The last month of autumn in this paradise corner of the planet is more comfortable for vacationing than October. During this time, the seasons change (from dry to wet), carnival processions take place, and priests hold solemn masses in honor of the saints of the Caribbean islands. Sunny days alternate with cloudy ones, but even the latter have their unique charm.
Where to vacation in the Dominican Republic in November to be less dependent on the whims of tropical nature? The south and west of the Dominican Republic are less rainy than the north and east, which are better suited for travelers who prefer a slight chill. Americans and Europeans often stay in Santo Domingo, La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana.
However, these are not the only places where you can enjoy the sun and relax in the mountains, by the sea, or the ocean. The main thing to remember is the simple schedule of Caribbean nature in November: it gets dark very early in the evening, the morning is the most comfortable for rest, it rains at 2:00 PM local time, and the favorite time for thunderstorms is 5:00 PM.
Punta Cana
One of the most athletic municipal districts of the country is perfect for fans of an active lifestyle and those who enjoy various competitions. During this time of year, golf tournaments are held here, open to everyone, not just professionals. Safari and fishing enthusiasts also prefer to vacation in Punta Cana.
In November, tour prices drop here, so budget-conscious travelers try to take advantage of the discounts. The resort is perfect for those who choose the “All-Inclusive” system, which exists in the vast majority of hotel complexes. The most comfortable time for beach vacations and water sports in the fall in Punta Cana (as everywhere in the Caribbean) is before lunch.
For history lovers, the area is interesting for its natural monuments and architectural masterpieces in the Spanish style.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: Casino, night entertainment program.
- Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection: All-inclusive system.
- Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana: Water slides, 2 pools.
Cap Cana
This place is ideal for those who prefer to have all the amenities of civilization near the beaches and for the journey from the airport to the hotel to take little time. Cap Cana offers a very high level of comfort everywhere. The elite resort gained additional attractiveness thanks to Donald Trump. The billionaire invested huge, even by US standards, amounts in the construction of sports grounds, hotels, and hotel complexes.
The most beautiful, touching wedding ceremonies take place in Cap Cana. The most popular activities in this resort complex are beach vacations, diving, water excursions, and fishing. The most famous local attraction is the very Bounty island (thanks to the chocolate bar commercials).
Travelers come to Cap Cana specifically to admire rare tropical plants, shrubs, and trees and to watch shows featuring pink flamingos, dolphins, and horses in Manati Park. As for the beaches, Juanillo is unrivaled. It stretches for 3 kilometers.
Here you will find crystal clear water, numerous attractions for both children and adults, bars, and restaurants offering drinks and dishes prepared according to Old and New World recipes.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana: Restaurant, water park, and outdoor pool.
- Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana: Beachfront, pool.
- TRS Cap Cana Hotel – Adults Only: Restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness center, and bar.
Boca Chica
Gourmets traditionally choose this resort because interesting seafood dishes with garnishes of various exotic fruits and root vegetables are served in its restaurants. Every year at the end of the month, Boca Chica hosts a carnival in honor of Saint Andrew. Most hotel complexes in this area are slightly removed from the coastline, but the room prices here are affordable.
If you prefer doing nothing with the condition that “your feet are in the water” and you don’t need to go anywhere, experienced travelers advise choosing the famous hotel on the beach Don Juan Beach Resort. Boca Chica invariably delights diving enthusiasts, jeep safari fans, basketball, and rafting lovers.
The town and the municipality of the same name are also chosen by those who prefer budget family vacations, as food prices in this corner of the country are low. Additionally, the nature here is very beautiful. Each of the 4 Boca Chica beaches stretches for about 3 kilometers, surrounded by a picturesque lagoon, and offers all conditions for a comfortable stay.
Recommended Hotels:
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach: All-inclusive system, 4 pools.
- Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden: Casino, 4 pools, poolside bar.
- whala!boca chica: Buffet service.
La Romana
The province of the same name attracts lovers of peace and a slow pace of life. However, elite clubs can also be found here for night party enthusiasts. The most popular activities in La Romana are golf, diving, fishing, and horseback riding. Mostly, family couples and nature lovers vacation at this resort.
An important advantage of the local coastline is the exceptional cleanliness of the beaches. Tourists and locals consider La Minitas the most beautiful of them. Additionally, La Romana is chosen by incurable romantics and those who dream of seeing world-class stars (whose villas are located in the neighboring village). The latter is closed to outsiders and is private, but celebrities often “mix with the public” without security to sit in bars or lie on the sandy beaches.
Recommended Hotels:
- Bahia Principe Grand La Romana: Animation team on-site.
- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas: Several restaurants on-site.
- Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville: Restaurant and bar with ocean views.
Puerto Plata
At this time of autumn, it is hot here. During the day, the air heats up to an average of +30°C. Puerto Plata consists of several resort complexes. It offers all conditions for water sports and beach vacations, with a tourist infrastructure recognized as one of the best in the Caribbean.
Hotel and tour program prices in Puerto Plata vary significantly, so experienced travelers advise newbies not to rush to book or buy the first tours they come across. The resort on the Atlantic Ocean coast is equally popular with party-goers and intellectual vacationers.
This place has many nightclubs and private museums displaying various rarities. A tip for gourmets: if you love shrimp and lobsters, choose Puerto Plata for a gourmet tour. In November, seafood prices are moderate, and the quality of the dishes does not decline. Moreover, restaurants and eateries compete with each other in culinary experiments.
