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12 Fun facts about the Dominican Republic
Discover 12 fun facts about the Dominican Republic related to iconic movies such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Godfather!
The Dominican Republic is a land of breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture, and interesting history. From amber-encased prehistoric bugs to its many blue flag beaches, this Caribbean country is full of many curiosities and fun facts.
Discover the Caribbean’s top 12 interesting facts about its deep-rooted past, fascinating biodiversity, and popular locations.
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1. Baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic
Baseball is the Dominic Republic’s national passion and a part of its identity. It’s produced a remarkable number of Major League Baseball players — more than any other country outside the U.S., including international stars like David Ortiz.
Other famous baseball players from the Dominican Republic include Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, and Luis Garcia.
2. The Godfather Part ll was filmed in Santo Domingo’s Presidential Palace
One of the more unexpected fun facts about the Dominican Republic is its connection to a famous movie. One of The Godfather Part II’s key scenes was filmed at the presidential palace in Santo Domingo. The colonial city of Santo Domingo also happens to be the Dominican Republic’s one UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a day trip to Santo Domingo and stop by the Presidential Palace. Make sure to get an eSIM for the Dominican Republic to help navigate.
The scene was initially meant to be filmed in the presidential palace in Havana, Cuba. However, political instability in Cuba at the time of filming made it impossible to shoot there. Due to its architectural resemblance, the Dominican Republic’s capital city acted as its replacement.
3. Speaking of movies, an iconic scene in Jurassic Park was filmed in the Dominican Republic
While most of the film was shot in Hawaii, one of Jurassic Park’s iconic opening scenes featuring a prehistoric mosquito preserved inside Amber was filmed at the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
That mosquito is actually real. Take some time to visit the museum and witness the same mosquito trapped in Amber!
4. Puerto Plata is home to the Caribbean’s only cable car system
Promoting sustainable tourism in the Dominican Republic, the Teleférico de Puerto Plata is the only cable car system in the entire Caribbean region! It gives visitors access to Mount Isabel de Torres’ natural beauty and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and surrounding landscape.
Riding the Teleférico is also one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic. The botanical garden and a replica of Christ the Redeemer at the top are perfect for photos.
5. Armed forces and national police members aren’t allowed to vote
Among fun facts about the Dominican Republic, members of the armed forces and national police are prohibited from voting. This is done to maintain political neutrality and ensure that such individuals remain uninvolved in political affairs.
6. The Dominican Republic is the only country worldwide to have a bible on its flag
One recognizable fact about the Dominican Republic’s culture and something that sets it apart from other Caribbean countries around the world is its national flag. It features an open bible at the center, symbolizing the country’s deep religious roots and connection to Catholicism and Spanish Rule.
7. You’ll find more Blue Flag beaches (26) than in any other country in the Caribbean
This nation in Central America has more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the Caribbean. With 26 Blue Flag beaches in popular locations such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and La Romana, the Dominican Republic is clearly dedicated to preserving its natural beauty.
You’ll also find the world’s best Dominican cuisine in these areas. A flavorful fusion of Spanish, African, and Taino influences tends to blow tourists away.
8. The Dominican Republic is home to 2 rare animals found nowhere else
The Dominican Republic is the only place on Earth where the rhinoceros iguana and the Hispaniolan solenodon can be found in the wild. The latter ranks as the third most venomous mammal in the world. While its bite may not produce enough venom to harm a human, you’ll probably want to steer clear of this ferocious little animal.
9. Pirates enjoyed resting and restocking in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic was previously a haven for pirates like Blackbeard during the age of piracy (1650s to the 1730s). The nation’s strategic location between South America and Central America and its access to the Caribbean Sea made it a popular place for pirates to rest. Puerto Plata’s northern coast was a particularly special place for pirates to dock, repair their ships, and restock supplies.
Make sure you can use your phone in the Dominican Republic, otherwise you may miss out on booking spontaneous tours or telling your loved ones all about your adventures from a nearby beach bar.
10. Saona Island is where some iconic pirate movies were filmed
You probably guessed it. Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed on one of the most breathtaking islands in the Caribbean — Saona Island. This tropical paradise is known for its crystal waters and unspoiled beauty, and it is Jack Sparrow’s beautiful backdrop on his adventures. The island is part of the Cotubanama National Park and is a must-visit location for those who visit Punta Cana or La Romana.
11. Samana Bay is home to a whale sanctuary from January to March
Samana Bay is one of the Dominican Republic’s natural wonders, and every year, between January and March, it’s home to thousands of humpback whales. These whales migrate to Samana Bay to mate and give birth; naturally, this is one of the best places in the world to witness these gentle giants up close.
12. The Dominican Republic boasts lots of firsts in the Americas
Last but not least, on our list of fun facts about the Dominican Republic is a trio of remarkable firsts. This country is home to the first Catholic Cathedral in the New World — Catedral Primada de America in Santo Domingo. The capital city also boasts the first university in the Americas, the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, established in 1538.
Finally, Santo Domingo was the first capital city founded by Europeans in the Western Hemisphere. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum of colonial history.
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Whether it’s the colonial city of Santo Domingo, whale-spotting in Samana Bay, or riding the Caribbean’s only cable car, staying connected with Holafly enhances your travels. Holafly offers eSIMs in over 200 destinations worldwide to help tourists stay connected and ensure peace of mind on their travels.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
