It was a real joy getting the 4th addition completed.  I would like to thank all in the cruising community who sent in so much useful information and so many updates.  I would also like to thank Mrs. Amaia Aguirre, my editor, for all the effort she put into making sense out of my nonsense.

The Dominican Republic is changing and there are more cruising boats sailing all three coasts.  While there are still some areas where officials may make demands for unauthorized payments, it is becoming less and less so.  The worst offenders have been Luperon and Samana, but even these two harbors are making progress.  Dominican Officials are becoming more comfortable with cruising boats and as a result clearance procedures are becoming easier.

For those that complain about the need to get DESPACHOS from Harbor to Harbor, I can only say that the Coast Guard watches really closely and there have been no reports of attacks against any crew or any of the boats.  There have been cases of dinghy and dinghy motor theft, primarily in Samana and one should take all precautions necessary.

The Spanish version of the guide that is posted at the site, is the 2nd. edition.  The new 4th edition of the Spanish language version of the guide will be released sometime in April of 2010.

As always if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave your comments at the site or write me direct at: fvirgintino@gmail.com

I wish you fair winds and safe cruising.  Bienvenido a La Republica Dominicana

Related posts:

1. A word about the author

The DR has three coasts.  North Coast,  East Coast and South Coast.

NORTH COAST

The North Coast has wonderful harbors on the western end (Monticristi and Manzanillo).  However, from Luperon going East, the north coast is an extremely difficult coast.  The waters of the Atlantic are rough and when the trade winds are blowing or a “norther” comes down from the United States, the North Coast is beyond difficult; it can be outright dangerous.  There really is no place to stop east of Luperon that is safe and when the wind is from the NE or from the E with seas from the NE, the entirety of the North Coast is not tenable.  You will find yourself riding big seas on a windbound coast.  To transit the north coast one needs to be an experienced sailor.  If you rely on your motor, it must be in good condition and your tank and filters clean.  Spare filters should be kept handy and all other precautions should be taken.  And one must understand weather beyond casually.  You must understand the interaction of a “norther” coming down from the States and the Katabatic winds that come off shore at night.  The biggest cape that you will pass on this transit is Cape “Frances Viejo”.  It means in English, Cape old Frenchman.  He probably got old trying to pass the cape as it seems to take forever to do so.

The key to the north shore, is prepare, prepare and prepare or avoid the coast entirely.

EAST COAST

BE VERY CAREFUL ON THIS COAST!

The East Coast has one grand and beautiful harbor at the NE end.  It is the Bay of Samana.  In the bay is the wonderful town of Santa Barbara and the incredible national park, Los Haitises.  There are also many other anchorages and quaint towns up bay and in addition at the entrance of the bay is Cayo Levantado; a wonderful day anchorage for swimming, fresh fish, wonderful beach etc.

The Bay of Samana lies between Cabo Cabron and Cabo Engano.  Translated  it means essentially Cape Lie and Cape Cheat.  I have no question as to how these capes got their names.  They are difficult and hard to predict and both have bad reputations.  Going south from Samana, whether you go due south or southeast to Puerto Rico, it requires careful planning.  The east coast of the Dominican Republic and the Mona Passage, can be violent and dangerous.  It is not a place for novice sailors.  It is a haunting coast of shifting sandbars and unpredictable currents.  Where winds change direction as they bounce off the capes and can accelerate to double their velocity.  The marinas on the East Coast, Punta Cana and CapCana have narrow shallow entrances that are difficult in settled weather and impossible if a sea is running from the NE or east.  The small anchorage Punta Macao is anything but an anchorage.  It is a niche in the beach and to use it the weather has to be very settled and preferably from the SE, which is rare early in the season.

SOUTH COAST

Nothing in life is perfect, but the south coast of the DR is as good as it gets.  First you are in the lee of the big island of Hispaniola.  The western part of the south coast is further sheltered by the extensive cape at Beata.

The Caribbean sea is more “user friendly” than the Atlantic Ocean.  At the west end of the south coast there is Bahia Las Aguillas; absolutely stunning.  The Island Isla Beata is easy to anchor behind, out of the trade winds, and is as close to idyllic as it gets.  Going east from Isla Beata is what amounts to be a large bay.  On the west side is the town of Barahona which is close to Largo Enriquillo (the only sub sea level lake in the Caribbean.  A national park with live crocodiles and very unexplored).  The east side of the “bay” hosts Palmar de Ocoa and Las Salinas; both beautiful and excellent stops.  From Las Salinas there is a nice day stop along the way called Punta Palenque and from there only a short distance to Boca Chica.  Boca Chica is a wonderful Dominican Tourist town and it is very close both to the International Airport (Las Americas) and the capital of Santo Domingo which is well worth seeing and in particular the “old city”.

After Boca Chica is the Rio Cumayasa, as well as Isla Catalina, Casa de Campo and Isla Saona; each different and each interesting depending on your taste and desires.

While one must always be alert at sea, the South Coast of the DR is truly user friendly and I believe you will agree that you will find a plethora of cruising opportunities along its shores.

Related posts:

1. A CRUISING GUIDE TO:THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC by Frank Virgintino
2. East Coast Summary
3. Puerto Palenque

SAMANA (Santa Barbara)   Lat 19.11. N   Lon  69.19 W

After anchoring a small local boat filled with officials came alongside.  They included: Marina Guerra (Coast Guard), M-2 (Intelligence), Migration (Immigration), Portuario (Ports), Aduana (Customs) and Drugs.  All were pleasant and went about their work.

