Travel to & from the Dominican Republic

In 2026, two Rubicon 3 sailing expeditions meet in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean 1000 ends there and Mangroves & Atolls – Dominican Republic to the Bahamas starts there. Whichever one you sail on, it’s a rare chance to explore Santo Domingo, a city that beguiles almost everyone who visits. The nearest airport to the start and end point in Puerto Plata is Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP). It’s just a short transfer from the marina and has many direct, very affordable flights to and from most major US cities.

If you’re travelling from the UK, a fantastic same-day option is available with Swiss Air for around £560 – see flight details here.

Another option is to travel on 29/03/26, catch the 0630 London Heathrow – Frankfurt Lufthansa flight and then the 1235 Condor flight from Frankfurt direct to Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP).

The Santo Domingo option

Alternatively, for those who’d like to explore the magical city of Santo Domingo, you can fly into or out of Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ), which has cheap flights from both the UK (Via Miami, JFK or Madrid) and the US. See here. Spend a night at the beautiful Hostal Nicolas de Ovando in the old town, then take the air-conditioned coach to Puerto Plata. The journey takes about three hours, crossing the central mountains of the Dominican Republic, and costs just £2. See the timetable here and select the Santo Domingo – Lunes a Sábado route.

Dates

If arriving in to the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean 1000, you disembark on March 27, so travel / fly that day. If joining the Mangorves to Atolls route to the Bahamas, fly in to the Dominican Republic on March 29 (or earlier) for the Santo Domingo option, or March 30 for the Puerto Plata option.

Visas

There are currently no visa requirements for UK, EU, US / Canada sailors