Dominican Republic Expands Cruise Tourism with New Barahona Port: A Gateway to the Untouched Beauty of the Southwest

The Dominican Republic is significantly expanding its cruise tourism sector with the development of a new cruise port in Barahona, located on the country's southwest coast. This investment aims to boost tourism in the lesser-visited region, showcasing the untouched beauty of the "Pearl of the South." With cruise passenger arrivals skyrocketing from 1.5 million in 2023 to over 2.6 million in 2024, the Dominican Republic is experiencing record-breaking growth in cruise tourism. The new Barahona cruise terminal, set for completion in 2026, will feature a state-of-the-art cruise ship dock, 35 commercial spaces, an immersive rum-making experience, and access to Barahona's unspoiled beaches, biodiverse national parks, and world-class coffee farms. Barahona is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters, and untouched natural reserves, offering ecotourism experiences that set it apart from the Dominican Republic's more developed cruise destinations. This project follows the success of the Cabo Rojo cruise terminal in Pedernales and the slated redevelopment of the Arroyo Barril port in Samaná, solidifying the Dominican Republic's position as a top Caribbean cruise destination.