First I gave my “Despacho” from my previous port to the Marina Guerra Officer.  He accepted it and that completed his work.  Next Immigration wanted to see our passports to see if they had been stamped when we entered the country.  No problem with that.  She inspected them and found them properly stamped.  However she did ask for a receipt form from Immigration at the prior port which we were not given, and accepted the explanation that we were not given one.  The important thing is that the passports had been stamped.  (When you clear in BE SURE your passports are stamped).  Drugs and Intelligence then asked to inspected the boat.  I gave them the go ahead and remained with them.  Their inspection was cursory and lasted less than 5 minutes.  They were very polite and careful.

Lastly, Ports asked for a fee of $.70 US per foot for anchoring.  This is a one time fee.  I explained that the fee under the law only applies to using a Dock (called MUELLE) in the DR.  As there was no dock and we were not tied to a dock, the fee was not applicable.  I was very polite and explained it carefully in Spanish.  However, had I explained it in English they would have understood anyway.  The representative from Ports then told me that if I did not want to pay, I would have to come ashore to see her supervisor.  I agreed and everyone departed.  An hour later I arrived at the Ports building and went in to see the supervisor.  The representative who had spoken with me earlier was also there as well as 3 or 4 other “assistants”.  I explained that the law did not apply to anchoring and that the only port in the DR that was assessing seventy cents US per foot was Samana and that the charge was not called for.  The supervisor called his superior and told him that he had a fellow who did not want to pay because he contended that the law did not apply (Law 519-5).  I do not know what the supervisor told him, but I was allowed to leave without paying.

The TRUTH is that the Ports charge IS ONLY for using a DOCK (Muelle pronounced Mway yah), owned by the governmentand the charge of seventy cents US is per foot for up to 24 hours.  I once used the dock in Barahona to load my groceries which took about 15 minutes and they made me pay for the entire day.  Ports is a commercial government agency accustomed to working with commercial boats.  In the case of Santa Barbara Samana, the charge is uncalled for and illegal.   You can pay the charge or politely refuse at which point they will ask you to come to the Ports building to speak with the supervisor.

However, I recommend that you do not miss Santa Barbara de Samana.  The town was founded by freed American slaves in the mid 1850s and there was more freed slave immigration from the United States as time went by.  The town itself is remote, and while it is a Dominican town by any standard, it is not a typical Dominican town in so many ways, least of all its “hybrid culture”.

Santa Barbara de Samana

The town area is alive with life and movement and you can take a rickshaw (motor concho with covered roof)  for 35 pesos ($1.00 US) for 1 one person or 40 pesos for two, which will take you from one side of town to the other.  At the west end of town you will find the supermarket and the open fruit and vegetable market.  This particular fruit and vegetable market is my favorite in the entire country.  You will not believe the variety of produce that you see or the prices being asked (inexpensive).  Beautiful Avocados (large) for .60 US each.  Sweet eating oranges 12 for 25 pesos (about .80 US).  Bananas at about .12 to .15 cents US each depending on size.  Root vegetable, carrots the size of a small baseball bat, Sweet Potatos the size of a soccer ball.  Fresh honey sold in recycled rum bottles.  If you make a large purchase do not forget to ask for your lagniappe (free extra—it is customary and will gain you respect).

As you walk east down the main drag you will come to a row of brightly colored Victorian buildings which house banking services, restaurant, art shop and other stores of interest.  Along the way there are also banks with ATM machines.  There is also a Western Union office.  There are car rental services should you choose to rent a car.  You can make a day trip to the famous waterfalls at El Limon.  There is also a small whale museum in town.

There has been reported dinghy and dinghy motor theft in Santa Barbara, so be sure to secure your dinghy at night.  The harbor is otherwise secure from the weather and easy to anchor in.  There is a small reef at the NE side of the harbor where the water drops below 6 feet.  And there are many spots in the harbor where the average depth is 20 feet.    Do not anchor in what is the obvious but unmarked channel as there is ferryboat traffic.  There is no dinghy dock, but you can access a ladder at the town dock.  If you leave your dinghy there be sure to chain it and the motor.  Also would be a good idea to ask the guard to watch it for you and give him a tip when you return.  ($3.00 to $5.00 US depending on how long he watches it for you).

From Santa Barbara de Samana you can get a Despacho to go to Los Haitises National Park (Bahia San Lorenzo)  which is a “Do not miss destination”.  One of the best and most beautiful anchorages in the world, and Native American cave art to see as well.

From the town of Samana,  you can also spend a delightful day at Cayo Levantado anchored in front of the beach.  Fresh fish and music make for a perfect day.  You cannot stay anchored at Cayo Levantado for the night and must go back to Santa Barbara.

Once you decide to leave Samana Bay you can go north and west to explore the north shore of the DR with the wind behind you.  Or you can cross the Mona Passage on your way to Puerto Rico.  Or you can head south and west to Isla Saona at the SW corner of the DR and then explore the south coast of the DR with its numerous anchorages and harbors.  Be sure to get your “Despacho” before you depart.  If you are going south to see more of the DR, your Despacho would be to Cap Cana or to Casa de Campo or Boca Chica.  Despachos are only issued to “Puertos Habilitado” (Ports that have full immigration, customs and coast guard facilities).  If you are going north shore of the DR your despacho will be to Puerto Plata (Ocean World) or Luperon or Manzanillo.

