Living in and Sailing from the Dominican Republic

[camaraderie]

I have friends whose 47' sailboat went aground in Samana in 2006 while waiting to cross the Mona.
They had to fend off looters, were pulled off by a whale sightseeing boat and then charged 10k by the capitaine and forced to pay before despacho was issued.
They do not have happy memories of the people or the corruption.

As I've said...many people are quite happy in the DR. In my experience I know of no place in the Eastern Caribe that gets equally poor reviews from so many. Read the opinions fullafrisky and make up your own mind if this sounds like your kind of place.

[funsailthekeys]

It is always sad to hear of vessels in distress. I guess the big difference in cruisers is some are tourists and some are travelers. The travelers seem to get the most enjoyment. The difference between adversity and adventure is attitude.

[stevensc]

I used to travel there on business off and on since 1970 when I spent 6 weeks at the hotel Long Beach in Puerto Plata. It was very "rustic" back then but had good lobster for almost nothing. I always enjoyed the D.R.and it's people. I used to get a kick out of the police when they would stop us on the road and ask for "Algo pa'l Presidente" "something for the President" the Presidente beer that is! No problem, give a few pesos and carry on, the poor guy has probably been standing out in the hot sun for hours. I'm looking forward to spending a few months down there between Luperon and Samana when I get a bigger trawler.
Good crusin'
Steve

[dlblandjr]

Whoh, this is an eerie silence , 2008 till 2015 ??? What ???

[Bristolwave]

Luperon is great, currently my boat is sitting on a double hook with two snubbers fixed and a trustworthy person to keep tabs on her. The anchorage is the most hurricane friendly in the entire.Caribbean and the corruption is penny's compared to any fees you will.pay in all of the VI. The entire staff at Wendy's bar are willing to help with any snags and they provide a very base camp for cruisers to socialize. Get down there!

[Scott Berg]

Take a look at Frank Virgintino's free cruising guides to the entire region. Well researched and detailed, amazing coverage of the DR

http://www.freecruisingguides.com



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