Is Dominican Republic different from Dominica?

There are many similarities between the Dominican Republic and Dominica, including their names, their histories, and their cultures. However, there are also some significant differences between these two Caribbean countries.

For one thing, the Dominican Republic is much larger than Dominica, both in terms of land area and population. The Dominican Republic has a population of over 10 million people, while Dominica has a population of just over 71,000.

The Dominican Republic is also a much more developed country than Dominica. The Dominican Republic has a higher GDP per capita and a lower poverty rate than Dominica. The Dominican Republic also has better infrastructure and more tourist attractions than Dominica.

One of the most significant differences between the Dominican Republic and Dominica is their languages. The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, while the official language of Dominica is English. This is a result of their different colonial histories. The Dominican Republic was colonized by Spain, while Dominica was colonized by the British.

Despite these differences, the Dominican Republic and Dominica are both popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. They both have beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a rich culture.

Dominican Republic vs Dominica: Which Caribbean country should you visit?

These two Caribbean countries are often mistaken for each other. But are you tempted by the Dominican Republic’s epic hikes, or do you prefer Dominica's lush waterways?

Population: 10.77 million

Total area: 48,442 sq km

Famous for: Some of the most diverse topography in the Caribbean

Dominica

Population: 74,679

Total area: 750 sq km

Famous for: Its nature: Dominica has the world's second largest hot spring, 365 rivers and 9 active volcanoes

Nature

Set sail from Samaná Bay – home to humpback whales (January to March) – and float past the mangroves and pictograph-adorned caves of Los Haitises NP (pictured) to spy pelicans, frigates and many endemic species.

Head west towards the border with Haiti to Lago Enriquillo to spot crocs and flamingos and take dips in hot springs.

The ‘nature island’ has mountains, rainforests and a river for every day of the year.

The Indian may be the fairest of all the 365 waterways; navigate it by boat and get a whiff of hibiscus, watch hummingbirds and herons take to the air and admire the mangroves and bloodwood trees – said to ‘bleed’ red sap – that line the riverbanks.

“DID YOU KNOW? One famous pirate (ahem, Johnny Depp) is said to have regularly imbibed the rum at Bush Bar, on Dominica’s Indian River, when filming the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Scenes forJurassic Park were also filmed in Los Haitises NP.”

Activities

Head eastwards to Punta Cana and take to the skies on a hot-air balloon ride over the sugar plantations at sunrise.

At Samaná, thrill-seekers can even take on the country’s longest zipline. 

Divers can also encounter a colourful cast of rays, lionfish and octopuses at La Caleta Underwater NP in Santo Domingo.

Snorkel alongside seahorses, parrotfish and damselfish at Champagne Reef, so named for the froth created by its underwater geothermal springs.

Or you can relax after a day’s jungle trek in the Morne Trois Pitons NP with a visit to Trafalgar Falls, then relax in the warm springs by the twin falls known as the Father (85m) and Mother Falls (40m).

Capital

Visit Santo Domingo to appreciate the architecture of the 16th-century Alcázar de Colón; just outside it lies the neoclassical National Pantheon.

Next, explore the city’s largest market: vendors at Mercado Modelo hawk everything from artwork to shots of mamajuana – a potent herbal drink and alleged aphrodisiac.

Meander along the cobblestone streets of Roseau’s French Quarter and admire its unique blend of Creole architecture.

Then collect your thoughts on an idle stroll past tropical flora in the Botanical Gardens (in recovery from hurricane damage) before hiking Morne Bruce for panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Trails

Any serious hiker will head to Jarabacoa to conquer Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s 3,098m highest point and a three-day hike – time your final ascent right for a fine sunrise panorama.

Keep your ears open on early-morning treks through Cachote’s cloud forest for the unusual wind-chime song of the elusive jilguero goldfinch.

Tackle the tough eight-hour trek past gorges, geysers and the Valley of Desolation to glimpse the world’s second largest boiling lake, located within Morne Trois Pitons NP. 

Or head north-west for the easier Syndicate trail; shadowed by Morne Diablotins, it’s one of the best places to see the national parrot, the sisserou.

The Verdict

Is Dominica or Dominican Republic better?

What do people from Dominica call themselves?

Is Caribbean and Dominican the same?

What race does Dominican Republic belong to?