If you have the time, explore the entire Bay of Samana, especially if you like out of the way quaint anchorages that are part of very small towns.  I have cruised the Bay of Samana extensively many times and have never once seen a cruising sailboat beyond Los Haitises National Park.

BAY OF SAMANA

Related posts:

1. Santa Barbara (de Samana)
2. Entrance Requirements

Debatiendo  Requisitos de Entrada

RECUERDE IZAR LA BANDERA AMARILLA  AL LLEGAR, ASI COMO EL PABELLON DE CORTESIA DE LA REPUBLIC DOMINICANA.

Para entrar en Republica Dominicana se debe arribar a “puerto habilitado”, es decir, un puerto que tenga officiales de Inmigracion, Guardacostas, y Aduanas.  Son puertos habilitados en las costa norte: Manzanillo, Luperon, y Puerto Plata.  Si entra en Montecristi se personaran los oficiales de Inmigracion de Manzanillo.  En la costa este, puerde hacer entrada en Santa Barbara de Samana, Cap Cana y Punta Cana.  En la costa sur, Las Salinas, Santo Domingo, Boca Chica y Casa de Campo.

No olvide irar la bandera amarilla.  A su llegada sera abordado por la Marina de Guerra (Guardacostas), M-2 (Servicio de Inteligencia), el Departamento Antinarcoticos (Dpto. Antidrogas) e Inmigracion.  En Samana, acudira tambien el Dpto. de Puertos.

El oficial de Guardacostas le pedira los documentos del barco y los pasaportes.  Despues oficiales del M-2  y el Dpto. Antidrogas podrian registrar su embarcacion, el registro suele ser superficial.  Tras ello, el oficial de inmigration sellara los pasaportes y les concedera los visados por 30 dias.  Dicho oficial le cobrara una tasa de entrada de la embarcacion de $43.00 USA.  Cada visado cuesta $10.00 USA y se puede renovar por 30 dias mas.  No se debe pagar ninguna otra tasa por nigun otro concepto.  NO ES NECESARIO DAR PROPINAS, a menos que usted lo desee.

Algunas marinas disponen de sucursales donde se puede tramitar la entrada; son las siguientes: Cap Cana, Ocean, Casa de Campo y Marina ZarPar.  Dischas marinas suelen cobrar una tarifa en concepto de gastos de traslado y manutencion de los oficiales de Inmigraction y la Marina, pues el gobierno no se hace cargo del mantenimiento de los locales y los gastos de traslado de sus funcionarios.  Esta tarifa suele rondar los $100.00 USA.

En Samana y, a veces en Luperon, el Dpto. de Puertos intentara cobrale $.70 USA por pie del barco por fondear.  No esta obligado a pagar; en base a la LEY 519-5, Puertos solo tiene jurisdiccion dobre los Muelles Federales en el pais.  Puesto que este no es el caso, nieguese a pagar MUY AMABLEMENTE.  No pueden obligarle a hacerlo puesto que se encuentra usted bajo jurisdiccion de la Guarda Costera.

Este sitio web tiene un enlace con la “Marina de Guerra”, utilicelo para hacer saber a la Guarda Costera su experiencia con ellos.  Recuerde, ademas, que cuano deje un puerto ya sea para dirigirse a otro puerto local o al extranjero, debe solicitar un DESPACHO de la Guarda Costera.  Su emision es gratuita pero es practica habitual dejar una propina de 500 pesos por el tramite.  El despacho se suele solicitar la vispera de su partida.  Si es a otro puerto nacional, sera emitido para un puerto habilitado.  Si desea detenerse a medio camino, debera presentar un motivo simple y razonable, como una parada para descansar del fuerte viento, etc.  Muestre sus documentos si es abordado por las autoridades y sea amable en todo momento.  Es inusual que tenga problemas pero si podrian pedirle una propina.  En tal caso, deles la propina tras charlar un rato y solo cuando el intercambio de opiniones haya concluido.  Si decide no darles nada, mantenga una actitud amable y hospitalaria; tal actitud es muy apreciada por todos los dominicanos, cualquiera que sea su extraccion social.  Es parte de su idiosinrasia el actuar con cortesia y sin precipitacion.

No related posts.

Discussions on Clearing in Procedures

To enter the Dominican Republic you must arrive at a “Puerto Habilitado”.  This is a port that has Immigration, Coast Guard, Customs and other officials available.  On the North Shore this includes: Manzanillo, Luperon and Puerto Plata. If you arrive at Monticristi, they will send to Manzanillo for Immigration for you.

On the East Coast you can clear in or out at Santa Barbara de Samana, as well as Cap Cana and Punta Cana.

On the south Coast you can clear in or out at Las Salinas, Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and Casa de Campo.

Remember to fly your yellow Quarantine flag.  You will be met by: Marina Guerra (Coast Guard), M-2 (Intelligence), Dept. of Drugs, and Immigration.  In Samana you will also meet Dept. of Ports.

The Coast Guard will want to see your boat registration and your passports.  When they are finished with them, M-2 and Dept. of Drugs may want to search the boat.  This is usually cursory.  Then Immigration will want to stamp your passports and issue you Visas which are good for 30 days.  The entrance of your boat costs a one time charge of $43.00 US.  Each Visa costs $10.00 US and can be renewed easily for another 30 days.  ASIDE from paying Immigration there is no charge for any of the other services and you are NOT REQUIRED TO TIP unless you so desire.

