The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti. The Dominican Republic is situated between the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico. The beaches cover more than 500 miles of coastline.

The Dominican Republic is slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire! It is the second largest island in the Caribbean next to Cuba. It is approximately 837 nautical miles from Florida!

The local time zone is Eastern Caribbean Time (GMT -0400). In the winter this is one hour ahead of Eastern Time. The Dominican Republic does not observe daylight savings time.

The Dominican Republic consists of sandy unspoiled beaches, coral reefs, tropical rain forests, lush rolling mountains and rapid rivers! Diverse terrain and extraordinary natural beauty is a hallmark of the Dominican Republic’s six regions. The six regions are Central, East Coast, North Coast, Northeast Coast, South Central and the Southwest Coast. In the Dominican Republic you will experience first hand that the magnificence of nature sets the scene for quaint villages, charming cities, and first class accommodations for visitors.

The island is considered by many real estate experts as one of the smartest places for property investments because of its low prices and growing economy. Visit my Dominican real estate blog if you are looking for resources and current up to date information about Dominican real estate projects and investing opportunities.

INTERESTING FACTS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE D.R.

• The Dominican Republic has the highest and lowest sea level points in the Caribbean with Pico Duarte at 10,128 feet above and Lake Enriguillo at 144 feet below.
• The Dominican Republic is a haven for birdwatchers with over 300 species of brightly colored birds. Twenty-seven species are endemic, meaning only found on the island of Hispaniola. Another 15 species are either endangered or threatened, including the bay-breasted cuckoo, LaSelle thrush and Hispaniolan crossbill.
• There are no official campgrounds in the Dominican Republic. Pico Duarte in the central mountains allows tent camping in the Armando Bermudez National Park. A park permit, which costs approximately $5, and a local guide are required by the national parks office.
• There are hundreds of caves spread throughout the Dominican Republic, the majority of which are located in the country’s numerous national parks.
• Four mountain ranges elevate the island and are capped by four of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte at 10,128 feet above sea level, La Pelona at 10,072 feet above sea level, La Rucilla at 9,990 feet above sea level and Pico Yaque at 9,055 feet above sea level. Climbing Pico Duarte is not for the weak. With a peak reaching 10,128 feet above sea level, the mountain is the highest in the Caribbean. As part of the “Dominican Alps,” the climb is strenuous but achievable, especially with the assistance of a guide and a mule to carry packs up the mountain. While the guide is required, the mule is optional though highly recommended. Both can be arranged at the village of La Cienaga just outside the Armando Bermudez National Park. The walk to the top of the mountain and back usually takes three days from the village.
• Six of the world’s seven marine turtles live in the DR including the mammoth leatherback which can grow to over six feet and weigh 800 pounds. In addition, the endangered Antillean manatee, humpback whale and bottlenose dolphin are often observed in the Dominican Republic’s bays.
• White-water rafting is outstanding in the Dominican republic! White water flows from the mountains through canyons and jungle and out to sea. The hottest white water rafting location is on the Yaque del Norte in the central mountain area. This is the largest river in the DR and has exhilarating class III to V rapids (using the universal scale of I to VI) including a 12-foot drop named “Mike Tyson.”
• Like whitewater rafting, kayaking is most popular in the central region along the Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa rivers near Jarabacoa. Both waterways provide a mix of white water with sharp turns and precipitous drops. Intermediate kayakers will enjoy the challenge of class III and IV rapids, while those with more experience can tackle the advanced sections of class V rapids.
• Rock Climbing in the Dominican Republic is considered to be one of the world’s best rocking destinations. One of the best spots is Playa El Fronton, which is easily accessible by boat from Las Galeras. Climbers hire a boat for around $30 that will take them to a drop-off point and wait until their return. Other popular areas for rock climbing are Parque Mirador del Este near Santo Domingo and Barahona in the southwest region.
• There are several wonderful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic including Salto de Jimenoa which is located in Jarabacoa National Park, this 131-foot waterfall is reached by a hiking trail and narrow suspension bridge. Salto Aqua Blanca is also located in Jarabacoa National Park, this 492-foot waterfall is one of the highest in the Caribbean. El Limon is in the Samana area near the town of El Limon, this stunning waterfall is accessible by horse. The ride takes two and one-half hours round trip. Damajagua Falls a.k.a. Cascades of Imbert is also known as the “seven falls,” this is a series of 27 cascades near Puerto Plata.
• Whale watching in the Dominican Republic! From January through March, Samana Bay is nearly taken over by humpback whales. For centuries, thousands of these humungous mammals make an annual trip to spend winter in the warm waters of the Dominican Republic.

Proud of its beauty and careful to maintain it, the Dominican Republic government is ensuring the natural beauty for future generations by setting aside 20 percent of the country’s land for preservation. This has resulted in 19 national parks, six scientific reserves, 32 natural monuments, 15 natural reserves, two marine sanctuaries and nine protected parcels of islands also called panoramic views.