Marinas

The Dominican Republic (DR) has one of the most expansive coastlines in the Caribbean with more than 800 miles of diverse ecological environments ranging from desert to tropical rainforest. Regardless of where visitors choose to drop anchor, grand mountain backdrops, white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters are sure to meet them.

Over the next two years, the DR is more than doubling the number of full-service marinas, some with unique features never before available in the Caribbean. These additions are more than new places to dock ship. Several of these marinas are being opened in parts of the country that never before could service large vessels.

At present time, the DR is able to dock yachts to 250 feet in length overall (LOA). In fact, Cap Cana Harbor and Marina will be the largest world-class mega-yacht marina in the Caribbean with capabilities of hosting over 500 yachts.

Arrival Process
Opening or Expanding in 2007-2009
Just Announced
Existing Marinas

Arrival Process
Upon arrival to a port, vessels are required by DR authorities to have all papers and fees ready for inspection. This includes:

  • boat registration
  • documentation received when the captain sets sail from the country of origin
  • a list of passenger names along with their passport numbers
  • immigration fees of $60 for the yacht
  • each individual passenger must purchase a $10 tourist card

    Fees are only accepted in United States currency and can be paid to the port authorities at the marina. To ensure a smooth immigration process, passengers and crew are instructed not to leave the vessel before the inspection has been completed.

    For those planning a cruise to the Dominican Republic, the following is a compilation of marinas that are scheduled to open in the near future providing increased accessibility to its north, east and south coasts.

    Opening or Expanding in 2007 - 2009

    Cap Cana Harbor and Marina
    With the first phase completed and 72 slips currently open, the full-service marina, when finished in early 2009, will feature 500 slips handling yachts up to 250 feet long. A feature of the 370-acre facility will be several miles of man-made canals and waterways, including a Grand Canal that is nearly 200 feet wide and 1.25 miles long, as well as restaurants, shops and water taxis.
    www.capcana.com

    Roco Ki Marina
    Part of Roco Ki's future phase, its full-service marina is slated to open in 2009. While details on the number of slips or length of acceptable yachts are not yet available, the Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf resort will house a marina as part of its Aquatic Sports Center. Beyond the amenities of a full-service marina, the Center will also feature a lagoon for boogie excursions, sailing lessons, fishing charters and more.
    www.rocoki.com

    Just Announced

    Luperon
    Currently under construction and just a few miles from where Christopher Columbus first docked his ship, the full-service Marina Luperon will have 250 slips for yachts from 30 to 80 feet LOA and an additional seven for those over 100 feet LOA. The Bay of Luperon, located a short distance west of Puerto Plata, is a nature preserve serving as a safe harbor for yachts from many tropical storms.
    www.marinatropical.com

    Sans Souci Port
    A new marina with capacity for 500 ships and the possibility of anchoring vessels up to 140 feet LOA is part of the country's Project for Revitalization and Expansion of Santo Domingo's Seaport. The marina will be located between Santo Domingo's obelisk, across from the Eugenio Maria de Hostos Park and the Montesinos monument.
    www.sansouci.com.do

    Existing Marinas

    Casa de Campo Marina
    A popular resort in La Romana among the rich and famous, Casa de Campo's full-service marina recently expanded and can now accommodate up to 350 yachts from 50 to 250 feet LOA. In addition, 9 stores and a piano bar were added to the Marine Boulevard. The Yacht Club made changes as well, recently adding a sailing school with instructors from the world renowned Costasmeralda Yacht Club in Italy. www.marinacasadecampo.com

    Club Nautico de Santo Domingo
    Club Nautico de Santo Domingo operates three marinas in the DR: Boca Chica, San Cristobal and Montecristi. The marina also hosts several fishing tournaments and regattas throughout the year.
    www.clubnautico.com.do

    Marina Bartolome Colon
    Located in the Santo Domingo Port. This Marina is operated by the private operator of the Puerto Santo Domingo.

    Ocean World Adventure Park & Marina
    To the west of Puerto Plata, Ocean World Adventure Park added a marina adjacent to its interactive marine park. Several interactive programs including personal encounters with dolphin, stingrays and sharks at the park make this one of the most unique marinas in the world. The full-service marina has 83 slips able to dock yachts up to 250 feet LOA in addition to a helicopter landing, dive shop, casino and other amenities. www.oceanworldmarina.com

    Puerto Blanco Marina
    Located west of Puerto Plata in Luperon, Puerto Blanco is a fully enclosed marina with the ability to moor 200 yachts with drafts up to eight feet. The marina is locally owned and is known for hosting nights of Dominican food and flair for those docking their yachts. The Luperon area is known for being a safe zone for yachts during hurricanes and tropical storms.

    Puerto Colon Port & Marina
    Christopher Columbus landed in this area over 500 years ago and it took his breath away. Naming the region Isabela after his beloved Spanish queen, the DR developed this area legendary with pirate stories into a historical center. Puerto Colon is a port, marina and a luxurious resort complex in the area. The marina, rated one of the Caribbean's safe zones against hurricanes, has 200 slips for vessels up to 116 feet LOA. www.puertocolondr.com

    Puntacana Resort & Club Marina
    This full-service marina is located at the Puntacana Resort & Club. With two docks and mooring for 43 yachts up to 70 feet LOA, the marina is well-liked with big game fishermen. In fact, this is one of the most popular areas to hold billfish tournaments in the DR.
    www.puntacana.com