DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Best Time of the Year
The best time to sail in the Dominican Republic is from November to April, during the dry season. This period offers favorable weather conditions with moderate winds and calm seas. The hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s best to avoid these months for safer sailing.
Best Anchorages and Cruising Grounds
- Luperón
- Located on the north coast, Luperón is known for its well-protected harbor, making it a popular spot for cruisers. The town has a laid-back atmosphere with good facilities and a welcoming community.
- Samaná Bay
- This large bay on the northeastern coast offers beautiful anchorages such as Cayo Levantado and Los Haitises National Park. The park features stunning limestone formations, caves, and lush mangroves, providing a scenic backdrop for sailing.
- Punta Cana
- Known for its luxury resorts, Punta Cana also offers excellent marinas and anchorage spots. The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches make it a picturesque destination for yacht owners.
- La Romana
- Casa de Campo Marina in La Romana is a world-class marina with top-notch facilities. The nearby Catalina Island and Saona Island are popular for their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Boca Chica
- Located near the capital city of Santo Domingo, Boca Chica is a good anchorage spot with easy access to the city. The area is known for its shallow, calm waters protected by a large coral reef.
- Bahía de las Águilas
- Situated in the southwestern part of the country, this remote bay is part of Jaragua National Park. It’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and is ideal for those seeking a secluded anchorage.
Cruising Grounds
- North Coast
- The north coast offers a mix of well-protected bays and more open waters. Destinations like Puerto Plata, Sosúa, and Cabrera are worth exploring for their natural beauty and vibrant local culture.
- East Coast
- Sailing along the east coast provides access to popular tourist destinations such as Punta Cana and Bávaro. The region is known for its luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- South Coast
- The south coast offers a more rugged and less developed cruising experience. Places like Barahona and Pedernales are known for their dramatic landscapes and off-the-beaten-path charm.
- Southwest Coast
- This area is more remote and less frequented by cruisers, but it offers unique natural beauty and a sense of adventure. The waters around Bahía de las Águilas are particularly stunning.
Tips for Sailing in the Dominican Republic
- Check Local Regulations
- Ensure you are aware of the local maritime regulations and customs procedures. Clearing in and out of ports can involve paperwork and fees.
- Weather Monitoring
- Regularly monitor weather forecasts, especially during the hurricane season. The Caribbean weather can change rapidly, and it’s essential to stay informed.
- Navigation
- Use updated charts and navigational aids. Some areas may have unmarked hazards or shifting sandbanks.
- Provisioning
- Larger ports and marinas will have good provisioning options, but it’s wise to stock up on essentials before heading to more remote areas.
- Local Knowledge
- Engage with local sailors and communities. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations for safe anchorage and points of interest.
By planning your trip during the optimal season and exploring the diverse anchorages and cruising grounds, you can enjoy a memorable and enjoyable sailing experience in the Dominican Republic.
PORTS OF ENTRY
- Barahona – Latitude: 18° 12.50′ N, Longitude: 71° 4.40′ W
- Boca Chica – Latitude: 18° 26.90′ N, Longitude: 69° 36.00′ W
- Casa de Campo – Latitude: 18° 23.50′ N, Longitude: 68° 54.50′ W
- Las Salinas – Latitude: 17° 51.30′ N, Longitude: 71° 19.20′ W
- Luperon – Latitude: 19° 54.00′ N, Longitude: 70° 56.50′ W
- Manzanillo – Latitude: 19° 41.20′ N, Longitude: 71° 44.00′ W
- Monte Cristi – Latitude: 19° 50.50′ N, Longitude: 71° 38.60′ W
- Puerto Plata / Cofresi – Latitude: 19° 47.80′ N, Longitude: 70° 41.00′ W
- Punta Cana – Latitude: 18° 34.50′ N, Longitude: 68° 24.00′ W
- Samana – Latitude: 19° 11.80′ N, Longitude: 69° 19.50′ W
- Santo Domingo – Latitude: 18° 28.90′ N, Longitude: 69° 55.70′ W
CHARTS
DOWNLOAD DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REFERENCE CHARTS
-
Key West to San Juan 27005
-
Approaches to Bahia de Samana 25723
-
Approaches to Barahona and Punta Palenque 25842
-
Fort Liberte and Manzanillo Plans: A. Manzanillo 26145
-
Puerto Viejo de Azua and Bahia de Las Calderas Plans: A. Puerto Viejo de Azua 25845
-
Mona Passage 25700
-
Bahia de Samana 25724
-
Isla Beata to Isla Saona 25800
-
Approaches to Andres, San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana 25849
-
Approaches to Cap-Haitien and Bahia de Monte Cristi 26142
-
Approaches to Cabo Rojo and Pedernales 25841
-
Navassa Island to Cabo Beata 26210
-
Dominican Republic-South Coast Plans: A. Puerto de Haina 25848
-
Cabo Frances Viejo to Punta Nisibon 25710
-
Puerto de Haina 25847
-
Bahia de Monte Cristi (Dominican Republic) 26143
DOCUMENTS
DOCUMENTATION | Dominican Republic |
Passport | Valid for at least 6 months; requires one blank page |
Boat Documentation | Coast Guard Doc (Original) |
Proof of Insurance | Liability |
Crewlist | Required at checkin/out |
Zarpe | Required at checkin/out |
OFFICIAL PROCEDURES | |
Official Country Visa | |
Immigration Visa | |
Required Permits | |
Upon Arrival Visit: | |
Upon Departure Visit: | |
Entry & Exit Fees: | |
Notes: | |
OTHER | |
Required Vaccinations | |
Pets | |
Currency: Dominican Peso |
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo
Av. Republica de Colombia #57
Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic
Phone: (809) 567-7775
Crime Index | Safety Index | Corruption Index | Corruption Score | GDP x capita | Pop (M) | Life Ex. | Cost of Living | Groc. | Rest. $ | Loc.Purch.P. |
71.07 | 38.65 |
137/180
|
66% |
7389.69 | 10.85 | 74.08 | Cost of living in Dominican Republic is, on average, 40.09% lower than in United States. |
Alerts and Messages
For emergencies such as death, arrests, hospitalizations or crimes involving U.S. citizens, please call +(809) 567-7775.
