed fried green plantains with garlic and pork cracklings, often served with a side of broth.
Catibias: Empanadas made from cassava (yuca) flour, usually filled with savory meat or cheese.
Camarones al Ajillo: Succulent shrimp sautéed in a heavy garlic and parsley butter.
Sancocho: A hearty 7-meat stew that is the ultimate Dominican comfort food.
Yaniqueques: Large, crispy fried dough rounds found at beach stalls (Johnny Cakes).
Dulce de Leche Cortada: A traditional curdled milk dessert with cinnamon and sugar.
Habichuelas con Dulce: A unique sweet cream of beans with coconut milk, sweet potato, and spices.
Must-Try Drinks
Mama Juana: A potent local “medicinal” drink made of rum, red wine, and honey soaked in herbs and bark.
Presidente Beer: The national pilsner, famous for being served “vestida de novia” (clothed in white frost).
Piña Colada: Served inside a freshly hollowed-out pineapple for the ultimate beach photo.
Rum Punch: A fruit-forward blend of local Brugal or Barceló rum and tropical juices.
Santo Libre: A refreshing mix of Dominican white rum, lemon juice, and lemon-lime soda.
Ron Añejo on the rocks: Sipping a high-quality aged Dominican rum to appreciate its oaky notes.
Coco Loco: A potent cocktail of coconut cream, rum, and vodka served in a fresh coconut.
Morir Soñando: A delicious non-alcoholic blend of orange juice, milk, sugar, and chopped ice.
Jugos Naturales: Freshly squeezed juices from Chinola (passion fruit), Piña, or Lechoza (papaya).
Café Santo Domingo: Rich, dark Dominican coffee, typically served strong and sweet.