| The Caribbean is one of the most popular exotic | | | | Caribbean is home to around 9% of the world's |
| holiday destinations. The Dominican Republic was | | | | coral reefs, which cover about 20,000 square |
| the most popular Caribbean island in 2009, with | | | | miles. |
| almost 4 million visitors in 2009. Located on the | | | | One of the best ways to explore the Caribbean is |
| island of Hispaniola, it's one of two Caribbean | | | | from the beautiful blue seas, and perhaps the |
| islands that is shared by two countries - the | | | | most luxurious way to do so is with a yacht |
| western third of the island is occupied by Haiti. | | | | charter. Caribbean newcomers can start their trip |
| In the 1490's the Dominican Republic became the | | | | at the hugely popular Dominican Republic and then |
| site of the first permanent European settlement in | | | | sail across to one of the many other islands. |
| the Americas, and Spain's first capital in the New | | | | Located in the midst of the Caribbean islands, the |
| World. | | | | Dominican Republic is neighboured by Jamaica, |
| The Dominican Republic has the second largest | | | | Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and the Cayman |
| economy in the Caribbean, dominated by the | | | | Islands. |
| services industry despite its reputation for sugar | | | | Chartering a yacht gives you the freedom to go |
| production. It's tourism that fuels the country's | | | | where you wish, with the luxury of travelling in a |
| economic growth, representing an estimated one | | | | beautiful yacht. You can hire a skipper to sail the |
| in every seven jobs. | | | | boat for you or, if you're confident enough and |
| Tourists are often attracted to the country | | | | have plenty of experience, you can take charge |
| because of its year-round golf course, the warm | | | | of your holiday and explore yourself. |
| climate and great biological diversity. The | | | | |