The Dominican Republic is associated among tourists from Europe with a paradise island where there is never winter. It seems that all the beauties of the advertising brochure are embodied in any resort of this god-beloved land: languidly leaning palm trees with lush greenery, white sand baked by the sun, turquoise waters of the lagoon, the colorful world of coral reefs … Therefore, tourists often do not take the trouble to find out before the trip that such is the Dominican Republic, where it is located, what kind of sea it is, when is the best time to go there. Our article aims to clarify these issues. Especially relevant is the problem of choice of coast. What does it seem to matter? After all, the island of the Caribbean archipelago is located in tropical latitudes, so the sea, regardless of the coast, will be warm. It's right. But in addition to temperature, other factors such as sea waves, wind and undercurrents also matter for relaxation.
A bit of geography
The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean archipelago. From the east, the Mona Strait separates the state from another piece of land - Puerto Rico. This island belongs to the United States of America. And to the west of the Dominican Republic are Jamaica and Cuba. The Dominican Republic is divided between two states. Approximately one third of its part in the west is occupied by the country of Haiti. The Dominican Republic is located in the center and in the east. All the islands of the Caribbean archipelago (except Haiti) are popular with tourists as a beach holiday destination.
Now let's clarify the question of which sea the Dominican Republic is on. The Caribbean is part of the Atlantic Ocean. This huge water area also has seas. From the north, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The southern coast of the island is caressed by the waves of the Caribbean Sea. It is mostly calm. And that part of the Atlantic, which adjoins the republic from the north, is called the Sargasso Sea. This is a summary of geographic information.
Does it matter which sea is in the Dominican Republic?
This island nation has resorts on both the north and south coasts. Which one to choose? It all depends on what you mean by the words "beach vacation". By the way, the sand is snow-white, and palm trees are green everywhere. The whole snag is in the water area. If you are an unimportant swimmer and generally prefer to swim in calm water, you definitely need to go to the southern resorts of the country. But if you are an outdoor enthusiast, then withrepeat with delight after numerous surfers: “What sea in the Dominican Republic can be compared with the ocean ?!” The waves there are such that you just want to ride their crest with the help of a board. The wind is fresh too. Thanks to him, the small town of Cabarete has become a Mecca for all windsurfers. Respect the northern coast (hence the Atlantic Ocean) and divers. The best coral reefs are located near the island of Cayo Levantado in Samana Bay.
North Coast Resorts
Many lovers of a relaxing beach holiday book a hotel in Puerto Plata, not at all wondering what kind of sea is in the Dominican Republic. And they are often severely disappointed. In the ocean that washes the northern shores of the island, there are always serious waves even in the high tourist season. But this does not mean at all that the only thing left for you from water activities is diving into the pool at the hotel. On the northern coast you can find bays and small bays. Capes jutting far into the water area dampen the power of the ocean a little, and you can swim fearlessly on such beaches. And the island of Cayo Levantado, already mentioned above, is generally considered a beach paradise. What are the resorts of the Dominican Republic facing the ocean? In addition to Puerto Plata, these are Playa Dorada, Las Terrenas, Samana, Cabarete and Sosua.
South Coast Resorts
Well, what about the opposite end of the island? South Dominican Republic - what kind of sea is there? Any tourist who has visited the beaches of the south of the country will say that it seems to have gonebrochure pages. Sky blue, turquoise, azure, turning into malachite aquamarine in the distance - these are the words travelers describe the Caribbean Sea. The beaches of the south are good both for bathing children and for romantic walks along the water's edge. Entry into the sea is very gentle. Where there is a coral reef close to the coast, there are no waves at all. What resorts are located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic? These are Bavaro, Barahona, Bayahibe, Boca Chica, Altos de Chavon, Juan Dolio, La Romana and San Pedro. Also, such resorts include the island of Saona, on which the national reserve is located. In the south is also the capital of the state, the city of Santo Domingo.
Punta Cana
This resort is special. It is located in the very east of the Dominican Republic. Which sea or ocean borders Punta Cana? Both areas! And this - the kiss of the dark blue ocean and the soft turquoise sea - is the main "trick" of the resort. Punta Cana appeared on the map of the country relatively recently. A couple of decades ago, endless coconut groves alternated with mangroves in this place. Now Punta Cana has become an agglomeration of small resort areas: El Macao, Cabeza de Toro, Playa Bavaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto and El Cortecito. This resort also has its own international airport, where direct flights land from Moscow (Vnukovo and Domodedovo). Punta Cana is considered a very prestigious holiday destination. The hotels here are mostly five-star. In Punta Cana they don't like to build big buildings. All hotels inresort are dozens, if not hundreds of small bungalows, hiding under the canopy of palm trees.
Pros and cons of different coasts
Ocean waves are “the most correct”, according to surfers, in the fall. Only then do they reach a height of two or three meters. At other times of the year they are one and a half meters high. Is that impressive too? Then head to the south coast. Temperature indicators in the Dominican Republic are the same everywhere and depend on the season. Another thing is how heat is felt by the body. A fresh breeze blows constantly from the north. In the south, stuffiness can torment you. Entertainment, including water, is available at all resorts. What is the sea in the Dominican Republic without fishing?! But you will get the best catch in the waters of the Atlantic. In addition, only in the ocean you can see humpback whales, which at the end of winter come to the northern tip of the island to give birth. And in the resort of Punta Cana you will enjoy all the advantages of the two coasts.
