Sosúa

Sosúa is an eclectic beach town, fifteen minutes east of Puerta Plata with many restaurants, a village of shops, cafes and a great nightlife scene. Sosúa’s main attraction is its three beautiful beaches, each with powdery golden sand and inviting turquoise water. At the top of Sosúa beach is a small village of shops where you can bargain hunt for jewelry, clothing, handicrafts and souvenirs from local merchants. Those who snorkel or scuba dive will enjoy the spectacular coral reefs in Sosúa Bay. I tried snorkeling for the first time and was amazed at the varieties of corals and tropical fish that I saw just off shore. Dive centers such as the Hippocampo Dive Center, Sosúa offer daily guided dives. Hippocampo’s dives allow a maximum of six people and are conducted by PADI certified diving instructors. They also offer night dives, shipwreck dives and diving trips to other parts of the island. For those who would like to enjoy the beauty of the reefs without going in the water, try a glass bottom boat tour that departs from Sosúa Beach. It costs only $9.US per person for a half-hour trip. 

The Samaná Peninsula

If you want to get away from it all and spend a relaxing vacation in an enchanting tropical paradise, the Samaná Peninsula is exactly the place. Located in the eastern region of the North Coast, Samaná is a relatively undiscovered vacation destination with something for everyone. From whale watching, to pristine beaches and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, I fell in love with Samaná from the moment I arrived. With the variety of activities to choose from, it was difficult to decide where to start. Beach lovers will find no shortage of postcard-perfect beaches throughout the Samaná peninsula. Most of the beaches are very quiet, especially during the summer months. Las Galeras is one of the most peaceful areas in all of Samaná, with a horse-shoe shaped beach with clear, turquoise water and sugar white sand. West of Las Galeras is Playa Rincon, a beach on the eastern part of the peninsula that has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. Since rough terrain makes this enchanting beach rather inaccessible, the easiest route is to take a short ferry ride from Las Galeras. More adventurous travelers may consider taking a trip to Salto de Limon, a stunning hundred foot waterfall with a natural swimming pool at the bottom where you can cool off after your hike there. Trips to the waterfall can be taken by horseback or by a hiking from the main road. Many hotels in the area will be able to arrange your trip there.

Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado

The next day, I took a tour from Colonial Tours to the Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado. Los Haitises is a huge mangrove swamp that tourists can visit by boat and get a glimpse of hundreds of rare species of plants, birds and marine life. Inside the park are small islands and caves with ancient pictographs left by the Tainos, the original inhabitants of the island. Cayo Levantado, also known as "Bacardi Island", is a picturesque island just off the coast of mainland Samaná that is a wonderful place to spend the day. There are many lovely beaches and hidden coves to explore throughout the island. Most group tours offer a traditional Caribbean-style lunch, complete with local drinks such as Rum and Coke or Pina Coladas. Tours to Los Haitises leave from Samaná. A full day trip to Los Haitises and Cayo Levantado from Colonial Tours costs about $80.US. 

Whale Watching in Samaná Bay

If you’re in Samaná between mid-January and mid-March, be sure not to miss the unique opportunity to take a whale watching excursion. For centuries, hundreds of Humpback Whales from the North Atlantic make an annual trip to the warm waters of Samaná Bay for their mating and calving season. During the peak season, there are usually about a hundred whales in the bay at any given time. Visitors can arrange a whale watching trip through Kim Beddall of Victoria Marine Tours, which offers two departures daily from both Samaná and nearby Cayo Levantado, from January 15th to March 15th. The trip lasts three to four hours, offers a 99% sighting rate and costs $35 per person. Advance reservations are recommended. Victoria Marine can be contacted by phone at (809)538-2494 or by e-mail at kim.beddall@codetel.net.do.

Guidebook

Getting to Puerta Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete

American, Continental and Northwest Airlines* offer daily flights into Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerta Plata. Average round-trip fares range from Miami range from $300 to $400. Cabs are readily available outside the terminal and their prices are reasonable, but make sure to get the price for your trip in advance. Several major rental car companies are available at the terminal. 

*Seasonal service to Puerta Plata. Saturday only departures from 1/11 through 4/12.
 

Getting to Samaná

Visitors to Samaná can fly into either Puerta Plata or Santo Domingo and take a short commuter flight to Samaná. American, Continental and Northwest Airlines* offer daily flights to both Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo. Average round-trip fares range from LAX range from $600 to $800. If you don’t mind a four hour scenic ride, you can consider taking a bus from Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo into Samaná. 

