18°27.61N 69°53.02W
50 nm from Salinas

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and is a hive of activity.

RIO OZAMA

The port is well marked and on the starboard side of the channel is a small marina. Unfortunately the area gets overgrown with floating vegetation. On the west side of the channel is a huge power plant and all around is the noise of the city. The river has a strong current and is dirty. Adjacent to the marina is the floating bridge with its non stop traffic. The authorities are really set up to handle clearance of commercial vessels.

The floating bridge is just above the marina to the north.  Traffic across the bridge is nonstop all day long.  In order to get to Santo Domingo you will need to cross the bridge, to arrive at the Old Colonial section of the Capital.

The entire lower part of the river is being redeveloped by a local group of businessmen under the name Sans Souci.  It will be a mixed usuage development and promises high rise luxury towers, as well as a modern marina.  Work on the project has already begun and when finished will go a long way to improve the quality of this river.

Cruising sailors are better advised to use Boca Chica, a few miles to the east, unless your desire for proximity to the city is your overriding factor.  Otherwise, Boca Chica, has beautiful beaces, a great tourist town, and a much cleaner environment.

AVAILABLE IN SANTO DOMINGO :
There are well equipped hospitals and medical facilities in Santo Domingo. In addition there are numerous other stores that will have virtually anything you want, from a clothespin to a new Mercedes Benz. A sample listing includes:
Large hardware store:

Ferreteria Americana
Av. John F Kennedy
Tel: 809 549 7777 Esp

Filters and engine supplies
Tony Rodamientos
Av. St. Martin
Tel: 809 688 2151

All along Av. St. Martin you will find engineering and electrical repair services and supplies including a slightly smaller Ferreteria Americana.

Computer Repairs (specialty laptops)
Compu-help
Plaza Gazcue Tel: 809 238 5157 Esp
Ask for the owner Armando Ramos who speaks good English.

Related posts:

1. San Pedro de Macoris
2. Rio Dulce (La Romana)
3. Port of Andres (Boca Chica)