Explore on your own rating
Don Diego is next to the old town, but Sans Souci calls and the bigger sights need taxis.
Where ships dock
- Don Diego terminal on the west bank of the Ozama River, at the foot of the Zona Colonial
- Sans Souci terminal on the east bank, across the river
Getting to town
From Don Diego, the Zona Colonial starts just up the hill: Fortaleza Ozama is a few minutes' walk and Parque Colón about 2 km, though the first stretch follows a busy port road. From Sans Souci you need a short taxi ride across the river.
Taxis wait at both terminals: agree the fare first, or use a ride-hailing app. The Zona Colonial is best explored on foot. The Columbus Lighthouse and Los Tres Ojos caves are across the river, a short taxi ride from Sans Souci.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Dominican peso (DOP). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, often with change in pesos.
Entry: Dominican Republic: on a closed-loop cruise from a U.S. port, U.S. citizens can usually sail with a birth certificate plus government photo ID, but a valid U.S. passport is strongly recommended. Check your cruise line's documents page for your sailing.
Top sights nearby
- Zona Colonial (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Catedral Primada de América and Parque Colón
- Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in the Americas
- Fortaleza Ozama
- Alcázar de Colón
- Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse) and Los Tres Ojos caves (taxi)
Beaches
- None near the terminals; Boca Chica is about 30 km east (tour or taxi)
Safety & tips
- The State Department rates the Dominican Republic Level 2 (Exercise increased caution; advisory issued June 12, 2025) for crime. Keep phones and jewelry out of sight in the city, and use official taxis or apps.
- Check which terminal your ship uses: it changes your day.
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter the cathedral.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From the Zona Colonial, Don Diego is a short walk; Sans Souci is a short taxi ride across the river. Be back 30 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Santo Domingo? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Santo Domingo shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Santo Domingo on your own?
Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). Don Diego is next to the old town, but Sans Souci calls and the bigger sights need taxis.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Santo Domingo?
From Don Diego, the Zona Colonial starts just up the hill: Fortaleza Ozama is a few minutes' walk and Parque Colón about 2 km, though the first stretch follows a busy port road. From Sans Souci you need a short taxi ride across the river.
Do I need a passport for Santo Domingo?
Dominican Republic: on a closed-loop cruise from a U.S. port, U.S. citizens can usually sail with a birth certificate plus government photo ID, but a valid U.S. passport is strongly recommended. Check your cruise line's documents page for your sailing.
When should I head back to the ship in Santo Domingo?
From the Zona Colonial, Don Diego is a short walk; Sans Souci is a short taxi ride across the river. Be back 30 minutes before all-aboard.
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