Entertainment in the Dominican Republic – What To Do in the Dominican Republic 

Social life in the Dominican Republic

If you are wondering what there is to do in the Dominican Republic, most people find that they learn to relax once they have moved to the Caribbean and adapt to the Latin culture here.  There is no single expat lifestyle, some set up new businesses whilst others find employment, but for those no longer working or during their leisure time, there are plenty of activities available.  Water sports,  beaches, nightlife, dining, dancing, horse riding, golf, socializing, amateur dramatics, off-roading, white water rafting, working with voluntary organizations, whale watching, gardening, countryside, exploring the history of the island in the colonial zone etc. are just some of the many interests that residents and visitors enjoy. 

Expatriates in the Dominican Republic

The island has attracted a very broad spectrum of expatriates using the Dominican Republic as a second home or a permanent residence. Nationalities such as Canadians, Americans, British and Germans have settled in large numbers and the island has developed an international feel.

Working in the Dominican Republic is quite easy and the attitude towards foreign workers is quite positive. It may, however, be easier to set up your own business than to try to adapt to the Dominican way of business, especially if you do not speak Spanish.  

What To Do in the Dominican Republic – Language

The main language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Most hotels, restaurants, bars, shops etc will have some employees that speak English. However, if you intend to live on the island permanently it is a good idea to learn some key words and phrases. 

What To Do in the Dominican Republic – Lifestyle

All you would expect from a Caribbean island. The pace of life is slow and it can take a while to settle into the relaxed atmosphere. Dominicans do very few things with haste, and you will benefit if you can learn to adapt a little to their pace, thereby avoiding some possible frustrations.  The cost of living is less than most other Caribbean islands, and property is certainly more affordable. There are few favorite commodities from home which cannot be found in the larger cities of Santiago or Santo Domingo, and there are perfectly adequate supermarkets, hardware stores etc. in the towns of Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete. Most people live a reasonably simple, al fresco type of lifestyle, many spending their spare time relaxing around the pool and eating out of doors. Barbeques, fresh fish, and locally grown tropical fruits and vegetables provide a healthy and enjoyable diet for the climate. There are numerous excellent, reasonably priced restaurants to choose from, especially along the beach in Cabarete, where many people take a stroll in the evening and catch up with friends. Alcohol, cigarettes and cigars are considerably less expensive than in developed countries, as taxes are low on these items.

Many expatriates find time to get together in one of several social groups that meet at least once a month to try out a new restaurant or to enjoy the luxury of a dinner in one of the better restaurants along the north coast. 

A theatre group, North Coast Players, exists on the north coast and the standard of production is highly praised.

Sport is catered for well on the island with many golf courses, stables and riding clubs, tennis clubs and beach sports. Cabarete also plays host to kite boarding, known as the ‘capital of kite-surfing in the Caribbean’.

For evening entertainment, there are many reasonable and varied restaurants between the cities and towns. Cinemas can be found in both the south and the north. There is a large cultural heritage in Santo Domingo.  

For the more adventurous there are more than enough ‘tourist attractions’ even for the most hardened of residents to find enjoyable.  

Finally, to keep you up to date on what is happening, there is an English-speaking radio station and at least four good websites devoted to the Dominican Republic.