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About The Dominican Republic

This beautifully attractive and historic island – with its regal mountain ranges, verdant river basins, azure anchorages, fine sandy beaches and historic cities – continues to attract crewed yachts to its recommended choice of first class marina facilities, secluded cruising grounds and fine selection of shore-side attractions. 

The Dominican Republic was one of the first Caribbean islands to be explored by Christopher Columbus during his maiden voyage of 1492, when he ‘discovered’ the New World for the Spanish and met the native indigenous Taino Indians – who had already been in residence there for over 5,000 years. He and his men also encountered bounties of gold deposits in the island’s river basins. Re-naming the island ‘Hispaniola’, Columbus marvelled at its natural beauty and resources. 

In more contemporary times, the Dominican Republic and its independent neighbour Haiti (bordering its western extremities) collectively form Hispaniola – the second largest island in the Caribbean (18,815 sq. miles), with the highest peak of land in the entire region (Duarte Peak 10,417 ft.). The Dominican Republic also has the oldest European permanent settlement in the western hemisphere in its historic capital, Santo Domingo (founded in 1496). 

The relatively large size of the island requires pre-planning of any cruise. However, with nine international airports and an even larger network of domestic flight transfer networks, clients and owners can conveniently fly in to within easy reach of the yacht. 

Recommended marina destinations include Casa De Campo (south coast - La Romana), Capa Cana Marina (south east coast – Punta Cana), Marina Zar Par (south coast – Santo Domingo), Puerto Bahia (east coast – Samana) and Ocean World Marina (north coast – Cofresi). 

It was noted by several captains that securing the services of a good yacht services agent in the Dominican Republic is essential. Aerial tours of the island’s dramatic interior and coastlines can easily be arranged and with airport-to-airport and international private transfers / charters also being readily available; clients and owners are never far away from ‘wherever they want to be next’. 

The north of the island also offers some great kiteboarding and surfing opportunities for crew, owners and guests alike. The Samana peninsular on the north east coast is said to be the most beautiful sub-tropical part of the country – hailed as being one of the best places in the world for whale watching! Casa De Campo and Cap Cana also offer some of the best bill-fishing currently available in the world.

Summarily, the Dominican Republic’s continued development of its marine infrastructures offers a great platform for access to its cruising grounds and shore-side opportunities for boats ‘on the move’. The island is increasingly being used as a staging post and gateway for boats moving westwards onto cruising itineraries in Cuba. The Dominican Republic’s logistical refueling and stop-over options also offer an excellent cruising bridge between the Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas

*Updates on Chartering in the Dominican Republic* 

 

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Santa Domingo
Dominican Republic

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