*Seasonal service only. Saturday only departures from 1/11 through 4/12. 

American - Tel: 1-800-433-7300 Web:www.aa.com
Continental - Tel: 1-800-231-0856 Web:www.continental.com
United - Tel:1-800-538-2929 Web:www.ual.com
Northwest - Tel:1-800-447-4747 Web:www.nwa.com

Where to Stay

Cabarete

Estrella del Mar - A charming, ocean-front all-inclusive resort in central Cabarete. Room for 2 - Approx. $180/night Address: Carretera 5, Cabarete, DR. Phone: (809) 571-0808
Palm Beach Condos - Features full-service apartment suites in central Cabarete. Room for 2 - Winter rate, $100/night for a condo. Room for 2 – Winter rate, $50-$60/night for a studio. Address: Carretera 5, Cabarete, DR  Phone: (809) 571-0758

Puerto Plata

Coral Marien Beach Hotel & Spa - Opened in 2001, this 5-star all-inclusive has a spectacular pool, several restaurants, a sports bar, disco, miniature golf course, spa and water sports. Room for 2 – Approx. $200/night, All-Inclusive. Address: Luperon Road, Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata, DR Phone: (809) 320-1515 Fax: (809) 320-1414 E-Mail: marien@coralhotels.com
Jack Tar Village - An adults only all-inclusive resort in the Playa Dorada complex featuring a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, private beach, a casino, and four restaurants. Room for 2 - $182/night, All-Inclusive Address: Playa Dorada, P.O. Box 368, Puerto Plata, DR  Phone: (809) 320-3800 Toll-Free from the US: 1 (800) 858-2258.

Sosúa 

Sosúa Bay Hotel - A beachfront all-inclusive in the heart of Sosúa with three pools, nightly entertainment, water sports and 144 rooms with an ocean view. Opened in 2002. Room for 2 – $230/night, All-Inclusive Address: Calle Dr. Alejo Martínez, No. 1 El Batey, Sosúa, Puerta Plata, DR Phone: (809) 571-4000 Fax: (809) 571-4545 E-mail: reservations@starzresorts.com, web:
www.starzresorts.com
Victoria House - Deluxe beachfront hotel set on a hilltop overlooking Sosúa Bay. A few minutes walk to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Opened in 2002. Room for 2 - $190/night Address: Calle Dr. Alejo Martínez, No. 1 El Batey, Sosúa, Puerta Plata, DR Phone: (809) 571-4000 Fax: (809) 571-4545 E-mail: reservations@starzresorts.com Web www.starzresorts.com

Samaná

Casa Marina Bay - An all-inclusive, beachfront resort in Las Galeras.  Room for 2 – Oceanview, All-Inclusive, Approx. $200/night Address: Las Galeras, Samaná, DR Phone: (809)538-0020  Fax: (809)538-0038
Occidental Grand Bahia  - A Victorian-style resort with a 9-hole golf course, riding stable, tennis courts and a private beach.  Room for 2 - $150/night  Address: Los Cacao, Samaná, DR Phone: (809)538-3111
Tropical Lodge - Charming hotel in downtown Samaná, central to the area’s popular attractions. Address: Avenida Marina, Samaná, DR  Room for 2 - $60/night including breakfast. (High Season) Room for 2 - $40/night including breakfast. (Low Season) Phone: (809) 538-2480 Web: http://www.tropical-lodge.com

Where to Eat

Cabarete

Casa del Pescador -  The best seafood in Cabarete in a charming, beachfront setting. Phone: (809) 571-0760 
La Brisa Restaurant and Bar - Seafood and traditional Dominican cuisine in an open-air setting by the Yasica River. Phone: (809) 543-4289 

Puerto Plata

Acuarela Garden Café - Creative cuisine by Swiss & American trained Chef/Owner Rafael Vásquez and his wife Linda Peters. Reservations are recommended.  Profesor Certad #3, Puerto Plata  Phone: (809) 261-1000
Hemingway’s Café - Popular bar and grille located in the Playa Dorada Plaza with live bands performing each weekend.  Phone: (809) 320-2230

Sosúa 

On the Waterfront - Delicious seafood dishes, Caribbean atmosphere and an outdoor patio with dramatic views of sunsets over Sosúa Bay. Dr Rosen 1, Sosúa, DR Phone: (809) 571-2670 Fax: (809) 571-3586
Alexander’s Steak House - Address: Calle Ayuntamiento No.44, El Batey, Sosúa  Phone: (809) 571-3468 

