Book excerpt: A comprehensive guide from an expert on the region includes hundreds of lodging, dining, recreational, and cultural recommendations. With the same unerring compass that has come to define the Great Destinations guides, Baker reveals why the Dominican Republic is far and away the most popular destination in the Caribbean. From brilliant green mountains to pristine white-sand beaches, extraordinary restaurants to luxury resorts, the Dominican Republic is full of surprises. For instance, no other Caribbean isle can compare when it comes to bird- and wildlife-watching: the Dominican Republic teems with exotic birds and reptiles, many of which live nowhere else in the world. With this guide in hand you’ll learn where to book the best wildlife tours; where to go to explore the island’s ancient history; how to navigate rustic trails and Colonial city streets; where to find the best golfing, water sports, and nightlife—and so much more. As in all Great Destinations guides, there are more than 100 photographs and detailed maps—everything you need to make the most of your visit.