Some of the clearence facilities are located at Marinas such as CapCana, Ocean World, Casa de Campo and Marina ZarPar.  These marinas may charge fees to offset the cost of the resident immigration and coast guard office.  These facilities and their cost are not paid for by the government.  The average cost of the charges can be in the range of $100.00 US.

In Samana and sometimes in Luperon, Dept. of Ports will try to assess a charge of $.70 US per foot for anchoring.  This is not an appropriate charge.  Ports has jurisdiction only over Federal Docks in the country (Law 519-5), and if you are not at a Federal Dock, POLITELY refuse to pay the charge.  They cannot enforce it, as the Coast Guard has harbor jurisdiction and not the dept. of Ports.

This site has a link to “Marina Guerra”.  Use it to let the Coast Guard know how your experience in the country was regarding their services.  In addition, keep in mind that when you leave a harbor, whether it is to go to another harbor or to go to another country, you must get a DESPACHO from the Coast Guard (It is free; however a tip of 500 pesos is considered normal and appropriate for this service).  The DESPACHO  is usually requested the day prior to your departure.  If you are traveling to another port in the DR, the DESPACHO will be to the next port that has clearance facilities (puerto habilitado).  If you choose to stop between “Puertos Habilitado”, you must have a simple reason, such as you are taking a rest from the wind etc.  Show your papers when approached and remain polite.  It is unlikely you will have a problem, although you may be asked for a tip.  If such is the case, pay the tip after speaking for a while and only when the discussion is concluded.  If you choose not to tip, remain gracious and courteous; such comportment is highly valued in the DR by all Dominicans at all levels.  It is inbred into the culture not to be rude or rushed!

Related posts:

1. SAMANA BAY
2. REQUISITOS DE ENTRADA

One of the “refrains” of the Dominican Republic attributed to the town of Nagua (Nag wa), is  “Entra si tu Quieres, Sal si tu puedes”.  It literally means, Come in if you want, leave if you can.  The sense of it is, that you will have such a good time, that you may never want to leave.  In fact, many Americans as well as many other Nationalities have become “expats” and are current living in the DR.  There are large “Extranjero” (foreigners) communities in all the large cities as well as in many of the smaller ones.  It is easy, inexpensive and a real delight to live in the Dominican Republic.  But remember the refrain:  “ENTRA  SI TU QUIERES, SAL SI TU PUEDES“, as you may never want to leave.

Recently departing the DR, I showed my permanent residence card to the Immigration officer, who was a woman.  She looked at me and then at the picture on my card.  I said to her, “Perhaps because I am getting older, you no longer want me”  (It translates better in Spanish,  “Talvez, porque yo estoy poniendo viejo, tu no me quieres  mas”).  She looked at me and smiled and said “Por eso, te quieremos, Mas!  (Because of that, we want you more).  In DR culture this is called  “muy carinoso”   (kar reen no so).  Very affectionate indeed!  I was with my wife and you could clearly see between the two women that the comment was given with caring and support, and both understood it that way.    The tenderness that is in the culture, caring and respect for older people and young children is visible everywhere and heard in all the words of endearment that are constantly used.  From a female clerk from whom you need help:  “Mi Amorcita”  (my little love).  To  a young man who you need to help you carry something heavy:  “hermanito”  (little brother).  The language is full of words that express caring and gentleness.  Listen carefully and you will learn them all.

There are some prerequisites to a successful visit to the Dominican Republic and integrating with the people. One cannot be demanding and pressure tactics do not work. Neither do threats or loss of temper. In fact loss of temper in the Dominican Culture is considered very poor form. Dominicans go out of their way to be social with each other, even when relations are stressed. They avoid confrontation whenever they can and rarely will you ever hear a raised voice in rage or anger.

You will hear loud music; which is part of the culture. Dominicans are very social and they like to sing, dance, listen to music and they love their beer (Presidente).

No country or culture is perfect and like anywhere in the world you must exercise caution.  Theft is always possible and especially in the tourist areas. The average salary in the Dominican Republic for unskilled labor is approximately $200 per month. When you show up with a yacht that is probably worth more than their entire lives earning capacity you must remember to take responsibility for the way you are perceived.

In the many years that I have lived in the Dominican Republic I have found that more often than not, in an effort to be helpful, a Dominican may say he can do something that may not be able to be done. Be careful what you contract for as far as repairs go on your boat. Although many Dominicans are excellent mechanics and their work  a real bargain, be sure you know who you are dealing with and be sure the work together with the price is clearly defined. Varnish and general yacht work cost, at this printing, about $70 per hour in St. Maarten, about $15 per hour in Trinidad and about $15 per day in the Dominican Republic. Notwithstanding the cost, skill levels can vary a great deal. Take a look at a sample of the persons’ work before you start. If it is mechanical work be sure the person is set up in business and has a good reputation, before you hand over your starter or alternator. Avoid giving out highly specialized work, such as repairs to watermakers and rigging repairs as the Dominican Republic is not yet set up for work that is highly specialized on yachts. Parts may not be readily available but can be sourced through Puerto Rico or from the States. You will be required to pay import duty on the parts.

How about the language? This is a frequent question. How will you communicate? Many Dominicans speak English or enough of it to understand what you are saying. Failing this there will always be someone close by who will translate for you. Dominican language is filled with color and humor. They love humor and use it all the time in their speech. Being overly serious is not the ‘Dominican Way’. Dominicans believe that life can change very quickly and as a result are not apt to take many things overly serious, which include appointments. Being late is part of the Dominican lifestyle and if the individual does not call or show up; relax and remember you are in a different culture.

