Dominican Republic clearance.

[pugwash60]

I‘m likely to be calling into the Dominican Republic on my way back from Cuba to BVIs does anyone have experience of any awkward clearance procedures and are there clearance ports prior to Santo Domingo? Its not really my planned cruising area but Im likely to be benefitting from its lee on the way East and thought I may as well enjoy some sights. Any thoughts?

 

[AndrewB]

Its a good few years since I last visited Dominican Republic. Then I checked in and out of Boca Chica (Zarpar marina) which is close to Santo Domingo. Clearance was straightforward enough with exit papers from previous country, customs being conveniently based right by the marina. (The customs guy did come on a bit strong, and there were a number of modest but annoying charges for clearance, paid in $US). The marina has modest facilities but it was a little way to a decent restaurant and I don't recall anywhere to provision.

Boca Chica is meant to be a beach resort, but it's noisy and not very attractive, and I left after a couple of days. The main reason for my visit was to put an intermediate country between USA (Puerto Rico) and Cuba: perhaps the same might still apply to you if you have a US visa and are thinking of visiting Puerto Rico or USVI before BVI.

My visits have been in the cool season (January, February), during the north-east trades. The wind is warped slightly by the island and can be more easterly along the south coast, mostly F4-5. However, from my previous experience of cruising along the north coast, the seas are considerably less on the south side.

 

[dansaskip]

You could try Barahona - that is before Santa Domingo.The harbour, Bahia de Neiba, is quite sheltered I recall but a bit of a trek to Customs etc. I went by dinghy but found concrete wharf a bit rough for the dinghy -unless its is recently improved. I cleared out from there on my way to Cuba. Although I had paid all the appropriate fees on clearing in the official did want a bit extra to clear out. I refused partly on principal and anyway had no dollar currency left. They were a little awkward about it but gave me the stamps in the end. Forewarned is fore-armed. I had cleared in at Marina Zar Par like Andrew B. Interesting place the marina manager was friendly and helpful but of course he may have moved on now. Yes Boca Chica is noisy and slightly crazy. I found a market to re-provision and from there I caught a bus to visit Santa Domingo which was interesting and I thought worthwhile with a marked contrast between the old town and the newer part.
You could also try Palmer de Ocoa, a nice little village. and Salinas just around Punta Salinas- interesting for the salt pans. If you want more sights.

 

[pugwash60]

Thanks for the replies and yes i may visit Puerto rico and or US virgins but as I am likely to be hugging the coast it seems rude not to check in and have a look around.

 

[pandos]

These guys have some advice re Tips clearing out...of DR..