Montecristi
MONTECRISTI BAY WITH “EL MORRO” in BACKGROUND
This You tube link will provide a nice view of the mangrove canal that starts east of “El Morro” and exits under the small bridge on the west side.
Montecristi and Cayos de los siete hermanos
19°55.46N 71°37.97W
41.0 nm from Luperon
The bay at Montecristi is one mile across and one mile deep and apart from a small shallow patch in the middle has 9 feet of water to anchor most anywhere. Favor the southeast corner which has dinghy access to the land; keep about a quarter of a mile off. Take your dinghy along a marked channel and under a small bridge to the
Sportfishing club and you can be assured a warm welcome.
The restaurant serves a wide range of local dishes and the prices are reasonable. From here you can taxi to the town of Montecristi which is two miles inland. Should you want to ‘clear-in’ the club will taxi in the officials. The extra you need pay is the taxi fare. Somebody with a car will take you into town for a couple of dollars, driving past the Hotel Montechico, through salt flats and into this quiet no fuss town. Many of those who live in Montecristi refer to the town as the town the Dominican Republic forgot, as by car it is quite remote.
For a week in February each year the townsfolk hold a carnival to celebrate Independence Day with just as much enthusiasm and color as Rio or New Orleans. (February 27th). Dressed in hooded robes and protective masks jousters flail each other with homemade rope whips. The whole town collects outside a large dancehall in the centre of town to view the scene. Regardless of the time of year the dancehall is a mecca for socializing, which the Dominicans are expert at.
Eat at any of the many restaurants and share a beer with the locals. Nothing happens very quickly here, modern services such as the internet are available although the equipment is due for an update. One might say the same about the town but thankfully this is unlikely to happen soon.
Take a picnic and ‘gunkhole’ the three miles of mangrove lined canal from the sports-fishing club to the glorious beach at the foot of El Morro; you may well have the place to yourself.
The bay, the river and the town are untouched and the whole area is what Caribbean cruising used to be, so enjoy this quiet gem. Well protected, clear clean water and great scenery make this a superb anchorage. This bay is one of the hidden secrets of the Dominican Republic.
Onshore Information:
Hotel Montechico
Tel: 809 579 2565
This large feature, toward the west as you enter the bay, will allow you to beach your dinghy nearby between a newly built private jetty and the hotel. There is an excellent air-conditioned restaurant available even if you do not take a room, serving from 8pm to 11pm. Also Carmen the proprietor will prepare meals to take away and put you in touch with QuiQuito who can help with emergency mechanical problems.
The staff will also telephone:
Bucan Taxi Service
Calle Raphael Perello #6
Tel: 809 579 2246
This business is in town where they also have cars and motorbikes for rent.
Once in town head for the restaurant:
Comedor Adela
Calle Juan De La Cruz Alverez #41
Tel: 809 579 2254
This is an excellent place for food and information any time of day. On entering it seems small but as you go to the back it expands into an airy courtyard housing many tables. The family, who owns and runs the restaurant, is keen to help and will prepare meals to go.
Internet
Corner of Calle Duarte and Calle Benito-Moncion
An alternative restaurant serving fine cuisine is:
Ocean bar and Restaurant
At the uphill end of Calle Duarte
Tel: 809 579 3643
Popularity: 14% [?]
Related posts:
