A tropical island setting, mega clubs and all-inclusive resorts with live entertainment, what else could you want in a spring break destination? The Dominican Republic delivers with stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, where you’ll find it easy to mingle with like-minded student travelers, take day trips to the island’s natural wonders and dance until the wee hours of the night.
Best Resorts for Spring Breakers
These all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic allow for an easy-going vacation with plenty to do, boasting a variety of on-site restaurants and bars, live entertainment and luxury amenities included in their all-in-one packages.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Offering one of the most extensive all-inclusive packages, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a great spot for spring breakers. On-site perks include 13 sparkling pools, nine restaurants and a luxurious spa center. It’s also home to a 45,000-square-foot casino and the famous ORO Nightclub, which features local DJs and themed nights, while Moon Lounge, Sun Bar and Eclipse Terrace are chic bars for when you want to chill out. After a day of lounging at the adults-only pool, find respite in one of the spacious suites that include rock ’n’ roll decor, Hydro Spa Tubs, private balconies and 24-hour room service.
Occidental Caribe
Nestled along the stunning shoreline of Playa Arena Gorda, Occidental Caribe is a beachfront paradise with a lively atmosphere during spring break. There are seven on-site restaurants, serving anything from Mexican to Italian cuisine, while two lagoon-style swimming pools sit a few yards from the beautiful beach. At night, there’s a theater with live music shows and an adults-only club, with the all-inclusive package allowing free admission and drinks included. Facing the Caribbean Sea, luxury rooms and suites at this hotel include king-size beds, furnished balconies and a stocked mini bar.
Grand Bahia Principe San Juan
An affordable five-star resort in Rio San Juan with plenty of all-inclusive perks, Grand Bahia Principe San Juan is a great spot to enjoy spring break. You’ll be lured in by its gorgeous natural scenery surrounding this hotel, as its nestled on a private white-sand beach that’s perfect for snorkeling, water skiing or windsurfing. There are seven on-site restaurants and six bars, including an upscale Japanese restaurant and laid-back beach bar, while entertainment comes in the form of sparkling outdoor pools, swim-up bars, a nightclub, casino and Karaoke Bar.
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach is an all-inclusive resort known for its party-like atmosphere, offering so many perks that its simply impossible to be bored. Relax on white canopy beds on the beach, take a dip in the pool or salsa dance to live music by the bar, then enjoy fun hotel activities like seaside trapeze lessons from circus performers, pool and beach games led by enthusiastic staff, themed parties and dinners, dance competitions and a late-night nightclub. When you want to unwind, choose from the six on-site restaurants, sign up for a yoga class or visit the Metamorphosis Spa.
Best Nightlife for Spring Breakers
When the sun goes down, the party in the Dominican Republic is just beginning. You’ll find plenty of dance music to get the party started and the locally-brewed Presidente beer and Cuba Libra cocktails flowing at these top bars and nightclubs.
Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo is popular for live performances and spectacular lights and sounds, and the party doesn’t stop until dawn. Catch professional acrobats, dancers and actors that create a Las Vegas-style ambiance and dance to your heart’s content.
Imagine Punta Cana
Many consider Imagine Punta Cana to be the best nightclub in the country with its unique system of interconnected caves. Each of the caves showcases a different type of music and DJ and offers plenty of places to party late into the night.
El Kan Drink House
With local musicians like Mozart La Para and Vakeró gracing its stage, El Kan Drink House focuses on Latin music with salsa, merengue, bachata and pop music featured. It’s perfect for a chill night out, offering a mix of live music and specialty cocktails.
Pearl Beach Club
Want to party in the daytime? Pearl Beach Club is the most exclusive beachfront venue in Punta Cana, offering live music, culinary delights and private beach access. Enjoy hammocks, plush sun beds and Jacuzzi, then dine on sushi at the on-site restaurant or stay until the sun sets for live music, parties and entertainment.
