Whala Boca Chica
All-InclusiveSanto Domingo
Dominican Republic
From Toronto (YYZ)Sunwing Vacations · Direct flightDeparts mer. 23 sept.
- 7 nights
- Room
- Flights incl.
From
1 125 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 93 $/mowith FlexPay
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Where the New World began.
4.7 · 3,700+ Santo Domingo vacations booked by Canadians
All-Inclusive · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Santo Domingo
Flight-and-hotel packages to the capital, from Colonial Zone boutiques to modern city hotels. Pair a city stay with a Punta Cana or Bayahibe beach week.
View all packagesFlying from
3.0 (2,271)
Coral Costa Caribe
All-InclusiveSanto Domingo
Dominican Republic
From Toronto (YYZ)Sunwing Vacations · Direct flightDeparts sam. 1 août
- 7 nights
- Superior Room
- Flights incl.
From
1 315 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 109 $/mowith FlexPay
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital, is the oldest European city in the Americas, a UNESCO Colonial Zone paired with a buzzing food and music scene. This is the DR beyond the beach, cobblestone streets lined with the first cathedral, fortress and paved street of the New World, and a modern city of merengue, mamajuana and standout restaurants. It works best as a two- or three-night culture add-on to a beach trip, or as a base for exploring the country’s colonial history. It is a city stay rather than a resort destination.
Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicClimate
Climate
25–31°C year-round
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Tropical city climate. Drier Dec–Apr; hurricane season Aug–Oct.
Currency
Dominican Peso
1 CAD ≈ 43 DOP · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Tourist card in airfare
Top Experiences in Santo Domingo
In old townZona Colonial
Walk the first street, cathedral, and fortress of the Americas in the UNESCO Colonial Zone.
In the cityLos Tres Ojos
Explore a chain of open-air limestone caves and turquoise underground lakes in a city park.
45 min awayBoca Chica Beach
A shallow, reef-protected lagoon beach — the capital's favourite quick escape.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — no visa required for tourist stays up to 30 days.
Tourist card: The DR tourist card is bundled into almost all airfares — no separate fee on arrival.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Dominican Republic. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: The DR uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada. No adapter needed.
Time zone: Santo Domingo runs on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) — one hour ahead of Toronto in winter.
Best time to visit Santo Domingo
Dec – AprPeak season
Driest and most comfortable, and the best time to walk the Colonial Zone.
May – JulShoulder season
Hotter and more humid with afternoon showers, fewer crowds and better rates.
Aug – OctHurricane season peak
Highest storm risk and humidity. Travel insurance mandatory.
NovShoulder season
Hotter and more humid with afternoon showers, fewer crowds and better rates.
Where to stay
Santo Domingo zones & neighbourhoods
Santo Domingo offers a range of areas to base yourself, from lively beach strips to quiet upscale enclaves. Here's how to choose.
Colonial Zone
Old town
The UNESCO heart of the city — cobbled streets, the first cathedral, plazas, and boutique hotels.
Best for
- Culture
- Couples
- Walkability
Malecón
Seafront
The seaside boulevard lined with big hotels, casinos, and nightlife.
Best for
- First-timers
- Nightlife
- Value
Piantini
Uptown
The city's polished business and dining district, with high-end hotels and malls.
Best for
- Foodies
- Business
- Shopping
Juan Dolio
45 min east
The closest resort beach to the capital, with all-inclusive options and calm water.
Best for
- Families
- Beach
- Day trips
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Santo Domingo
Los Tres Ojos caves, Boca Chica beach, and the Bayahibe and La Romana beaches are all within reach.
UNESCO World HeritageColonial Zone Walking Tour
Half day · 3 hrsCity centre · On foot
A guided walk through 500 years of history — cathedral, Alcázar de Colón, and cobbled plazas.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Go early to beat the heat
Natural WonderLos Tres Ojos Caves
Half day · 3 hrs~10 km east · 20 min by car
Descend into limestone caverns with turquoise subterranean lakes.
Insider tips
- Bring a light jacket
- Combine with a city tour
Beach DayBoca Chica Beach Day
Full day · 6 hrs~30 km east · 40 min by car
Relax on a calm, shallow lagoon beach with seafood shacks and water sports.
Insider tips
- Weekdays are quieter
- Bring cash for beach vendors
Island Day TripSaona Island from the Capital
Full day · 11 hrs~140 km east · 2.5 hrs + boat
A long but rewarding day to the famous national-park island and its natural pools.
Insider tips
- Long travel day — start early
- Bring snacks and sunscreen
● Limited availability — book now
Your Santo Domingo escape awaits
All-inclusive packages with flights from Canada, starting at
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Good to know
Santo Domingo travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Santo Domingo?
No. Canadians don't need a visa for stays up to 30 days, and the tourist card is included in almost all airfares.
How long is the flight from Canada to Santo Domingo?
Direct flights are about 4h 35m from Toronto to Santo Domingo (Las Américas, SDQ).
When is the best time to visit Santo Domingo?
December to April is the most comfortable, with lower humidity. The city is a year-round destination.
Is Santo Domingo safe for tourists?
Use normal city precautions, especially at night, and stick to the main districts.
What currency should I bring?
The Dominican Peso (DOP) is official, but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Dominican Republic is private and can be costly without coverage.
Is Santo Domingo a beach destination?
No, it is a historic capital city; pair it with a nearby beach like Bayahibe or Punta Cana for sand.
Can I book excursions through shoptravel?
Yes, you can add excursions like Colonial Zone Walking Tour and Los Tres Ojos Caves to your trip at checkout.
How long should I stay?
Two or three nights is enough to see the Colonial Zone and dine well.
Is it walkable?
The Colonial Zone is very walkable; use taxis or apps between districts.
What is the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo?
It is the historic core, the first cathedral, street and fortress of the Americas, and a UNESCO World Heritage site made for walking.