Samaná

Café de Paris - Crepes and French cuisine in a modern décor.  Address: Malecon 6, Samaná City, DR Phone: (809) 538-2488
La Mata Rosada - Description: Central Samaná restaurant featuring excellent Italian cuisine and seafood. Malecon, Samaná City Phone: (809) 538-2388

Currency

The local currency is the Dominican Peso. The current currency exchange rate is $1.US = 20 Pesos. Most travelers find it best to bring travelers checks in US dollars and some extra cash that you can exchange for pesos at a local bank or hotel. Major credits cards are usually accepted at most resorts, larger hotels and many stores and restaurants throughout the island, with the exceptions of small towns and remote areas. In the Samaná Peninsula, credit cards aren’t widely accepted, so be sure to bring traveler’s checks or cash. 

Entry Requirements

US Citizens need only a Birth Certificate or valid US Passport for entry. No visa is required; however visitors must purchase a $10 Tourist Card upon arrival at the airport in the DR. 

Language

Spanish is the official language, but most people in the resort and tourist areas speak fluent English. If you don’t speak Spanish, it doesn’t hurt to learn a few basic Spanish phrases in advance.

Trip Planning Resources

Cabarete - Website: www.cabareteguide.com - Site with information on hotels, flights and activities in the town of Cabarete. 
Debbie’s Dominican Travel Page - Website: www.debbiesdominicantravel.com - This site provides hundreds of hotel and resort reviews, a forum and links to helpful resources for planning your visit to the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic Secretary of Tourism US Office - Address: 136 E. 57 St., Suite 803, New York, N.Y. 10022 Phone: (888)374-6361, Fax: (212)588-1015 E-mail: NewYork@sectur.gov.do

Dominican Republic – Yours to Discover - A comprehensive tourism site with information about hotels, flights, sports, sight-seeing, national parks and Dominican culture.
DR1 - Website: http://www.dr1.com - This well-maintained site features news, travel and tourism information, discussion boards and useful DR related links. 
Hispanola.com - Website: www.hispaniola.com - A site for finding accommodations, local information, maps and trip planning essentials. 
Puerto Plata - Website: www.popreport.com/VisitorsGuide/ - This site features a visitor’s guide and Puerto Plata news.
Samaná - Website: www.samana.net - A great site describing area attractions, accommodations and information for those planning a trip to the Samaná peninsula. 
Sosúa.com - Website: www.sosua.com -  A site with tourism and visitor information about Sosúa. 

Sites for Tour and Adventure Travel Companies

Colonial Tours and Travel - Offers tours to Cayo Levantado and Los Haitises National Park with departures from Samaná.  Address: Plaza Las Terrenas Loca #2, Samaná, DR Phone: (809) 240-6493 Fax: (809)240-6493 http://www.colonialtours.com.do/
Dolphin Dive Center, Cabarete - This dive center and resort offers the PADI system of training and education. They also offer dive trips, lodging and equipment rental.  Address: Calle Principal, Cabarete, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Phone/Fax: (809) 571-0842  E-mail: d.divecenter@codetel.net.do
DR Pure - Website: www.drpure.com - This site is the place to learn more about adventure travel in the DR. 
Iguana Mama Tours - Iguana Mama offer mountain biking, hiking and educational tours throughout the Dominican.  Toll-Free from the US: 1-800-849-4720 From the DR: (809)571-0908 E-mail: info@iguanamama.com
Hippocampo Dive Center, Sosúa  - Address: Julio Arseno #7, Los Charamicos, Sosúa, Dominican Republic Phone: (809) 571-4437 Email: info@hippocampo.com 
Outback Jungle Safari -  This tour company offers half and full-day trips that depart from Puerta Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete, Luperon and other cities in the DR.  Address: Plaza Turisol, Local 7, Ave. Luperon, Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Phone: (809) 244 4886 http://www.outbacksafari.com.do/
Windsurfing Club Nathalie Simon - Windsurfing lessons, equipment rental and tours in Cabarete.  Phone: (809) 571-0848  Fax: (809) 571-0595 Email: info@cabaretewindsurf.com   http://www.cabaretewindsurf.com/

Books on the Dominican Republic

Berlitz Latin American Spanish Phrasebook. Berlitz Travel Guides, 2001.
Dominican Republic: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture by David Howard. Interlink Publishing Group, 1999.
Dominican Republic: The Rough Guide by Sean Harvey. Penguin Group, 2000. 
Lonely Planet: Dominican Republic and Haiti, 2^nd Edition by Scott Doggett and Joyce Connelly. Lonely Planet, July 2002.