Jamaica or Dominican Republic is better. Caribbean – what to choose? Review of resorts in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica. Excursions from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico

Caribbean – what to choose? Review of resorts in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

The Caribbean seduces, enchants and fascinates. The azure sea, endless beaches with white sand, tropical nature, and also special Caribbean hospitality, fun and cordiality.

Christopher Columbus discovered this fabulous land to Europeans in 1492, colonialists of all stripes and empires sought to grab their “piece of paradise” here, pirates and filibusters roamed the sea, and now the Caribbean is one of the most popular exotic beach destinations.

A few dozens Caribbean Islands, located between North and South America, are the territory of more than 30 countries, the most prominent representatives of which are Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Thanks to the tropical climate, you can relax here all year round, the region is universal for everyone: for families with children, for young people, for groups of friends, and for romantic couples. There are hotels here to suit every taste, and all-inclusive hotels are especially popular.

The “All Inclusive” formula is solid and extensive: meals in all hotel restaurants throughout the day, locally produced soft and alcoholic drinks, daytime entertainment and sports animation, evening show programs, mini-clubs for children and teenagers, fitness center and gym , non-motorized species water sports on the beach, sun loungers and umbrellas by the pool and on the beach - great opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

But it’s not just the excellent climate and excellent living conditions that make the Caribbean popular. In addition to a comfortable beach holiday and enjoying the beauty of nature, travelers will find many attractions here, sugar cane plantations and rum factories, diving, snorkeling, boat trips - everything to make your vacation bright and eventful.

Dominican Republic

Visa. Not required. Upon entry, a tourist card is issued and a fee of $10 is charged. The card must be kept for control on the return flight.

Time. Time zone: UTC-04:00. Time difference compared to Moscow: minus 7 hours. Clocks are not changed between winter and summer time.

Climate. From November to April there is a “dry season”, the average air temperature is +25, water +22. From May to October is the “wet season”, with frequent rains lasting an average of 2 hours. During the day the average is +27, water +25, in August and September the air warms up to +33, water up to +27.

Punta Cana / Bavaro

• Distance from the airport is 15-30 km.
• The most famous and large resort country, offering a wide selection of hotels.
• Best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Spacious beaches with white sand, few waves, emerald pure water.
• For lovers active rest and parties. Animation in hotels, disco, shows, casinos.

La Romana

• 150 km from Santo Domingo and from Punta Cana.
• Picturesque beaches, yacht club. 30 km east of La Romana there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Bayahibe. Nearby is the artist settlement of Altos de Chavon, where an amphitheater for 5 thousand people was built.
• Nice beaches, coconut palms, snow-white sand, almost no waves, clear water.
• Excursions, water sports. Excellent conditions for playing golf. Great diving. In the Bayahibe area, divers are attracted to a large artificially sunken ship.

Samana

• 20-30 km from Samana airport.
• An amazing and mysterious corner of nature with the most beautiful natural beaches.
• Great beaches White sand, there are no waves, on the beach you can see flamingos, turtles, iguanas.
• For lovers of a quiet, secluded holiday in the lap of virgin nature. Ideal place for diving. Excursions, Water sports. Great fishing.

Juan Dolio, Boca Chica

• 80 km from Santo Domingo.
• Located in the southeast of the island, most tourist class hotels are located on the Caribbean coast.
• The sand is gray-yellow, the water is less clear than on the Atlantic coast. Many hotels have a city beach.
• A very affordable and fun holiday. For lovers of active recreation, parties, nightlife. Discos, night casinos, golf.

Puerto Plata

• 250 km from Santo Domingo or 20 km from Puerto Plata airport.
• Resort on the north coast. It is believed that it was in this place that Christopher Columbus first landed on the island.
• Excellent beaches, some with golden and white sand, many are protected by coral reefs, so there are no waves. Cabarete beach is considered best place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• For water sports enthusiasts and divers. Wide possibilities for excursions. Large port, which receives cruise ships.

Cuba

Visa. Not required. At passport control, a migration card is presented (as a rule, it is issued on the plane, where it can be filled out in advance; you can also take the card at the passport control area). This document must be retained until leaving the country.

Time. Time zone: UTC-05:00 in winter, UTC-04:00 in summer. Time difference compared to Moscow: minus 8 hours in winter, minus 7 hours in summer.

Climate. From October to May there is a “dry season”, during the day the average is +25, water +24. From June to September there is a “wet season”, it rains every 2-3 days, mostly in the afternoon. During the day the average is +28, in July over +30, water +28.

Varadero

• Distance from the airport 120 km.
• The most famous and popular resort. Top hotels, almost everything is on the first line of the sandy beach, all inclusive.
• Snow-white sand, almost no waves, clear emerald-colored water.
• Discos, restaurants, Tropicana show. Excursions: to Havana, sea safari, sea caves. Dolphinarium, yacht club, sea ​​fishing, diving.

Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo

• From Cayo Coco airport to the hotels - 15-20 km.
• Small picturesque islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago ("Gardens of the King") off the northern coast.
• Magnificent beaches, snow-white sand, almost no waves, clear water, on the beach you can see flamingos, turtles, iguanas, etc.
• For lovers of water sports, divers, secluded relaxation in the lap of nature.

Cayo Largo

• Domestic flight required. From Cayo Largo airport to the hotels - 15-20 km.
• An island reserve off the southwestern coast, 25 km long and only 3 km wide.
• Snow-white sand, calm Caribbean Sea, clear water.
• The proximity of the coral reef provides ample diving opportunities. Excellent sea fishing.

Holguin

• From Holgina airport to hotels on the beaches 30-70 km.
• The capital of the province of the same name, which is home to more than 40 beaches, the most famous of them are Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda, Playa Pesquero.
• Picturesque beaches with clean sand.
• For family, romantic and active holidays. Excursions, water sports.

Jamaica

Visa. Not required. Upon entry, a tourist card is issued (issued on the plane or in the arrival hall), the document must be kept until the return flight for provision at the border.

Time. Time zone: UTC-05:00. Time difference compared to Moscow: minus 8 hours. Clocks are not changed between winter and summer time.

Climate. From November to April there is a “dry season”, the average air and water temperature is +25. From May to October the greatest amount of precipitation falls, the temperature is higher, during the day an average of +28, water +26.

Montego Bay

• Distance from the airport is 10-25 km.
• The second largest city on the island where it is located international Airport. Big choice hotels.
• Good beaches, few waves, the most famous beach is Doctor's Cave.
• Excursions, diving, water sports.

Negril

• 80 km from Montego Bay.
• Located on the western tip of the island, the city is famous for its beaches and a variety of hotels.
• A 10-kilometer strip of white sand beaches.
• Animation in hotels, discos, nightclubs, excursions, diving.

Ocho Rios

• 108 km from Montego Bay.
• Located in the center of the northern tip of the island. Available a large number of villas and hotels, two piers. Famous for its Duns River waterfall, tropical gardens, and active plantations.
• The beaches are not very wide, the sand is grayish.
• Water sports, horse riding, animation in hotels, excursions.

Whitehouse

• 65 km from Montego Bay.
• An environmentally friendly resort on the southwest coast. There is only one hotel here that has won the reputation of “the pearl of southern Jamaica.”
• The beach is considered to be the longest white sand beach on the south coast.
• Secluded relaxation in an atmosphere of complete tranquility.

Many tourists, when planning a vacation, cannot decide where to go, which would be more suitable for a vacation. The choice, first of all, depends on what you expect from your upcoming trip, what beaches, hotels, entertainment you prefer, whether you want to go on excursions and much more.

Trip to Jamaica

Every year more and more tourists arrive in Jamaica, but this moment tourism development has not yet reached the same level as in the Dominican Republic.
Vacationers are attracted by the island with its exotic nature, beautiful beaches and hotels from budget to the most luxurious. Mostly wealthy young couples or groups of friends come here. Families with children often avoid Jamaica due to the long flights.

In addition to the capital Kingston, tourists prefer to relax in the following resorts: Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Mandeville, Port Antonio, White House Bay, Runaway Bay.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is famous for tourist world chic beach holiday, clear sea and excellent service. The coast, dotted with snow-white soft sand and coconut palms, attracts lovers of beautiful exotic landscapes. The country can boast not only picturesque views on land, but also with a magnificent underwater world.

Snow-white beaches of the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic you can also visit numerous nature excursions, go to various historical and cultural attractions. However, the main goal of tourists who come here is to soak up the beach and relax in a first-class hotel with a high level of service.

Where is it better to go: the Dominican Republic or Jamaica?

Jamaica or the Dominican Republic - what to choose, because both of these countries are located in the Caribbean and are similar in nature. Both tourist destinations have their advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at holidays in each country in more detail to make your choice easier.

1. Flight.

There are direct flights from Moscow to Punta Cana, the flight time is about 13 hours. From cities in the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan, the flight is carried out with transfers in European cities, travel time is 13-20 hours, excluding connections. Direct flights are only from Russia.
In spring, Jamaica hosts a colorful carnival.

There are several ways to get to Jamaica, but in any of them you cannot avoid a transfer. Travel time – from 16 hours excluding connections.

1. Visa.

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa for both countries if the purpose of the visit is tourism and the period of stay does not exceed 30 days.

1. Car rent.

A tourist over 25 years of age who has an international driving license and a credit card can rent a car in the Dominican Republic. The cost of this service is quite high, so many people prefer to use a taxi or public transport. Dominicans behave extremely carelessly on the roads.