Dominicans do not get angry about tardiness or about the fact that the electricity or water can go off frequently. They accept life as being very unpredictable. You will frequently hear a Dominican say something and preface the statement or end the statement with “Si Dios Quieres” (If God wants), showing that they are not presumptuous. If you are waiting for a service appointment and the time comes and goes and the individual does not call or show up, if when the person finally arrives you are angry and upset, you will simply make your objective harder to achieve. Avoid confrontation and never raise your voice, even if you think you are being cheated or dealt with unfairly. Simply assess your situation and then make whatever decision you need to make. One way of doing that is to say that you will follow up “ahorita” (somewhat later and perhaps never). That can get you out of all kinds of arguments and difficulties. When a Dominican knows that they cannot do something and the person dealing with them insists, they often reply “Vamos a Ver, quisas ahorrita”. (Let’s see, perhaps later).  This link will give you a few good insights to Dominican Culture.

Many people who have visited me also often ask, “Doesn’t the spicy food bother you”? Dominicans are generally NOT keen on highly spiced food except perhaps for the addition of a little hot sauce from a bottle.

SPICY FOOD IS NOT A PART OF DOMINICAN CULTURE.

The mainstay is rice and beans, ‘arroz abituella’. (What comes with the rice and beans is called “La Junta” pronounced La Hunta ). Thus the main dish of rice and beans can be accompanied by chicken or beef and in seaport towns, fish. Other side dishes may include fried plaintains (tostones), arapita de yucca (fried yucca rolls or patties), avocado and salad. Most restaurants are reasonably priced and the main meal is usually taken at about one in the afternoon. Full dinners usually cost from $5 to $10 US.

The chicken is excellent; however the beef is tough and therefore generally served stewed (guisado). If you do not like fried foods (Dominicans love their food fried) you can order almost anything ‘guisado’ from chicken to beef or pork. Otherwise you can order your food either ‘a la plancha’ or ‘a la parrillo’ which is grilled. You can often find ‘Pollo Carbon’ or barbequed chicken, at major supermarkets and other food stores as well. It is really good! You will also see street vendors selling ‘empanadas’ which are a round dough pocket stuffed with meat or cheese and fried. And also ‘kipe’ (Quipe) which is bulgur fried stuffed with chopped meat and sometimes raisins. Kipe is mideastern in origin and a real treat. How exotic is that!

Always drink bottled water in the Dominican Republic. You can purchase purified water in five gallon jugs for just over $1 US. You must pay a $3 or $4 deposit on the bottle. Water is also available in quarts and smaller bottles. There are Bodegas and Colmados (Small grocery stores) everywhere.

Some things in the Dominican Republic are just downright cheap. Petroleum is not! Fuel prices run about 30% more than in the US, albeit that you may find the price lower than in Europe. Propane gas on the other hand is very cheap as it is government subsidized:perhaps it’s the cheapest in the Caribbean. Since most homes use it for cooking its available virtually everywhere.

Fruits and Vegetables are in abundance in the Dominican Republic and priced so inexpensively that I always have a tendency to overbuy. Oranges, melons, bananas and all sorts of tropical fruits are readily available and of excellent quality. Vegetables, including tomatoes, huge carrots, lettuce, sweet potatoes and white potatoes and all types of root vegetables can be purchased everywhere. Some of the tastiest white potatoes I have ever eaten have been in the Dominican Republic. Sweet potatoes can be just short of the size of a soccer ball. Plantains from Barahona can literally be the size of a small baseball bat.

As far as supermarkets go (supermercados) the ones in the Capital (Santo Domingo) are huge, the size of a football field, stocked with everything you can think of including many imported products. In ‘Supermercado Nacional’ in Santo Domingo you can purchase beer, wine, liquor, virtually any foodstuffs imported and native, including such things as fresh mozzarella, French butter, imported New Zealand mussels and virtually anything else your heart (or stomach) desire.

While you are in the capital you can also visit such stores as ‘Ferretteria Americana’, which is a giant hardware store with a good inventory of practically everything.

The capital is home to about 3,000,000+ of the total population of the Dominican Republic, which is approximately 9,000,000+. There are an additional 2,000,000 or more Dominicans living outside the country, largely in the US and Canada, and also in some of the Caribbean Islands such as St. Maarten. The Dominican Republic has the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean and is considered the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean. The United States invaded the Dominican Republic twice during the twentieth century, once just after the turn of the century and again in 1965 a few years after the dictator Trujillo was assassinated. Dominicans are very passionate about their politics and during elections campaigns you will see gatherings that resemble street parties. Dominicans like American culture and adore baseball. Many Dominicans play in the Major Leagues and are superstars; Overall Dominicans are tourist friendly and very welcoming regardless of what country you come from.

While Dominicans use the Peso as their currency (about 35 Peso to $1 US at the time of going to print), they are equally comfortable to do business in US dollars.

The current President of the Dominican Republic, President Leonel Fernandez, was educated in the States. He has been a strong advocate of trade with the United States and Canada and has supported the free trade initiatives.