Best Beaches for Spring Breakers
A haven for spring breakers who crave gorgeous tropical landscapes, the Dominican Republic is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for an undeveloped stretch of land or a place to try windsurfing, this island paradise has it.
Punta Cana
With miles of jaw-dropping shorefront, there’s a good chance spring breakers will find themselves in Punta Cana’s Bávaro Beach, as it is by far the Dominican Republic’s most popular area for swimming and sunbathing. While here, check out Playa Maco, a pristine stretch with crystal-clear water and gentle waves, ideal for those wanting to try surfing and boogie boarding. Playa Juanillo is another notable beach, known for its wide sands and laid-back vibe, as is Playa Cabeza de Toro.
Playa Rincon
Playa Rincon is blissfully untouched, located in a remote area set on the eastern shore of the Samaná Peninsula. Come here to experience one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of white sand, where the water is warm, turquoise and perfect for swimming. Admire the stunning scenery that includes a virgin coconut forest and the cliffs of Cape Cabrón. To get here, you can either drive or hire a boat in nearby Las Galeras.
Cabarete
Want to try your hand at windsurfing? Cabarete is the windsurfing capital of the world, located less than an hour east of Puerto Plata. With its laid-back atmosphere and uncrowded shoreline, this quaint beach town is considered a paradise for those who love being out on the open sea. Sign up for guided glass-bottom boat tours, deep-sea fishing or kayaking, then visit the nearby cafes, restaurants, bars and bakeries that have a distinctly European feel.
Cayo Levantado
Only a 15-minute boat ride from the Samana Peninsula, Cayo Levantado is a tropical paradise and popular day trip destination. This slice of paradise is home to the Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, the only hotel on the island, while the other portion is open to the public. Kick back and admire the postcard-worthy views at its small beaches, framed by swaying palm trees and emerald-blue waters that are great for snorkeling.
Playa Dorada
Located on the Amber Coast in Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada offers a wide stretch of golden sand with stunning mountain scenery. This palm-lined beach offers clear turquoise waters, popular with windsurfers, snorkelers and even fishing enthusiasts. There are a variety of hotels lining its shoreline as well as a public access area where you can stake out a spot on the sand and cool off by wading into the sea.
Best Excursions for Spring Breakers
Some of the best excursions for spring breakers in the Dominican Republic range from sunset cruises with friends to adrenaline-pumping zip line adventures. Aside from day trips to nearby beaches and water sports, you’ll find a mix of outdoor activities to choose from as well as cultural attractions.
Bavaro Runners
Immerse yourself in the Dominican culture on this fun-filled all-day Bavaro Runners tour via a safari truck. See master craftsmen show you the proper way of rolling a cigar, visit gigantic sugar cane fields, learn about the country’s exotic tropical flavors, go boogie boarding at Macao beach and visit the most important church in the Dominican Republic.
Zip Line Adventures
Visit one of the longest zip lines in the Caribbean on this five-hour Zip Line Adventures tour. You’ll soar across the tropical mountain range as you’re suspended up to 2,600-feet in the air and have the chance to marvel at the lush jungle vegetation.
Saona Island
A popular day trip destination, Saona Island boasts a protected natural environment that feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Hop aboard the speedboat and stop at a natural swimming pool to see starfish, then spend the day strolling the beach and relaxing on soft sand.
Scape Park at Cap Cana
Scape Park at Cap Cana is a natural theme park with a blend of adventurous activities and cultural experiences, home to multiple caves, caverns and cenotes. Swim in the bright blue waters of Hoyo Azul’s hidden cenote, enjoy a cave swim, admire geological formations in a network of underground chambers and ride a water hammock into impressive waterfalls.
Canyoning in Damajagua River
Active spring breakers who want to test their limits can sign up for a canyoning adventure in Damajagua River. For some very wet fun, take the four-hour Iguana Mama Canyoning Supremecy Tour down the Damajagua River to enjoy a dozen 65-foot jumps and 160-foot rappels.