Dominican Republic beach

To rent a car in Jamaica, you must be at least 23 years old, have an international driver's license and a credit card. Locals drive cars too extreme, so you need to be very careful.

1. Safety.

In the Dominican Republic, you should not drink tap water or use it when brushing your teeth or washing your face. Fruits must be peeled, and vegetables must be thoroughly washed with boiled or special purified water. enjoy credit card or you can exchange currency only in banks and hotels. At night, it is better not to visit “hot” areas.

Amazing beach in Jamaica

1. Climate.

The Dominican Republic has hot weather all year round, with only slight differences in the winter and summer months. In summer, the thermometer rises to 33 °C, and in winter the weather is more comfortable, the air temperature is + 28-29 °C. From May to September, showers are possible, but, as a rule, they last no more than 20 minutes. In the summer months, the heat is softened by sea breezes and short rains.

In Jamaica, the air temperature is approximately the same all year round, the average air temperature is + 25-28 °C. Hurricanes are possible from June to November, as in other Caribbean countries.

1. Hotels.

In the Dominican Republic, hotels are much larger than those in Jamaica and are located on clean sandy beaches. In Jamaica there are hotels located on rocky shores. In terms of class and level of service, Dominican hotels are superior to their counterparts.

One of the many hotels in Jamaica "Sandals Negril" Beach Resort& Spa".

Many hotels in both countries operate on an all-inclusive basis, but in Jamaica it is distinguished by its leisurely and measured nature.

1. Outside the hotel.

Holidays in the DR are mainly limited to the territory of hotels, most of which have a well-developed infrastructure. Tourists can go surfing, diving, snorkeling, play golf or tennis, go on a jeep safari, visit natural attractions and some historical places, of which there are not many here.

Jamaica is poorer in terms of excursions, but can also offer visits to some amazing sights, mostly natural.

All these important details will help you determine whether Jamaica or the Dominican Republic is more suitable for your vacation.

Despite the fact that the Dominican Republic offers a large number of attractions, some tourists do not want to limit themselves to just exploring this country. There are others near the Dominican Republic interesting countries, such as Haiti (sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic), Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Excursion from the Dominican Republic to Haiti

Haiti is not popular tourist country, although it has many beaches in the Caribbean and offers a large number of exciting places. However, this country will be of interest mainly to travelers who want to explore rich culture Haiti and see with your own eyes the diverse coastal and mountain landscapes of this amazing country. Russian tourists know practically nothing about Haiti; there are no good guides to this country in Russian. But all this makes Haiti an even more attractive destination for curious and adventurous tourists. Since Haiti is on the same island as the Dominican Republic, you can reach this country by land.

Excursion from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica

Not so long ago (in 2013), the tour operator Biblio Globus offered tours to Jamaica with a direct flight from Moscow. Now, unfortunately, there are no such tours, but many tourists still dream of visiting this amazing country. The easiest way to do this is while on vacation in the Dominican Republic, since Jamaica is located not far from this country.

The famous homeland of Bob Marley and reggae has good beach resorts on the Caribbean Sea. Here you will find many interesting historical and natural attractions, as well as many diving sites.

How to organize an excursion to Jamaica from the Dominican Republic? You need to buy an air ticket to one of the airports in Jamaica (mostly independent tourists arrive at Kingston Airport), book a hotel, and buy excursions on the spot from one of the travel agencies. The flight to Jamaica will involve a transfer, but connections are usually quite convenient. So the total flight time will be short. True, this only applies to flights from Santo Domingo airport.

Excursions from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has a mixture of Spanish, Indian and African influences to offer. This island has tropical forests, sandy beaches and an ever-growing number of hotels. What does a tour to Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic give you? You can hike in the El Yunque Forest, visit the Arte de Puerto Rico Museum with the best art collection in the Caribbean, stroll through Old Town San Juan, explore the caves in national park Parque de las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, enjoy surfing in Playa Flamenco.

Puerto Rico has a fairly mild climate all year round. The weather here is about the same as in the Dominican Republic. Therefore, you can take a trip to Puerto Rico at any time of the year.

It is worth noting that organizing an excursion from Punta Cana to Puerto Rico is much easier than to Haiti or Jamaica. The fact is that there is a direct regular connection between Punta Cana and the city of San Juan in Puerto Rico. JetBlue offers several flights per week between the popular Dominican Republic resort and the main city of Puerto Rico. So all you have to do is drive from your hotel to Punta Cana Airport, board the plane and fly to Puerto Rico. The flight duration is only 57 minutes, and the round-trip ticket costs from $319. The main thing to keep in mind is that to visit Puerto Rico Russian tourists US visa required.