Dominican Republic International Travel Information
Dominican Republic international travel information and Travel Advisory
Dominican Republic travel advice
Latest travel advice for Dominican Republic, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK.
Dominican Republic – Traveler view | Travelers’ Health | CDC
Official U.S. government health recommendations for traveling. Provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dominican Republic Archives – Caribbean Safety and Security Net
https://safetyandsecuritynet.org/category/reports/dominican-republic/
Zoom-Tap, Know & Go – Know Before You Go Interactive Infographic Risk Assessment Tool | Caribbean Safety and Security Net
Legend: = assault, piracy and robbery = burglary, theft, suspicious activity, vandalism and other 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Follow Us Share
MUST SEE
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Colonial City of Santo Domingo
- Coordinates: 18.4719° N, 69.8919° W
- Description: The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, featuring the first cathedral, hospital, customs house, and university in the New World.
Must-See Heritage Sites
- Alcázar de Colón
- Coordinates: 18.4753° N, 69.8833° W
- Description: The residence of Diego Columbus, the son of Christopher Columbus, showcasing early colonial architecture.
- Fortaleza Ozama
- Coordinates: 18.4731° N, 69.8816° W
- Description: A 16th-century fortress built to defend the city from pirates and other threats.
- Catedral Primada de América
- Coordinates: 18.4723° N, 69.8834° W
- Description: The first cathedral in the Americas, known for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
- Panteón Nacional
- Coordinates: 18.4741° N, 69.8826° W
- Description: A former Jesuit church now serving as a mausoleum for national heroes.
- Monasterio de San Francisco
- Coordinates: 18.4726° N, 69.8838° W
- Description: Ruins of the first monastery in the Americas, offering a glimpse into early colonial life.
- Plaza de España
- Coordinates: 18.4753° N, 69.8824° W
- Description: A historic square surrounded by significant colonial buildings, including the Alcázar de Colón.
- Museo de las Casas Reales
- Coordinates: 18.4745° N, 69.8819° W
- Description: A museum housed in a colonial building, displaying artifacts from the Spanish colonial period.
- Ruinas de Engombe
- Coordinates: 18.4822° N, 69.9676° W
- Description: The remains of a 16th-century sugar mill and hacienda, reflecting the early industrial history of the island.
- Parque Nacional del Este
- Coordinates: 18.3592° N, 68.8370° W
- Description: A protected area with diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests.
- Cueva de las Maravillas
- Coordinates: 18.4353° N, 69.2586° W
- Description: A cave system with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as pre-Columbian Taino petroglyphs.
- Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
- Coordinates: 18.6171° N, 68.7077° W
- Description: A modern basilica in Higüey, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes
- Coordinates: 19.3001° N, 70.2536° W
- Description: A historic church in La Vega, celebrating the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
- Ruinas de La Vega Vieja
- Coordinates: 19.2744° N, 70.2471° W
- Description: The archaeological site of the old town of La Vega, destroyed by an earthquake in the 16th century.
- Fortaleza San Felipe
- Coordinates: 19.7930° N, 70.6862° W
- Description: A colonial-era fort in Puerto Plata, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Teleférico de Puerto Plata
- Coordinates: 19.7858° N, 70.6990° W
- Description: A cable car ride offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
- Parque Nacional Los Haitises
- Coordinates: 19.0212° N, 69.6226° W
- Description: A national park known for its limestone karst formations, mangroves, and caves with Taino petroglyphs.
- Salto de Jimenoa
- Coordinates: 19.1138° N, 70.6378° W
- Description: A picturesque waterfall near Jarabacoa, popular for hiking and eco-tourism.
