Mexico or Dominican Republic: which is best for a holiday?
Mexico and the Dominican Republic dangle sun-soaked beaches, exciting history and memorable adventures in front of holidaymakers as the countries battle for the crown of ultimate Caribbean escape. So which one is right for you?
Mexico and the Dominican Republic are Caribbean* powerhouses that both offer Hollywood-worthy beaches, intriguing cultures and unforgettable experiences, but they're far from identical. Let's jump into what makes each destination special and help you plan the perfect getaway.
Getting to the Caribbean: whichever holiday hotspot you choose, TUI has a huge variety of fabulously affordable escapes* to both destinations.
Best for resorts
Mexico's Caribbean coast* has resorts in buckets and spades. Cancun stands out with its high-energy all-inclusive properties catering to both families and party-seekers. Just down the coast, Playa del Carmen* promises a more relaxed vibe, serving up a fresh cocktail of luxury and laid-back charm (but still with plenty of intimate nightlife).
Wellness-exuding Tulum*, another of the Mexican Riviera's chic hideouts, attracts the glam, bohemian crowd with eco-friendly boutique hotels that feel more like secluded retreats than traditional resorts.
An equal contender, the Dominican Republic* deals its own resort magic. Punta Cana reigns supreme as the all-inclusive capital, boasting huge resorts that offer amazing amenities at prices that won't break the bank.
Puerto Plata provides a more authentic experience with interesting colonial legacies, while La Romana* caters to luxury seekers with I-wish-I-lived-there properties and upscale golf resorts; the Dominican Republic is, after all, famous for boasting some of the most spectacular golf courses in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Best for food
Forget limp, late-night fajitas on a trip to Mexico, Maya cuisine sees ancient traditions meld with Caribbean and Spanish influences: we're talking corn, chillies and avocados plus seafood and tropical fruits.
Spanish colonisation introduced new ingredients like chickens, pigs and achiote (a spice), transforming dishes such as cochinita pibil, the region's signature dish.
These days, think fresh seafood, zesty tacos, mouth-watering ceviche, tasty tamales and ever-popular guacamole. And need we remind you about tequila and mezcal?
Over in the Dominican Republic*, African, Spanish and indigenous influences unite. So that's tubers and tropical fruits of the Taíno people, the beef, pork, oregano and saffron introduced by the Spanish in the 15th century, and the cooking techniques and ingredients (like bananas and yams) brought by African slaves.
The result? Traditional dishes like sancocho (a hearty stew), mangu (mashed plantains) and pescado frito (fried fish).
Best for adventures
Mexico's Riviera Maya* is an adventurer's playground. History buffs can explore ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum, while adrenalin-seekers dive into crystal-clear cenotes, zip-line through eco-parks and take catamaran trips to hidden islands.
Other options include jungle ATV rides, kite surfing around Isla Holbox and snorkelling off Cozumel. You can swim with turtles and tropical fish all year round on Mexico's Caribbean coast; even alongside whale sharks from June to September.
The Dominican Republic matches this excitement: Cabarete is a windsurfing paradise, Bayahibe* offers world-class scuba diving, and the 27 Charcos waterfalls yield heart-pumping kicks as you climb, leap and slide your way around this natural obstacle course.
Take in the country's interior landscape with activities from safari truck rides and cacao tastings to canyon tours by kayak and trekking to the summit of Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean.
Best for beaches
Mexico's Caribbean coast is home to powdery white sands and inviting turquoise waters stretching from Cancun to Tulum. Isla Mujeres, just 6 km from Cancun and accessible by ferry or boat trip, is home to soft-sanded Playa Norte.
Costa Mujeres*, north of Cancun, has similarly blanched shores; Puerto Morelos serves up a chilled beach day while Playa del Carmen is where you want to be for fun vibes.
Tulum (which you'll recognise from all those photos - see below) is also blessed with white sands, ditto Isla Cozumel and the lesser-known small coastal village of Mahahual.
There is one potential drawback to these dreamy spots, however: summer months can bring sargassum seaweed, potentially interrupting your picture-perfect beach day. To avoid the mess, try your luck on the lesser-affected beaches along the west-facing coastlines of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres or further north - although there's no guarantee.
Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic's coastline offers a staggering 200 beaches, from white sands to rare black-sand shores. Punta Cana's famous 48 km stretch is legendary and in Samaná, Playa Rincón blooms with take-me-back beauty.
