# Travel >> Destinations >> Central America

Dominican Republic: An Island Nation Between Two Great Waters

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola (shared with Haiti), placing it squarely in the Caribbean Sea with a dual coastline:

North Coast: **Atlantic Ocean** (specifically the Atlantic's Caribbean Sea marginal basin). Major ports: Puerto Plata, Samaná. Humpback whale breeding (Samaná Bay).
South Coast: **Caribbean Sea** proper. Capital Santo Domingo (oldest European city in Americas, 1496). Major ports: Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana.

Maritime Boundaries

West: Land border with Haiti (388 km).
East: **Mona Passage** (130 km wide) separates from Puerto Rico. Critical shipping lane.
North: Atlantic Ocean / Bahamas banks.
South: Caribbean Sea → Beata Island, Alto Velo Island (DR territory).

Strategic Implications

Trade: Dual-ocean access (via Mona Passage to Atlantic, direct Caribbean). Free trade zones (Puerto Plata, San Pedro).
Tourism: North coast (Amber Coast, Puerto Plata) = Atlantic swells, wind. South coast (Bayahibe, Boca Chica) = calmer Caribbean. Punta Cana (east tip) = both.
Ecology: Coral reefs both sides. Silver Bank (north) = humpback sanctuary. Jaragua National Park (south) = dry forest, flamingos.
Security: Drug transit route (Mona Passage). US/Dominican naval cooperation.