Many tourists, when planning a vacation, cannot decide where to go, it is more suitable for spending a vacation. The choice, first of all, depends on what you expect from the upcoming trip, what beaches, hotels, entertainment you prefer, whether you want to attend 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 level as in the Dominican Republic.
Vacationers are attracted by the island with 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 forego Jamaica because of the long flight.

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

The Dominican Republic is famous for tourism world luxurious beach holiday clear sea and excellent service. The coast, dotted with white soft sand and coconut palms, attracts lovers of beautiful exotic landscapes. The country boasts not only scenic views on land, but also the magnificent underwater world.

White sandy beaches in the Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, you can also visit numerous natural 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 better to go: Dominican Republic or Jamaica

Jamaica or Dominican Republic - what to choose, because both of these countries are located in the Caribbean and are close in nature. Both tourist destination has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the rest in each of the countries in more detail to make it easier for us to choose.

1. Flight.

There are direct flights from Moscow to Punta Cana, the flight time is about 13 hours. From the cities of the Russian Federation, Belarus and Kazakhstan, the flight is carried out with a change in European cities, travel time - 13-20 hours excluding docking. Direct flights - only from Russia.
In the 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 without docking.

1. Visa.

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to 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 old who has an international driver's license and a credit card can rent a car in the Dominican Republic. The cost of this service is quite high, so many prefer to use a taxi or public transport. Dominicans are extremely careless on the roads.

Dominican beach

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

1. Security.

In the Dominican Republic, you should not drink tap water or use it while brushing your teeth or washing your face. Fruits must be peeled, and vegetables thoroughly washed with boiled or specially purified water. enjoy credit card or you can exchange currency only in banks, hotels. In the dark, it is better not to visit the "cereal" areas.

Spectacular Jamaican beach

Jamaica has an ambiguous security situation, however, in large tourist areas, you can not worry. In areas where they live locals Better not show up. From 9 am to 3 pm must be used sunscreen, it is always worth keeping repellents on hand, as mosquitoes and some other insects pose some danger. The country has a high level of venereal diseases and AIDS.

1. Climate.

In the Dominican Republic, the weather is hot all year round, only slightly different in the winter and summer months. In summer, the thermometer rises to 33 °С, and in winter the weather is more comfortable, the air temperature is + 28-29 °С. Showers are possible from May to September, but they usually last no more than 20 minutes. During the summer months, sea breezes and intermittent rains soften the heat.

In Jamaica, the air temperature is approximately the same all year round, average temperature air + 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. By class and level of service Dominican hotels outnumber their brethren.

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 slowness and regularity.

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, which are not many here.

Jamaica is poorer in terms of excursions, but it 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 holiday.

Although the Dominican Republic offers a large number of sights, some tourists do not want to be limited only to the study of this country. There are others near the Dominican Republic interesting countries, such as Haiti (shares 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 Sea and offers a large number of exciting places. However, this country will be interesting mainly for travelers who want to experience the rich culture of Haiti and see with their own eyes the diverse coastal and mountain landscapes of this amazing country. Russian tourists know almost nothing about Haiti, no good guides for 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 Dominican Republic to Jamaica

Not so long ago (in 2013), the Biblio Globus tour operator 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 wonderful country. The easiest way to do this is during a holiday in the Dominican Republic, since Jamaica is not far from this country.

The famous birthplace 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 already on the spot buy excursions in one of the travel agencies. The flight to Jamaica will include transfers, but connections are usually quite convenient. So that total time flights will be small. True, this only applies to flights from Santo Domingo Airport.

Excursions from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico can offer you a mixture of Spanish, Indian and African influences. This island has rainforests, sandy beaches and an ever growing number of hotels. What gives you an excursion to Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic? You can hike in the El Yunque Forest, visit the Arte de Puerto Rico Museum with the best collection of art in the Caribbean, walk through the Old City of San Juan, explore the caves in national park Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camui, enjoy the surf at 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 go on an excursion 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 service between Punta Cana and the city of San Juan in Puerto Rico. JetBlue Airlines offers several flights a week between the popular Dominican resort and the main city of Puerto Rico. So all you have to do is drive from your hotel to Punta Cana airport, get on a plane and fly to Puerto Rico. The flight duration is only 57 minutes, and the cost of a round trip ticket is from $319. The main thing to keep in mind is that to visit Puerto Rico Russian tourists a US visa is required.