One of the highest taxes in the Dominican Republic is import tax. Property taxes are almost non existent and income tax modest. Money is generated from import taxes and tourist taxes for visas and on hotel rooms. The Dominican Republic has the largest inventory of hotel rooms in the Caribbean, ranging from very inexpensive to the level of the jet set.

Because of the high import taxes it is best to avoid purchasing anything substantial in the Dominican Republic which has been imported. Local merchandise is comparatively inexpensive including clothing, food and anything else manufactured within the country.

The country does not yet have a program for ‘boats in transit’. Do not count on importing something you need for your boat without having to pay duty, which can range from 20% to 50%. And sales tax (ITBIS) is 16% on most products.

Mail service in the Dominican Republic exists but should not be relied on. DHL, Fed Ex and UPS are readily available. Most airlines service the Dominican Republic but American Airlines clearly has the lion’s share of the business; at least to and from the States.

Vaccines are really not necessary for most people. Dengue fever can sometimes occur like in the rest of the islands in the Caribbean; avoid areas of stagnant fresh water. Incidents of Malaria and Hepatitis are rare. Salads are safe to eat provided they have been very well cleaned in fresh water. Eat only fruits that need to be peeled unless the fruit has been thoroughly washed. Ice sold at stores around the island is made from purified water.

Dominican doctors are, on average, above average. If they lack anything at all, it would be facilities and equipment. They are available almost everywhere and you will find them relatively inexpensive and very capable.

Medicinal drugs are available at the Pharmacies (La Farmacia) and you do not need a prescription. Virtually all drugs which are available in the States or Canada are available in the Dominican Republic. Just show the pharmacist your empty bottle and say how many pills you want.

During your time in the Dominican Republic it is very important to understand that most Dominican families are law abiding, church going people, who are very family centered. While they may in many instances be poor, they are far from being stupid; quite the contrary. Dominican life is not easy and yet they manage to dress and send their children off to school daily. They maintain their households, take care of their elderly and have hopes and aspirations just like everyone else.

Working for tips is a very big part of the Dominican culture. Sometimes cruising sailors complain about having to give a tip or refer to it as a request for a bribe. Getting ones ‘cielito’ or ‘propinita’ (little treasure or small reward) is part and parcel of Dominican culture (and most Latin cultures in the Caribbean). Learn how to give a small gift graciously or how to smile and say no. Avoid being dismissive or rude if you are asked. Respect and courtesy is highly valued at all levels of Dominican Culture.

Giving handouts is not advised, even to those who solicit and in particular the ‘street urchins’. It gives off the wrong message and inculcates the wrong values. If you can’t resist be sure you get some service in return, no matter how small it is. I remember a number of years back, three boys each about seven years old or so, asked me if I would buy them something to eat. I was eating at an open air restaurant and I agreed. However I stipulated that in return for this each boy must give me a drawing. I gave them some paper and a few
pencils and they each drew a picture after they had eaten. They signed and dated the pictures and to this day I still have them. Great memories for $6 in lunches!

With regard to dress, Americans, Canadians and Europeans, sometimes wear very little or very provocative clothing. The Dominican Republic is still largely a male oriented culture; that is, the men run the show. Dominican men have a keen eye and if you dress inappropriately you will have no one else but yourself to blame for any unwanted attention that may come your way. Dominican women can be very engaging, especially if they see a well dressed man waving a wad of cash around. If you like to drink and dance you
certainly won’t have any trouble finding the opposite sex to keep you company. Remember though that ‘fools rush in where angels fear to tread’.

Regarding the weather it should be noted that the Dominican Republic is sufficiently north in the Caribbean that it can be affected by winter ‘northers’ coming down from the States. Additionally the Dominican Republic has the highest mountain ranges in the Caribbean, over 10,500 feet high and as a result nights in some areas
can be cool, due to cold air masses coming down from the mountains. In the morning, as the sun comes up, the air heats up and rises again.

PICO DUARTE  —Over 10,000 feet high

The Dominican Republics’ weather, on the whole, is wonderful. Sunshine is continuous throughout the day. Take the normal precautions against sunburn, especially while out on the water.

Another Dominican refrain that is often repeated is,  “Los Platanos madura, no vuelven a verde!   Ripe Platains do not turn back to green.   While that is certainly true,  I suspect that if you spend some time in Dominican Culture, when you are ready to depart, your step will be lighter!

Related posts:

1. Entrance Requirements
2. DO YOU KNOW—DR FACT SHEET
3. MAKING WAY WITH WORDS AND PHRASES

Provisioning in the DR, especially for fresh fruits and vegetables and other fresh food stocks is simple, straightforward and can be easily accomplished in virtually any “pueblo”.  There are Bodegas and Colmados  (small grocery stores) everywhere. You will find most store owners friendly, anxious to help and reasonably honest. The price is usually the price but if you are buying in sufficient quantity you may ask for your Lagniappe (slang for a free little extra from the merchant in a local store….pronounced LAN-YAP-PA). Do not ask for this in large stores in the major cities as they will think you are naïve.   But do ask for it with local vendors to get the 13th banana or the 13 pan de agua (small rolls).  When you are buying something large you can ask for a discount, but in local grocery  it is the Lagniappe that is the custom (research the word on Google; it has an interesting history). You can also buy potable water in 5 gallon jugs very inexpensively but you will have to pay a deposit for the jug.   However, when you return the jug to get more water, you pay only for the water by exchanging the jug.  Or keep the jug for your next oil change and engine room waste.

