Port of Andres (Boca Chica)
MERENGUE IN BOCA CHICA
18°25.50N 69°36.67W
18.0 nm from Santo Domingo
The port of Boca Chica is clearly defined by its ‘giraffe like’ loading cranes which are easily visible on the coastline. If you like you can call Marina Zarpar on VHF channel 5. The staff will assist your arrival and will often send out a pilot boat to guide you in. Follow the red and green marker buoys into the channel and pass the entrance to the commercial area on the port side. Continue to starboard into the area behind La Piedra Island where shelter is assured due to the island and a continuous reef. Pass ‘Club Nautico’, a private yacht club, to your portside and continue on to Marina Zar Par (marinazarpar.com).
‘Marina Zarpar’
This is a new, fully equipped, marina with most every facility and service available. This includes electricity, water, Free internet and WiFi , laundry, hot water showers, etc. There are slips for boats up to 100’ and also excellent moorings which allow the user the full use of the marina facilities. Currently one can anchor behind the
island of La Piedra (just south of the Yacht Club), or pick up a mooring at Marina ZarPar. Anchoring is not permitted east of the marina in front of the beach, or in front of the marina in the channel.
The restaurant at the marina serves a variety of local dishes priced inexpensively. Orders to go can also be arranged.
The yacht club, Club Nautico has a travel lift for haul out and also sells gasoline and diesel.
With the international airport just seven miles away and Santo Domingo just twelve, you will find this a convenient stop for maintenance projects and perhaps a long term stay. Security is excellent. Immigration authorities are conveniently located in the marina.
The harbor is situated adjacent to the town of Andreas to the west and Boca Chica to the east. Both towns have banks, pharmacies and food stores. Boca Chica is more geared to the tourist and Andreas more geared to local Dominican life.
Onshore Information:
The oldest and best stocked yacht chandlery is situated just half a block to the west from the marina. They speak Engish and will help you find what you need and if it isn’t in stock they will order it in for you.
Centro Marino
Av. Andres #3
Tel: 809 523 6033
Email: centro.marino@hotmail.com
Manuel Electric
(Opposite entrance to Club Nautico to the west).
Tel: 809 523 9769
Boca Chica is the nighttime party capital of the south coast. During the day walk down Calle Duarte, the main street through town. This takes you from the park at one end to the Hamaca hotel at the other. The road is lined with, gift shops, cafes, restaurants and much more.
Banco Popular and ATM machines can be found at the southwest corner of the park. On the southeast corner is a small supermarket stocked with canned and packaged foods. Half a block from the park going east (enter the small mall) is a fine Italian delicatessen named ‘Punto Italia’. Ask for Roberto and he will serve you fresh Italian bread and a wide variety of imported Italian foodstuffs.
Four blocks onward going east is ‘Restaurant Francais’ where bread is baked six days a week except uesdays, (best at about 12 to one pm). The food and service is excellent. They serve large hamburgers and great French fries. One special dish for the hearty appetite is ‘Pautine’ which is French fries mixed with cheese together with either a bbq sauce or a bolonaise sauce. The toilets are large and clean and actually belong to the Isla Bonita Hotel. Walk through the hotel to access the beach.
Going west from the park by ten blocks or so is the main vehicle entrance to the beach. You will also notice a dirt road which is a pleasant three quarter mile walk between Andres and Boca Chica, alongside the beach. (Walk it during the Day). The Andres end of the track is at the entrance to the marina.
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