Caribbean - what to choose? Overview of the resorts of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

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

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

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

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

Formula " All Inclusive» solid and extensive: food in all restaurants of the hotel during the day, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks local production, daytime entertainment and sports animation, evening shows, mini clubs for children and teenagers, fitness center and gym, non-motorized water sports on the beach, sunbeds and umbrellas by the pool and on the beach - great opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

But not only thanks to the excellent climate and excellent conditions for living, the Caribbean is popular. In addition to comfortable beach holiday and enjoy the beauties of nature, for travelers there are many attractions, sugar cane plantations and rum factories, diving, snorkeling, boat trips- everything to make the holidays bright and rich.

Dominican Republic

Visa. Not required. At the entrance, a tourist card is issued, a fee of $ 10 is charged. The card must be kept for control at the return flight.

Time. Time zone: UTC-04:00. Time difference compared to Moscow: minus 7 hours. The clock does not change between winter and summer time.

Climate. From November to April "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, on average +27, water +25, in August and September the air warms up to +33, water up to +27.

Punta Cana / Bavaro

• Distance from the airport 15-30 km.
• The most famous and largest resort in the country, offering a wide selection of hotels.
• The best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Spacious white sand beaches, few waves, emerald clear 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 is one of the most beautiful beaches country of Bayahibe. Nearby is the settlement of artists Altos de Chavon, where an amphitheater for 5 thousand people was built.
• good beaches, coconut palms, white sand, almost no waves, clear water.
• Excursions, water sports. Excellent conditions for playing golf. Great diving. In the Bayahibe area, divers are attracted by 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, no waves, on the beach you can see flamingos, turtles, iguanas.
• For lovers of a quiet secluded holiday in the bosom of virgin nature. The perfect place for diving. Excursions, Water sports. Excellent 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 transparent than on the Atlantic coast. Many hotels have a city beach.
• Very budget friendly and fun. For lovers of outdoor activities, 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.
• There are excellent beaches, with golden and white sand, many are protected by coral reefs, so there are no waves. Cabarete beach is considered the best place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• For lovers of water sports, divers. Wide opportunities for excursions. major port which accepts cruise ships.

Find your Dominican tour

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; the card can also be taken in the zone passport control). This document must be kept before 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 is the "dry season", during the day on average +25, water +24. From June to September the "wet season" rains every 2-3 days, mostly in the afternoon. During the day, on average +28, in July for +30, water +28.

Varadero

• Distance from the airport 120 km.
• most famous and popular resort. Best hotels, almost everything on the first line of the sandy beach, all-inclusive meals.
• White sand, almost no waves, clear emerald 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 hotels - 15-20 km.
• small picturesque islands archipelago Jardines del Rey ("Gardens of the King") off the northern coast.
• Gorgeous beaches, white sand, almost no waves, clear water, on the beach you can see flamingos, turtles, iguanas, etc.
• For lovers of water sports, divers, secluded recreation in the bosom of nature.

Cayo Largo

• I need an internal flight. From Cayo Largo airport to hotels - 15-20 km.
• Island reserve off the southwestern coast, 25 km long and only 3 km wide.
• White sand, calm Caribbean Sea, clear water.
• Proximity coral reef provides ample opportunities for diving. Excellent sea fishing.

Holguin

• From a / p Holguin to hotels on the beaches of 30-70 km.
• The capital of the province of the same name, in which there are 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.

Find your tour to Cuba

Jamaica

Visa. Not required. At the entrance, a tourist card is issued (issued on the plane or in the arrivals hall), the document must be kept until the return flight for delivery at the border.

Time. Time zone: UTC-05:00. Time difference compared to Moscow: minus 8 hours. The clock does not change between winter and summer time.

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

Montego Bay

• Distance from the airport 10-25 km.
• The second largest city on the island, in which it is located international Airport. Large selection of hotels.
• Good beaches, few waves, the most famous beach is Doctors 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 variety of hotels.
• 10 kilometers of white sand beaches.
• Animation in hotels, discos, night clubs, excursions, diving.

Ocho Rios

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

Whitehouse

• 65 km from Montego Bay.
• Ecologically clean resort on the southwest coast. There is only one hotel here, which has won the fame of "the pearl in the south of Jamaica."
• The beach is considered the longest white sandy beach on the south coast.
• Secluded relaxation in an atmosphere of complete tranquility.

Find your Jamaica tour