Marinas:
The Dominican Republic’s coastline is one of the most expansive and diverse in the Caribbean, stretching over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles). The coastal landscape is one of lush mountains punctuated by coconut groves, valleys and plains, white sand beaches facing turquoise waters, and offshore coral reefs. In the last few years, the country has more than doubled its number of full-service marinas–a handful of which offer groundbreaking features previously unavailable in the Caribbean–available to boaters, sports fishers, and yachters.
The Arrival Process
Upon arrival at an authorized entrance port, you can expect:
- A potential boat check by the Marina de Guerra or Coast Guard, M-2 (Intelligence), and the Department of Drugs. They reserve the right to board your boat and inspect it. If they do, they may ask to check below deck. There is no charge for their service, as the marinas cover for the cost of their presence; and
- A boat visit by Immigration to stamp the crew’s passports–there is usually a set fee for this per boat. In addition, there is a US$10 tourist card fee per arriving passenger, valid for 30 days.
Note that moving the boat to another official entry harbor requires advance clearance–also known as a despacho. This is given at no charge, but it has become customary to tip the Coast Guard for the service.
Some marinas may also assess charges pertinent to the harbor, such as refuse disposal, or a harbor anchoring charge. Contact your chosen marina for details.
Anchoring
Boaters may anchor along the way, with a valid reason, before arriving at their next official harbor or despacho. Each boat must show papers to the official that will come out to visit after anchorage. There is no charge for this service, but a small tip to the official and to the captain bringing him out to the boat is considered customary.
Choosing a Marina
From the Punta Cana shoreline to the Samaná Peninsula, Santo Domingo, La Romana, or the north coast of Puerto Plata, find the marina that meets your needs and fits your personality.
MARINA CAP CANA
Marina Cap Cana is the most modern facility in the Caribbean, offering wet slips and handling yachts up to 150 feet long. The 370-acre marina is popular among fishers for its surrounding deep waters immediately teeming year-round with blue and white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna.
PUNTACANA RESORT & CLUB MARINA
This full-service marina is located at the Puntacana Resort & Club, home to luxury hotels, restaurants, and outdoor attractions. With two docks and mooring for 43 yachts up to 65 feet LOA, the marina is one of the most popular locations for hosting billfish tournaments.
CASA DE CAMPO MARINA
Located at the mouth of the Chavón River where it meets the Caribbean Sea, Casa de Campo Marina is one of the most prestigious marina facilities in the Caribbean. Extending more than 90,000 square meters (0.03 square miles), with a total of 370 slips, this large capacity, upscale marina accommodates ships from 30 to 250 feet in length, in addition to guest sailboats. There’s a colonial-style Yacht Club on site, hosting numerous events, a marine boulevard with international restaurants, a piano bar, shopping plazas with a fishing club, and a dive center.
MARINA BARTOLOMÉ COLÓN
Part of the Sansoucí Santo Domingo Port, this small marina boasts panoramic views of the Colonial City. It offers parking space for up to 29 boats, and 33 moorings for medium length vessels. On site are immigration and customs authorities, and shower facilities.
MARINA ZAR-PAR
Just past the private Club Náutico de Santo Domingo, Marina Zar-Par is located in the Bahía San Andrés, in the beach town hub of Boca Chica, and offers 150 slips. Conveniences include free Internet, a waterfront restaurant, laundromat, and free rides into the town of Boca Chica for errands.
OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE PARK & MARINA
West of Puerto Plata, in the nearby beach town of Cofresí, Ocean World Adventure Park runs a marina adjacent to its interactive recreational park. The full-service facility has more than 100 slips, with the capacity to dock yachts of up to 250 feet LOA. The 35-acre complex also offers various services ranging from laundry to car rentals, and casino entertainment.
PUERTO BAHÍA MARINA
Puerto Bahía is a full service marina on the north end of Samaná Bay, on the northeastern coast of the DR. It provides slips of up to 150 feet LOA, and boasts nearby natural treasures such as Cayo Levantado island and Los Haitises National Park, not more than 11 nautical miles away, aside from numerous beaches along this gorgeous coastline. Services include Internet access, personal concierge service, pool area, bars, restaurants, a gym and spa, mini-market, and other basic services.
PUERTO BLANCO MARINA
West of Puerto Plata, in the coastal town of Luperón, Puerto Blanco is a fully enclosed marina with the ability to moor 200 yachts with drafts up to eight feet. The marina is popular for hosting lively nights with Dominican food, merengue dancing, and weekly karaoke, for those docking their yachts here. The Luperón harbor is known for being a safe zone for yachts during hurricanes and tropical storms.
