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Dominican Republic North Coast What's it really like? TIP: The north coast faces the Atlantic which can be choppy - at these times swimming and snorkeling should be avoided Cabarete: This large resort has been claimed by mainly young holidaymakers from Europe and America who come for the nightlife and beach activities. On occasions in the evening the mood in town turns from 'lively' to rowdy although it doesn't seem to get out-of-hand. The cooling breeze creates good conditions for windsurfers and there's an annual competition which attracts international competitors each June. During this two week surf season, Cabarete is extremely busy. Beach: The coast here is long, sandy and fairly wide, backed by palm trees. The local 'Looky-looky' man sells fresh fruit and other vendors peddle anything from jewellery to cigars. Shopping opportunities are thin on the ground and consist of the usual souvenir stalls and a small commercial centre
Playa Dorada: This is the daddy of the all-inclusive package holiday. The hotel complexes here are built around a neatly manicured landscape, set beside a golf course and a glorious beach. The entire resort is walled-off from the local village with tight security especially at the main entrance where guests have to provide identity. It might make you wonder what they're keeping out! There are several shops and bars in the artificial main square within the community and expect to pay a premium for your custom. Outside in the real world there are roadside market stalls where you might find yourself being hassled by traders. Beach: Very picturesque with palm trees linking the sand to the hotels. There are several hotel-owned bars along the beach serving snacks and drinks Horse riding and snorkeling are both popular pastimes. Sosua: Doubling as a holiday resort and a popular market town, Sosua is a very busy place, especially in the main square. Some of the tourist parts are beginning to look a little scruffy and the warren of streets near the residential centre can hardly cope with the amount of traffic at times. There are other locations that look like prime sites for development so check there's no building work close to your accommodation before you travel. Market stalls are everywhere so be prepared for some persistent traders. At night most people eat in the hotels although Sosua isn't short of bars and restaurants. Beach: Sosua has two beaches close together. One is long, sandy and quite pretty. The other is less inviting. There are water sports available.
Bahia Maimon: The divide between the haves and the have-nots is evident in this resort where some luxurious hotels share a glorious stretch of coastline with a shanty town. Tourism is essential to this part of the world so expect to be hassled by souvenir sellers on the streets and beaches. Generally a quick: "no thanks" is enough to reject their advances. Beach: Backed by lush trees and shady the coast is picture-postcard (see photo above). Do watch out some rough sea conditions especially during the rainy season |
