From a search I've done it looks like in general, I need to bring my own cigars to the DR. I am staying at the Iberostar Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana. From other posts, it seems there might be a cigar shop somewhere in the area that is pretty good and has real CC's. Can anyone comment? Also, any tips, tours, etc. that anyone can recommend?

I stayed at the Ibersostar Bavaro in 2006. There is a cigar shop at the plaza between the Iberostar Dominicana and Iberostar Punta Cana. It is next to the Doctors office, near the casino. It is within walking distance of the Bavaro.

That was the only place that I saw legit CC's the entire trip. The owner also puts on rolling demonstrations, and rolls a pretty good smoke.

You will enjoy the Bavaro; great service and friendly staff. I will go again some day.

As far as tours, we took an outback safari that was pretty cool, and the snorkeling trip was ok, but we were there to scuba dive. Swimming with big ass nurse sharks was exciting!

Bring your own big insulated cup, like something you get from 7-11 or am/pm. The bartenders will mix your drink in it, so you don't need to get a refill as often.

If you want to score points, bring a White Sox hat to gift to a bartender; they LOVE baseball down there, and treasure anything like a hat or shirt they can get a hold of.

Have a good trip!

Thanks for the scoop. Are you a displaced Sox fan?

As you probably know, there is another team here but I do not like to mention their name in friendly conversation.

I am not a Sox fan, but the local Dominicans I met seemed to be big fans of the Sox, but more so baseball in general. There is an actual city named Sammy Sosa Town! It's on the map!

Have a good trip!