The north coast offers everything from lively Playa Cabarete to tranquil Playa Grande. For the adventurous, Playa El Valle and Playa Frontón, accessible only by boat, tick off tropical fantasies with fewer crowds.
Note that Caribbean-facing beaches guarantee safe swimming, while the northern coast demands a bit more weather wisdom. Pro tip: visit on a Sunday to experience local beach culture at its best; think music, food and pure Caribbean joy.
Best for history & culture
Ancient Maya civilisations in Mexico left behind such breathtaking archaeological sites as Tulum and Chichen Itza (considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), revealing complex societies that flourished centuries before European contact.
Spanish colonisation later layered new cultural dimensions. Today, the region celebrates famous traditions like the Day of the Dead, where music, dance and festivals honour both ancestral roots and contemporary Mexican identity.
The Dominican Republic tells an equally fascinating cultural tale. As the site of the first European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture whisper stories of conquest and resilience.
Here the Alcázar de Colón, once home to Diego Columbus (the second son of Christopher), features Spanish Renaissance architecture.
Nearby, there's the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in the Americas and the oldest standing in the western hemisphere. Add in the infectious rhythms of merengue and bachata, and you've got a cultural experience that goes far beyond your typical beach break.
Best for families
Mexicans not only adore children but the country offers myriad family-friendly jaunts: eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há provide educational and entertaining experiences where kids can learn about local wildlife, swim in natural pools and explore cultural exhibits.
Many resorts also offer comprehensive kids' clubs, with supervised activities that keep children engaged while parents enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
In the Dominican Republic, all-inclusive resorts' affordability often means families can enjoy luxurious experiences without breaking the bank. Kids' clubs cater to different age groups, offering everything from supervised beach activities to arts and crafts.
To add a splash of education to your vacay, families in Santo Domingo can explore the Trampolín Children's Museum, an interactive space with engaging educational exhibits for kids.
For a deeper dive into the country's heritage, swing by the Museo de las Casas Reales and the Museo del Hombre Dominicano. Water sports programmes teach children snorkelling while wildlife tours bring the Caribbean's natural world to life.
Meanwhile, land-based thrill-seekers should head for Jarabacoa, Constanza and Samaná, which dish out heart-racing experiences like quad biking through dense jungles, zip-lining over emerald canopies, navigating wild rivers and exploring mysterious caves. That will be one hell of a 'show and tell' back at school.
Best for couples
Mexico is a renowned honeymoon destination for a reason. By day, unwind on beautiful beaches or beside resort pools and explore ancient Mayan sites. As the sun sets, party lovers can enjoy world-class entertainment, especially in hotspots like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Your dream holiday doesn't have to break the bank, either: Mexico delivers luxury experiences at surprisingly affordable prices.
In Tulum, eco-conscious couples can enjoy intimate boutique hotels that seep into the natural environment, while upscale resorts in Playa Mujeres offer secluded beachfront experiences, with private terraces and personalised services.
The Dominican Republic's relaxed Caribbean atmosphere naturally lends itself to romance, with less hustle and more connection. Hidden waterfalls, horseback riding on the beach, roaming historic colonial towns, sunset cruises; need we go on?
Secluded resorts in Punta Cana often specialise in creating intimate experiences too; think sunset cruises, couples' wellness treatments and private beach dinners. Or perhaps you'd prefer an ecolodge in the middle of the jungle? Now that's privacy.
Compare weather
Use the graphs below to compare the weather in both destinations. Find out more about the climate in Mexico and the climate in the Dominican Republic as well as conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in the Caribbean.
Mexico's Caribbean Coast vs Dominican Republic
- Maximum daytime temperature
- Hours of sunshine
- Days with some rainfall
- Monthly rainfall
- Sea temperature
Maximum daytime temperature (°C)
Hours of sunshine per day
Days with some rainfall
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Sea temperature (°C)
Made your choice? Browse the latest online deals and offers on holidays for all budgets to the Caribbean with TUI.
Explore holidays in the sun for less
- Beach holidays
- Family holidays
- City breaks
- Summer holidays
- Winter sun holidays
- Holiday offers
- Top travel brands
- Airlines & flights
- Discount hotels
- Airport parking deals
- TUI
- Jet2holidays
- easyJet holidays
- Love Holidays
- January sales
Airport parking
- Manchester Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Luton Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
Airport lounges
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Gatwick Airport
Be inspired
Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers
We promise not to share your details
