Looking for the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for singles is no challenging feat. They are practically all over the nation – resorts, party beaches, nightlife options, cultural excursion destinations and outdoor adventure offers. It is teeming with opportunities to be alone, to meet new people, and even secluded little spots for those among us that prefer to people-watch.
After all, this top Caribbean gem is known for all-inclusive tourist destinations that provide the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for Families with Kids, groups, and singles alike.
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For this list, we have taken suggestions from CNN, Lonely Planet, and Planet Ware for top places to visit, and ranked them according to the number of single-friendly activities that they offer. We have taken into consideration other important factors including accessibility, a variety of activities, overall friendliness towards solo travelers, and of course safety.
But exactly how safe is it to travel to the Dominican Republic? Our research says, it’s fairly safe around the usual tourist spots but as with any, it requires a lot of caution. Tourists and travel guides alike suggest leaving behind the fancy-schmancy jewelry and accessories if you’re going out, especially in crowded places like Santo Domingo. One other prevalent warning is against drinking water from the tap and just stick to bottled one. Otherwise, all the other advice they give are the usual ones to keep when traveling solo to another place: don’t go into dark places alone, avoid going to the ATMs at night, stay sober, don’t take drinks from strangers, and never go anywhere alone with a stranger.
So, what are the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for singles? Read on to know more!
11. Catedral Primada de America
Santo Domingo
This so-called first cathedral in the Americas, Catedral Primada de America, is one of the absolute best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for singles and families alike. It is a must-see in every DR trip guide not only because of its historical significance – its first stone having been set in the 1500s by no less than the son of Christopher Columbus, Diego himself – but also because of its beauty featuring Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture. Though the interiors have lost all its original glory, mass services are still held here regularly. Tip: dress modestly (no flip flops!) to be allowed inside.
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10. Macao Beach
Punta Cana
Macao Beach is dubbed by USA Today as one of ‘the best beaches of Punta Cana’ and for all the good reasons. Solo travelers will love not just the to-die-for beach views of Macao Beach but also all the activities that are single-friendly hereabouts. Topping that list are the surf camps that abound all over its long stretch of white, powdery sand beach. Gastro-adventurists will also enjoy solo-dining at the many, many small eateries offering the best of local food flare and cocktails. Tip: if you’re looking to meet locals, come by on a Saturday when many locals flock to the beach!
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9. Cayo Levantado
Samana Bay
Cayo Levantado is easily one of the most beautiful islands of the Caribbean, not just in the DR. But its pristine, turquoise waters, large palm trees, and stretch upon stretch of powdery white sand are not the only reasons this place is a hit among solo travelers; the island is teeming with sights, sounds, and tastes that will make anyone forget about ever wanting company. Stroll along the beaches to get some local eats or a delicious cocktail from the many small refreshment huts, go for a quick snorkel, or simply just lay down your picnic blanket and bathe in the Caribbean sun at the Cayo Levantado’s public beach side. If you’re looking for something more private and you have extra cash to spare, head on over to the western side of the island where the 5-star eponymous resort holds ground. Tip: Join a boat excursion party that stops at Cayo Levantado if you’re looking to meet new people!
8. Bavaro Beach
Punta Cana
Bavaro is one of the prime all-inclusive destinations in the Dominican Republic. Solo travelers will definitely love the hotel bars, party hubs, and little bars lined along the beach. It’s not much of a surfer’s hub but the coral reefs are a must for everyone who loves snorkeling and diving. It’s a popular tourist hub so get ready to meet tons of people!
7. 27 Charcos de Damajagua
Puerto Plata
“Charcos” is the Spanish word for “waterfalls”, and 27 Charcos means exactly that: 27 waterfalls in one location. This prime piece of tourist hub is located in Puerto Plata in the Northern Corridor. It’s quite a drive and it’s best for solo travelers to join a big group – like Jeep Safari excursions – available at most hotels in Sosua or downtown Puerto Plata. Explore the great tropical outdoors of the Dominican Republic by trekking the 27 waterfalls, dive into the cold waters, and make friends with other tourists along the way. Tip: bugs and creepy crawlers abound in the thick tropical forests so pack on the bug spray and be wary of venomous spiders!
6. Lake Enriquillo
If you’re a nature lover, this is a must-see. Compared to the others on this list of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for singles, Lago Enriquillo is pretty much off the usual routes and is not for people looking for a relaxing day, lounging on the beach. The lake is tough work and is, at least, a four-hour trip from Santo Domingo. But it is the largest saltwater lake in all of the Caribbean, borders Haiti, and is home to some magnificent flora and fauna including saltwater crocodiles and iguanas, so it’s well worth the trip. For solo travelers (and basically those who don’t want to get lost in the four-hour drive, the best way to get to the lake is through guided tours. Tip: bring tons of water and other drinks, the heat can get you parched easily!
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5. Casa de Campo
La Romana
Solo travel can be quite challenging – looking for places to go, traveling from your hotel to your intended destination, and looking for stuff to do, etc. If you’re looking to avoid all that trouble, Casa de Campo should get all your needs covered. To say that Casa de Campo is big is an understatement. This massive 5-star resort complex has all you need in one place – horseback riding, shooting, golfing, water sports. And everything else that’s not in their massive estate – like beaches for swimming or diving – is made accessible by their tour operators. This place can certainly keep any solo traveler well occupied.
4. Isla Saona
Punta Cana
Isla Saona is one of the highest rated beaches in any Dominican Republic guidebook, and it certainly ranks among the top in our list of the best places in Dominican Republic for singles. And as expected, most every hotel around the area offers trips to the island. The beautiful beach is perfect if you’re looking to snorkel quietly in the clear waters, but the island has even more to offer people who are looking to party. Sip on local rum while on an excursion to the sandbar, get hair braids from the many peddlers lining the coast, or get your mambo on at the countless dance floors by the beach. It’s hardly a virgin beach paradise, it’s a party waiting to happen all day long.
3. Hoyo Azul Lagoon
Punta Cana
Hoyo Azul is one of the most amazing natural wonders in the Caribbean. This natural pool has mineral-rich, cold water that is one of the best ways to beat the DR’s tropical heat. You don’t have to be much of an outdoors person to appreciate this; the crystal clear, blue waters will convince you enough that you’re in paradise. Pack your hiking shoes and swimwear and take a guided tour from your Punta Cana hotel to the lagoon! Tip: while you’re there, take a ziplining tour at the nearby Scape Park!
2. Paradise Island
Punta Rucia
The Paradise Island sandbar off of Punta Rucia is tiny, but it is packed with all the good things that make a great solo trip worthwhile. The sandbar is very beautiful, with the signature Dominican powder soft white sand, and the water is warm and clear and a snorkeler’s paradise. The best way to enjoy this place is on a guided tour at low tide – otherwise, much of the sandbar will be underwater. Guided tours here are known for being fun, lively, and overflowing with cocktails – they even are floating bars – and to take care of everything you need the moment you get on the tour bus to the time you’re back to your hotel.
1. Cabarete
Puerto Plata
And topping the list for the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic for singles is the small town of Cabarete! There is an endless list of things to do in Cabarete, making it a prime choice for tourists: kitesurfing, kiteboarding (where the World Cup competitions are held), surfing, scuba and snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing, spelunking – and an even longer list of party destinations from bars to beach clubs. Not much a fan of partying or outdoor sports? Cabarete has private excursions, spas, and cultural tours to offer as well!
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There it is, our list of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic to visit for singles! These places are guaranteed to give you the best of your solo trip to this Caribbean gem. Which one are you checking out first?
