Official Language:
Spanish
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Currency:
Dominican Peso
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Population:
Approximately 8 million people call the Dominican
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Puerto Plata: The weather in Dominican Republic remains tropical year round, with slight variations dividing it into basically two seasons, summer and winter. The average annual temperature is around 77°F/25°C.
Hot season - From May to October. Then, the average temperature rises to 87°F/31°C during the daytime and drops to about 72°F/22°C at night. However, with the accompanying high humidity that is more common during this season, it usually feels much hotter. It does rain a bit more often during this season, especially from May to August, but usually this turns out to be no more than a 30 minute tropical (sometimes heavy) shower.
Cool season - From November to April, with what is considered pleasantly warm weather, relatively low humidity and low precipitation. On the coast, i.e. near the beaches, the temperature hovers fairly constantly around 84°F/29°C during the day and drops to around a comfortable 68°F/20°C at night.practically any time of the year can expect to be treated with extended periods of blue sunny skies, ideal weather for getting a nice tan. Caribbean hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30. August and September are the months when most hurricanes have hit.
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The Dominican Republic occupies approximately two-thirds of the Caribbean’s second largest island with the remainder of the island belonging to Haiti. Columbus named the island La Espanola, meaning little Spain. Eventually, the name became Hispaniola.
In 1493 Christopher Columbus returned and established the first European settlement anywhere in the New World. The island included the tallest mountains anywhere in the Caribbean, some at almost two miles in height. Besides Cuba, the island is the Caribbean's largest. It is so big that two countries share it: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Few tourists know about of splendor of this island. Only a few cruise lines visit the Dominican Republic ports. cCruise ships dock in 2 locations, Santo Domingo, which is the nation's capital and contains two cruise piers - the older pier of Sans Souci and the newly opened pier, Don Diego located only a few minute's walk from the Old City and Puerto Plata, located on the island's northern coast which is within walking distance of everything in Puerto Plata.
The city and the port of La Romana is located in the south east of Dominican Republic, and is across from Catalina Island. La Romana was founded near the end of the 19th century, and grew quickly after the establishment of a large sugar mill in 1911. Here you can visit the Casa de Campo, a luxury resort. You can also visit Santo Domingo, which is the New World's oldest colonial city. Other points of interest are the artist village of Altos de Chavon and the Chavon River , which was the location for the filming of "Apocalypse Now". Catalina Island is located off the coast of La Romana. Cruise passengers can spend the day here or travel to Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavon on the mainland.
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Attractions |
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Casa de Campo:
A 7,000-acre resort including 14 swimming pools, a fitness center, a skeet-shooting area, an equestrian facility, polo grounds, 2 championship golf courses, 13 tennis courts, a ¾-mile beach, and a private marina. Many dining options are available. Shoppers will be happy to find fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, the Dominican Republics most famous designer, decorated the hotel. If you plan to visit Casa de Campo on your own, contact the resort for a pass before leaving home. Only visitors with privately obtained passes, or on a ship shore excursion will be allowed on the grounds.
Cristo Redentor:
A large cross stands atop Mt. Isabel de Torres, visible from the coast. Take a ride on the cable car up 2,565 feet for a great view of the surroundings. Keep in mind that mountaintop temperature is about 30 degrees cooler than the shore.
San Felipe Fort:
Tours of the fort includes weapons and dungeon cells.
Shopping:
Centro Artesanal: Here you may find yourself on a shopping spree. A colonial warehouse containing a craft co-operative, where the young artists are trained. Take home a necklace, a painting, or perhaps a woodcarving.
Sports & Activities:
Water Sports: Beaches offering water sports are extremely common and within reach of every Dominican port.
Golf:
Playa Dorada, east of Puerto Plata, with a course designed by the elder Robert Trent Jones.
Whale Watching:
The Samana Bay is a humpback whale mating and calving area. Here you can listen for the male humpbacks' mating song.
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More Information |
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Web: www.dominicanrepublic.com
Phone: 800-877-3643
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