- Pico Duarte
- Coordinates: 19.0222° N, 70.9994° W
- Description: The highest peak in the Caribbean, offering challenging hikes and stunning vistas.
- Cueva Fun Fun
- Coordinates: 18.9708° N, 69.5946° W
- Description: One of the largest cave systems in the Caribbean, known for its underground rivers and rock formations.
- Parque Nacional Jaragua
- Coordinates: 17.7558° N, 71.5206° W
- Description: A national park with diverse habitats, including coastal lagoons, dry forests, and mangroves.
- Bahía de las Águilas
- Coordinates: 17.8391° N, 71.5481° W
- Description: A pristine beach in the Jaragua National Park, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand.
- Lago Enriquillo
- Coordinates: 18.5242° N, 71.6774° W
- Description: The largest lake in the Caribbean, located below sea level, home to crocodiles and flamingos.
- Museo del Ámbar
- Coordinates: 19.7943° N, 70.6871° W
- Description: A museum in Puerto Plata showcasing the region’s rich amber deposits and their significance.
- Playa Rincón
- Coordinates: 19.2734° N, 69.3815° W
- Description: A beautiful, secluded beach on the Samaná Peninsula, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
- Cascada El Limón
- Coordinates: 19.2348° N, 69.4504° W
- Description: A stunning waterfall near Las Terrenas, accessible by a scenic hike or horseback ride.
- Museo de Arte Moderno
- Coordinates: 18.4711° N, 69.9101° W
- Description: A museum in Santo Domingo dedicated to contemporary Dominican art and artists.
- Altos de Chavón
- Coordinates: 18.4118° N, 68.9470° W
- Description: A replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, featuring an amphitheater, art galleries, and craft shops.
- Casa de Campo
- Coordinates: 18.4098° N, 68.9197° W
- Description: A luxury resort complex near La Romana, offering world-class golf courses and amenities.
- Parque Independencia
- Coordinates: 18.4728° N, 69.8919° W
- Description: A historic park in Santo Domingo, commemorating the country’s independence.
- Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración
- Coordinates: 19.4503° N, 70.6968° W
- Description: A monument in Santiago honoring the heroes of the Dominican Restoration War.
- La Isabela
- Coordinates: 19.9270° N, 71.0736° W
- Description: The site of the first European settlement in the New World, established by Christopher Columbus.
These locations offer a diverse and rich experience of the Dominican Republic’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.
REPAIRS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
LOCAL AMBASSADOR
Denise Simpson
deniswithane61@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +1 (829) 926-939
Vhf 68 Sv” Fair Lady”
Denise, Michael and Natasha.
EMERGENCIES AND SAR INFO
ARCC Santo Domingo
Type: ARCC, Country: Dominican Republic, SRR: SRR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Latitude, Longitude:
(18.4316387,-69.6800232)
Telephone:
1 809 549 0137
Email:
Fax:
operacionesnav.mdg@hotmail.com , operacionesnavalesm3@yahoo.es
Website:
INMARSAT:
Telex:
AFTN NETWORK: MDSDYCYX
Notes:
esta solicitud es debido a que tenernos problemas con las comunicaciones entre los tripulantes de embarcaciones y nosotros, queremos que ellos se comuniquen directamente a a la Armada Dominicana, para evitar retraso en las comunicaciones. gracias
This request is due to the fact that we have problems with communications between the ship's crew and us, we want them to communicate directly with the Dominican Navy, to avoid delays in communications. Thank you
MRCC – Dominican Republic – Maritime Operations Center
Type: MRCC, Country: Dominican Republic, SRR: SRR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Latitude, Longitude:
(18.4860573,-69.9312134)
Telephone:
1 809-604-6506/ 1 829-200-0370
Email:
Fax:
1 809 549 2734
Website:
https://www.marina.mil.do/armada/
INMARSAT:
Telex:
Notes:
1 809-604-6506 (WhatsApp)
COMMUNICATIONS
NEWS WEBSITES
dominicantoday.com >>
Dominican Today | COVID-19
The first and only english language online news publication in the Dominican Republic. Providing local and international news, DR guides and access to real estate and car portals. Your most up to date source for info on the Dominican Republic.
dr1.com >>
DR1.com – Dominican Republic News & Travel Information Service
Know More. Connect. leading English news source in the Dominican Republic for over 30 years.
NEWS WEBSITES
dominicantoday.com >>
Dominican Today | COVID-19
The first and only english language online news publication in the Dominican Republic. Providing local and international news, DR guides and access to real estate and car portals. Your most up to date source for info on the Dominican Republic.
dr1.com >>
DR1.com – Dominican Republic News & Travel Information Service
Know More. Connect. leading English news source in the Dominican Republic for over 30 years.
TOURISM
godominicanrepublic.com/travel-to-dr >>
Travel to Dominican Republic
The 29th National Biennial of Visual Arts will be available from June to December . It is dedicated to Orlando Menicucci and with special guest José García Cordero. You can visit the Museum of Modern Art from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Works belonging to the categories of…