Sports Events in the Dominican Republic – March 2026
March 2026 delivers one of the strongest sports calendars of the year in the Dominican Republic. From international baseball exhibitions and a premier gran fondo cycling race to the revival of traditional Easter competitions and peak whale watching season, the month blends elite competition with outdoor adventure.
If you are searching for sports events in the Dominican Republic in March 2026, this guide outlines the key dates, locations, and what makes each experience relevant for visitors.
World Baseball Classic Exhibition Games – March 3–4, Santo Domingo
Baseball remains the national pastime, and early March features two high-profile exhibition games.
The Dominican Republic national team will host a two-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo:
- Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m.
These games are part of the World Baseball Classic exhibition schedule and hold special significance. Proceeds will support the Dominican Red Cross, honoring victims of the April 2025 Jet Set nightclub tragedy through coordinated donations from MLB and UEPA.
For sports travelers, these games provide an opportunity to experience high-level baseball in one of the Caribbean’s most passionate baseball environments. Because they take place in the capital, visitors should plan for evening traffic around the stadium and secure tickets in advance.
GFNY República Dominicana 2026 – March 29, Punta Cana
Cycling enthusiasts will find one of the month’s most demanding athletic events on Sunday, March 29, 2026, when Punta Cana hosts the GFNY República Dominicana.
This premier gran fondo road race offers two route options:
- 150 km (93 miles) with 962 meters of elevation
- 93 km (58 miles) with 381 meters of elevation
Participants ride on closed roads, creating a controlled racing environment that attracts both local and international cyclists. The combination of coastal scenery and endurance racing makes this one of the Dominican Republic’s standout sporting events in March.
For competitors, early registration and accommodation booking in Punta Cana are advisable, as late March coincides with peak tourism season.
Semana Santa (Easter) Games – Late March
In addition to professional-level competition, March 2026 marks the official revival of the Semana Santa (Easter) Games, spearheaded by Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz.
These traditional spring competitions will take place in late March, aligning with Holy Week programming. The initiative aims to engage local athletic talent across beaches and coastal regions while building momentum toward the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games scheduled for later in the year.
Unlike spectator-focused mega-events, the Semana Santa Games emphasize youth participation, national identity, and athletic development. For travelers, they provide insight into how sports are integrated into cultural and seasonal traditions during the Easter period.
Whale Watching in Samaná – Through March 31
While not a competitive sport, whale watching remains one of the most important outdoor experiences in the Dominican Republic in March.
Samaná Bay is internationally recognized as a biological refuge where humpback whales migrate to reproduce and give birth. The official 2026 season runs from January 15 through March 31, making March the final full month of observation.
March is particularly recommended for viewing newborn calves swimming alongside their mothers. Excursion pricing generally ranges:
- $69–$89 USD per person for shared tours
- From $600 USD for private catamarans
For eco-tourism travelers and wildlife enthusiasts, whale watching in March offers one of the country’s most iconic seasonal experiences. Early booking is recommended, especially during mid-March when Spring Break overlaps with whale season.
March 2026: A Convergence of Competition and Outdoor Activity
What distinguishes March 2026 in the Dominican Republic is not a single event, but the overlap of:
- International baseball exhibitions in Santo Domingo
- Endurance cycling competition in Punta Cana
- Revived Easter sports programming
- Peak whale watching in Samaná
These events span multiple regions, including the capital, the eastern resort corridor, and the northeastern peninsula. For travelers planning a multi-city itinerary, March offers the flexibility to combine stadium events, road racing, and marine wildlife encounters within a single trip.
Planning Tips for Sports Travel in March 2026
If your goal is to experience Dominican Republic sports events in March 2026, consider the following:
- Secure baseball tickets early for the March 3–4 games.
- Register in advance for GFNY República Dominicana due to international demand.
- Monitor local announcements regarding Semana Santa Games scheduling.
- Reserve whale watching excursions ahead of time, especially during peak travel weeks.
Because March coincides with Carnival finales and Spring Break tourism, accommodation availability can tighten quickly in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