Recommended Hotels:
- Senator Puerto Plata Spa Resort: Food and drink delivery to the room.
- Iberostar Costa Dorada: Spa center, private beach, and bar.
- Be Live Collection Marien: Casino, 5 restaurants.
Cabarete
In November, kite surfing and surfing won’t be possible here due to the lack of suitable weather conditions. However, you can choose other water sports for active recreation and spend time visiting local attractions like unique nature-created caves. The town is loved by gourmets: Cabarete has many restaurants and eateries.
They serve exotic dishes seasoned with spicy herbs and hot spices, delicious chocolate desserts with fruits, rum and wine with a rich fruity aftertaste, and elite seafood. A pleasant surprise for food lovers: prices for delicacies in Cabarete are very moderate for the Caribbean.
A downside for all vacationers: it’s not easy to get to nearby small settlements (where fruits and other food, as well as souvenirs, are even cheaper). Taxi services are exorbitantly priced, and public transport is virtually non-existent (thanks to the taxi mafia). Another interesting point: if you are professionally engaged in water sports, you can buy the necessary equipment in the town at symbolic prices.
Recommended Hotels:
- Viva Wyndham Tangerine: Adults can attend fitness classes, while children can visit the kids’ club.
- Velero Beach Resort: Rooms and apartments with kitchenettes on the beach.
- Ultravioleta Boutique Residences: Infinity pool with ocean views.
Sosua
It is cooler here than in other resort places in the country. The sea in Sosua is calmer, but this corner of tropical paradise is not suitable for a vacation with children. The entertainment here is mainly intended for the 18+ age category. Low prices for alcohol, an abundance of nightclubs, restaurants, bars (which operate from dusk till dawn), the friendliness of the locals, and incredibly beautiful nature create a very interesting mix.
Taxi drivers are well aware of the love for alcohol and the generosity of Russian-speaking tourists with tips. Therefore, they have “honestly taken care” of public transport: it exists in Sosua only in official documents. On the other hand, the high cost of taxis is fully compensated by the prices for alcohol. So, you have to be happy about something.
The town is also famous for its old synagogue, two miniature beaches, cockfights on Saturdays, and numerous souvenir shops with democratic prices. The most popular excursion programs in Sosua are related to visiting waterfalls.
Recommended Hotels:
- Sosua Ocean Village: Bar, private beach, restaurant, water park.
- Villas Agua Dulce: Free private parking on-site.
Juan Dolio
This cozy resort town could rightly be called a tropical village. It’s worth choosing if you plan to vacation in the capital, as there are no comfortable beaches or such tranquility in the main city of the state. The water on the Caribbean coast in Juan Dolio is always calm.
The only downside: without special shoes, it’s difficult to swim here due to the abundance of coral “plaques.” A pleasant aspect: hotel prices in the tropical village are quite affordable, and the comfort level is not inferior to that of the capital. The main entertainments in Juan Dolio are diving, rafting, snorkeling, fishing, and jeep safaris.
Prices for sports equipment in the village are high, so it’s better to choose and buy it in the capital, where the assortment of goods is significantly richer. The resort consists of old and new parts. In the first, hotel complex prices are the highest, as it is a district of boutique hotels in old houses and mansions.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Casa Hemingway: One or two-bedroom suites overlooking the garden.
- Emotions by Hodelpa – Juan Dolio: Located on Juan Dolio beach.
Samana
The peninsula is mainly chosen by lovers of “adrenaline vacations” and those attracted to wild corners of nature. Here you will find incredibly beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear air, and many underwater caves. The peninsula has three airports and two highways, but no attractions or large entertainment venues.
An important nuance: even in the “budget” hotels of the resort, prices are quite high, and in boutique hotels, they are cosmic. On the peninsula, you can find places intended for family vacations and youth parties (hotel complexes oriented towards this category of tourists are located in the southern part).
Notably, the comfort level here is high everywhere, and the local population is not spoiled by a large influx of tourists and is interested in attracting travelers’ attention. Bikes, scooters, and bicycles can be rented on Samana for purely symbolic prices.
Recommended Hotels:
- Viva Wyndham V Samana: Outdoor tennis court and spa center.
- Sublime Samana: Entertainment program, yoga, Pilates.
- Bahia Principe Luxury Cayo Levantado: All-inclusive service.
Santo Domingo
By the end of autumn, the temperature in the capital ranges from +21-31°C. The city is very popular among European and American tourists, so it’s better to book a hotel room and transfer in advance. It’s not possible to get to the capital from the airport by public transport calmly.
Buses run every 30 minutes but are wildly overcrowded. Taxi drivers charge more for their services than in Europe and the US combined. Santo Domingo is famous for its historical monuments, private museums, quarters of houses built in Victorian, Spanish, and Caribbean styles, shops, souvenir shops, and markets. The city equally caters to intellectual vacationers, leisurely strolls through old streets, gourmets, divers, and night club regulars.
Santo Domingo offers vacation options for any taste and budget. An important nuance: the most expensive rooms are located in buildings constructed 500 years ago. The only downside of the capital: there are no comfortable beaches. The nearest beach complexes are located in Boca Chica.
Recommended Hotels:
- Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino: Drinks and snacks can be ordered in 3 bars.
- Catalonia Santo Domingo: The 8th floor offers views of the Caribbean Sea and an outdoor pool.