You will also find in most small towns the FERRETERIAS. These are the hardware stores. They carry a wide variety of “this and that”; the bigger the store, the wider the variety. And you can also find Propane refill stations throughout the DR. Propane is a bargain in the DR because the government subsidizes it. It is used by virtually every family to cook. You can bring your tank and have it filled. Or you can find someone with a motor bike who can do it for you for a small tip.

If you have need of something in the way of parts, or something beyond the range of normal daily provisioning, your best bet is Santo Domingo if you are on the south coast, and Santiago if you are on the north coast. These two cities are major population centers. Specialty items for sailboats are not readily available and need to be imported, probably from the United States. However, many engine parts, tools and the things that make life simple (or complex) such as TVs, toasters,microwave and other “electrodomesticos” as they are called in the DR are readily available.
The FERRETERIAS in these cities are huge.   In Santiago, Ferreteria Ochoa comes to mind. In Santo Domingo (often referred to as the Capital or La Cap-E-tal) Ferreteria Americana stands out.
There are PRICE SMARTS in both Santiago and Santo Domingo if you really want to provision in depth. If you do not have a member’s card, you can buy a card for the day. They have it all from fresh groceries and meats to televisions and clothing.

There are EXCELLENT medical facilities in Santo Domingo and Santiago. You can get your blood work done without a prescription and you can see specialists of all types. While they will not accept your medical plan, you will not find them expensive and in most cases you will find them quite good.

WHILE you are in Santo Domingo or Santiago, you can also take in the cultural aspects of the cities. They have museums, theatres, art galleries and other stores of all types. Santo Domingo has the “COLONIAL DISTRICT” which is a major tourist attraction. It should not be missed.

GETTING AROUND
There are private Taxis. Large Buses (Caribe tours and El Metro as well as others). For local and inexpensive travel there are Guaguas (Buses) and in Santo Domingo there is the new underground subway (very high tech).   And for the adventurous and frugal, there are the carros publicos and the motorconchos.
The carros publicos are small buses that route all over the city along major thoroughfares. They are crowded and cheap….don’t expect air conditioning and do not be surprised if the woman next to you is holding a live chicken. The motorconchos are motor bikes. You sit on the back and the driver takes you to where you want to go. Usually used for relatively short distances and quite cheap ($1.00 US more or less). They are dangerous in that if the driver has an accident you have no protection. If you decide to use one, watch out to not burn your leg on the muffler.

OTHER TOWNS AND PLACES OF INTEREST:

IN THE MOUNTAINS

There are many other towns of interest. Among them are Jarabacoa and Constanza in the mountains of the DR. Remember the DR has the highest mountain range in the Caribbean with Pico Duarte measuring over 10,000 feet. You can reach these two cities easily by major bus lines (Caribe tours and some others). Once there, you will find river rafting, small mountain hotels, and excursions to the top of Pico Duarte, for those amongst us who like to climb.

Also, just outside of Jaracaboa, is Salto Jimenoa; a really beautiful waterfall.

ON THE WAY TO SANTIAGO (from Santo Domingo):

La Vega at Carnival time in February. Many towns and cities have Carnivals, but La Vega’s is considered the best in the DR and one of the best in the world

LA VEGA CARNIVAL                                                                                                                                        

SOUTHEAST COAST:

Bayahibe…A small town on the SE coast which is a tourist attraction for day trips to Isla Saona. You can go with others on a large Catamaran, or for those inclined to speed, in high speed boats to visit the island of SAONA, a short distance  to the east. Saona is a national park and for those that like nature in the wild, it is a veritable feast.

Casa De Campo complex (just east of town of LaRomana)  is ALTOS DE CHAVON which is a re-creation of a medieval European village. Many times it is used for concerts. It is well worth visiting for its beauty, views, restaurants and quaint shops.

The Dominican Republic is part of a very large island. Take your time as there is so much to see and to enjoy. The weather is normally excellent, the people friendly and the cost inexpensive to modest.

Last but not least, let us not forget the NIGHTLIFE.  If you like nightlife and you like to dance, you will think you died and went to heaven.  Merengue, Bacchata and Salsa until your legs fall off!  And if you do not know how to do it, look up and smile, and you will be swept off your feet.

The biggest problem in the Dominican Repbublic is easily summed up by a saying that is often used in the town of Nagua.  (NAG  WA)

“Entra si tu quieres, sal si tu puedes!”

Enter if you want, leave if you can!

For more information on the DR, hotels and attractions, try: www.Hispaniola.com.

There are also many other sites and links that cover the country in detail depending on your interest.

No related posts.

The Ports and Harbors section of the guide is broken down between the South Coast, East Coast and North Coast with listings of individual locations as follows:

• South Coast
• East Coast
• North Coast

Related posts:

1. THREE COASTS–THREE PERSONALITIES
2. A word about the author

You do not have to speak Spanish when you are in the Domnican Republic.  Many Dominicans speak English as well as many other languages.

However, if you have a basic grasp of words and phrases, it will help you communicate more effectively and additionally demonstrates your willingness to bond with the culture.

Dominicans speak their Spanish loud and fast and it is easy to become intimidated.  You can say:  Mas lento, por favor (please, more slow).  Pronounce your words, whether you are using English or Spanish slowly so that those you are speaking with can understand you.  Remember, in Caribbean Spanish, the S is most often not pronounced.  So that ES POSA becomes E POSA  (wife).  That is why when you hear the phrase, “Como tu estas”? it sounds like “Como tu Ta”.  It is best at least at the outset, that you speak your Spanish in classroom style.  If you try to speak it as if you are a local, the reply will be to you as a local and you will very likely be lost.  About 1/3 of the Dominican economy is based on tourism and as a result, Dominicans have tremendous patience for tourists.  What is most important is that you always maintain a friendly comportment and never ever lose your patience, regardless of what has happened.  If you do (lose your patience), you will make matters ever so much worse!

COMMON VERBS

COMMON NOUNS

A FEW TRICKS

There are two verbs for being in Spanish.  SER AND ESTAR.  Ser is permanent and Estar is temporary.

When declined it makes sense.  Yo Soy Hombre (I am a man).  Yo Estoy Aqui (I am here).   In the first case I am a man and that is a permanent condition (at least it was when I was growing up!).  the second is a temporary condition, in that I am here and later I can be there or somewhere else.

Also to get future tense, rather than have to decline verbs in the future tense, which is a whole other tense to remember, you can use the Verb to go.  The verb to go is IR.  It is declined as Yo Voy (I go) and tu Vas (you go) and El or Ella Va (he or she goes).  Thus one can say, Me Voy a comer (I will go to eat) as compared to Yo estoy comiendo (I am eating) or Yo como (I eat).  You can add the verb to go, in the tense you want to any other verb that is not declined and have the future.  Simple as that.

PHRASES DOMINICANS LIKE

Si Dios Quieres!       If God wants……..add this after you say ANYTHING.  It demonstrates that you are not arrogant.

Propina or Ceilito     A small tip.  Ones little piece of heaven.

Amorcito or Amorcita      My little love.  Masculine & Feminine.

Por favor                       Please

Ayudarme un chin   Help me a little   ( i you da me un chin)

Que Dios te Bendigas  God Bless You   (If someone says that to you, you respond, AMEN)

Que Tenga  buen dia      have a good day

Te Veo Manana              See you tomorrow

When all else fails, always remember that you can use SPANGLISH.

Spanlish is a corruption of English and Spanish and uses popular words that everyone understands.  For instance Jacket can become Jacketa.  In other words, use whatever spanish you know, use English for what you don’t know and improvise in between.

When asked or pushed for a tip that you do not want to pay, you can respond, lo siento (I am sorry) but I no hava cash.  Ahorrita!  (Perhaps a little later and maybe never).   Always be sure to say I am sorry before you disappoint someone…good manners…lo Siento.

Never waive anyone off who asks for money.  You do not have to stop and have a conversation, but do not be rude.  Smile and keep walking and rub your your forefinger and thumb together and nod NO that you do not have any money.  Why look for problems?

If you do decide to give a tip, never remove a wad of cash from your pocket.  Have tip money set aside for the moment and be able to fish it out in an exact amount.

The best language in any foreign country and it works really well in the Dominican Republic is gentleness, patience and a willingness to go with the flow.  Remember YOU ARE A GUEST in someone else’s country.  You are just visiting!

No related posts.

The first are the Trade Winds.  They come largely from the East and blow an average of 15 to 20 kts.  During the early part of the Trade Wind Season, from December through April, the average wind speed is higher, but the constancy of the wind is lower. There will be periods when the trades are stalled.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The trade winds (also called trades) are the prevailing pattern of easterly surface winds found in the tropics near the Earth’s equator .  The trade winds blow predominantly from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, strengthening during the winter and when the Arctic oscillation is in its warm phase.

When cruising during the winter in the DR, the winds will tend toward the NE or if Easterly will have a sea component that is NE.   Trade winds become stalled when a “norther” comes down from the states bringing dense cold air.  Sailors refer to this phenomenon as a “weather window” if one is going East.   During the winter months, this cycle repeats itself over and over. The length of these “weather windows” varies and is not easy to predict.  One has to determine how “strong” the norther is and how “quick” it is moving.

From the late part of the Trade wind season (April through July), the trade winds become very Easterly and very constant at 15 to 20kts. And as the trade wind season becomes mature, the wind tends to E/SE.

The Dominican Republic is also affected by winds called “Katabatic Winds”.

Katabasis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Katabasis, or catabasis, (from Greek κατὰ, “down” βαίνω “go”) is a descent of some type. Katabasis may be a moving downhill, a sinking of winds.

The Dominican Republic has the highest mountain range in the Caribbean.  It is over 10,000 feet.  As the sun sets and the air on the mountains cools off, it becomes heavier and begins to “fall” towards the coastline.   This is why nights on the coast of the DR can be cool.  It is also why if you stay close to the shore, the trade winds will be lessened and especially so if they were 15 kts or less during the day.  Then you get a nightime “shadow” of very light winds, and even sometimes a breeze coming off the land.   As the morning comes and the sun rises, the cool air heats up and rises back to the top of the mountain and the trade winds “appear” to reinstate.

Whatever coast you make your “Easting” on, the north coast or the south coast, you can use the Katabatic winds to your favor by moving east when the trades subside (after sunset).  This is an excellent strategy when the trade winds are blowing strong and in your face.  You can also wait for a weather window (a norther) to stall the trades.  And you can make your easting on the south coast, where you can use the headlands to shelter you from NE trades and swell.  With its high number of excellent anchorages, it makes for easier cruising, leaving the north coast for the “strong of heart” and “strong of stomach”.

Related posts:

1. THREE COASTS–THREE PERSONALITIES
2. Entrance Requirements