Dominican Republic
Last updated: 29 January 2026
At a glance
Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two‑thirds of Hispaniola, with its geography split between the Caribbean‑facing coast and the Atlantic‑facing coast. Marine services are concentrated at Puerto Bahía Marina in the north east.
The Cordillera Septentrional (Northern Mountain Range) acts as a natural barrier that helps shield parts of the north coast from the full force of hurricanes, and Luperón has consequently been adopted by many as a long‑term anchorage and cruiser base.
Attractions
In Samaná Bay, Whale Samaná offers one of the Caribbean's most renowned humpback whale watching experiences. This becomes a seasonal highlight for sailors visiting the bay from January to March, when the whales return to mate and give birth. The Cueva de la Arena is another point of interest in the bay. This spot is known for its intriguing rock formations and caves.
Further along the northern shore, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua attract visiting sailors. Located a short drive from Ocean World Marina near the town of Puerto Plata, the waterfalls lie within a narrow gorge, where visitors climb and slide down the cascades wearing provided helmets and life vests.
Places to stay
Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Anchorages
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Bahía de San Lorenzo | 4.9 ★ |
Review summary: Shelter is ample in Bahía de San Lorenzo, providing a calm anchoring experience behind the break walls. Visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings and good holding in calm water. There are various areas to explore, including caves, accessed easily by dinghy.
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Bahia De San Lorenzo (East) | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Access to the anchorage via dinghy is practical, providing good shelter with very good holding in thick mud. The site offers proximity to natural attractions, such as caves and an eco-resort, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
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Cayos De Los Pajaros | 4.7 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Cayos De Los Pajaros provides easy access with its welcoming mud seabed. The venue is known for its impressive cave, where visitors are advised to bring a flashlight due to the lack of installed lighting inside.
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Ensenada del Naranjo | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at this location offers constant depth, with a mud bottom that requires careful anchor retrieval due to dirt. The area is highly sheltered from all winds and sea, providing a peaceful environment for observing abundant wildlife, including numerous bird species.
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Barahona Anchorage and Yacht Club | 4.2 ★ |
Review summary: Anchorage in Barahona is calm and well-protected, with easy access to shore via the Malecón De Barahona and Club Nautico. Despite the scenic setting, boats are often covered in black dust from nearby coal storage facilities. The Armada offers friendly assistance for clearance procedures.
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Rio San Juan | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Rio San Juan is typically done in 3 to 5 meters of water with good holding in sand. Despite some challenges entering due to unclear maps and fishing lines, navigators often successfully use satellite imagery for guidance. Generally calm conditions prevail.
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Catalina Island | 3.8 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at Catalina Island requires finding sandy patches, as hard ground is prevalent. The anchorage can be busy during cruise ship visits. Water clarity and beach amenities are praised, with quieter evenings after day tours leave. Check Google Earth for sandy spots.
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Cayo Levantado | 3.8 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring in Cayo Levantado can be ideal for those seeking a calm spot with good holding. The location often provides calm weather conditions, especially in the evenings. Visitors should be aware of the potential rolliness and local shuttle boat traffic.
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Samana | 3.7 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring before the little island is effective but the area can be rolly at night. Local services, including a challenging dinghy dock, require interaction with locals and some patience during administrative procedures. Visitors appreciate accessing fresh produce at nearby markets.
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El Valle | 3.1 ★ |
Review summary: Anchoring at El Valle can be challenging due to the rolling conditions noted across several Reviews. Despite this, the location possesses natural beauty. The area provides a picturesque experience, drawing visitors who enjoy its scenic value.
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Marinas
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Marina Puerto Bahia | 4.8 ★ |
Review summary: Docking at Marina Puerto Bahia can be challenging due to surge, requiring sturdy lines. Visitors benefit from the attentive staff and various amenities, including pools and restaurants. However, non-potable water at the docks is a concern. Clearing customs on-site is efficient and straightforward.
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Marina Cap Cana | 4.3 ★ |
Review summary: Staying at the marina is supported by organized customs processes, with officials visiting the boat. Showers and laundry are available , although some visitors find facility conditions lacking. Friendly and helpful staff contribute positively to visitor experiences.
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Marina Bartolome Colon | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Access to Marina Bartolome Colon is noted for its limited depth, with reviews pointing out the need for careful navigation through soft mud. Ivan is commonly praised for his helpfulness with check-in procedures. Overall, the location offers a good connection to Santo Domingo attractions.
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Ocean World Marina & Boatyard | 3.7 ★ |
Review summary: Checking and tying up at Ocean World Marina are straightforward tasks amplified by a helpful staff. Notably, this marina often experiences significant surge. Visitors can expect facilities such as fuel access and laundry services on-site, with additional conveniences within walking distance.
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Zar Par Marina | 2.7 ★ |
Review summary: Staying at Zar Par Marina often involves encountering noise from music and watercraft, especially during weekends. Despite the bustling atmosphere, visitors can appreciate the helpful staff and the convenient supermarket shuttle service available most days.
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Boatyards and services
Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:
Boatyards
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Marina Tropical Boat Yard | 2.3 ★ |
Review summary: Marina Tropical Boat Yard offers boat storage and hauling services. Visitors can perform their own maintenance or hire external workers. Issues related to restroom and shower facilities were noted by visitors. Recent Reviews highlight concern about the operator's expertise and safety practices.
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Chandlers
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Auto Marina SRL | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Services at Auto Marina SRL encompass various chandler offerings. A recent Review highlights a broad inventory, suggesting availability of diverse products required by boaters.
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Boca Chica | 3.5 ★ |
Review summary: ProNautic, a chandler in Boca Chica, is noted for its impressive stock, which includes screws, bolts, and marine plugs with varying amperage. While it has a good selection overall, specific needs such as a 50 amp marine plug can be expensive, costing up to $140 USD.
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Boat services
| Leonardo - Boat Wash And Wax | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Leonardo - Boat Wash And Wax provides thorough cleaning and waxing services for boats. Customers frequently mention the professionalism and hard work of Leonardo and his team. Recommended for their attention to detail and reasonable pricing.
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| Mendez - Boat Canvas Work | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Mendez - Boat Canvas Work delivers quality canvas services, notably for recovering cockpit cushions and crafting boat chaps. Clients have positively highlighted both the workmanship and the timely completion of projects. Chris, the contact at Mendez, is described as friendly and patient.
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| Dilson Diesel Mechanic | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Dilson Diesel Mechanic assists with engine maintenance and repairs. Services offered include fuel polishing, fixing engine mounts, and transmission work. Visitors should note that communication is available solely in Spanish and consultation participation is advised.
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| Tony | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Boat maintenance services are available, with Tony noted for accommodating scheduling needs even on holidays. There are concerns regarding the completeness of the waxing process, as indicated by discrepancies in product usage. Visitors may want to verify completed tasks thoroughly before departure.
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Yacht clearance
This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Dominican Republic.
You can help keep this up to date by reviewing Port of Entry and Yacht Clearance Agent markers.
Ports of entry offices
| Samana Customs and Port Authority | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Samana Customs and Port Authority is reported to involve immigration, customs, and the Armada. Visitors appreciate the helpfulness of officials, with all processes typically completed within an hour. Payment is required for anchoring, and a despacho must be obtained from the Armada for departure.
Place marker mentions: fees or payments.
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| Samana Immigration | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking into Samana Immigration involves friendly service, although English proficiency can be limited. Passport and boat documents are required and there is a fee of 5,000 pesos for one month for two people.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents and fees or payments.
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| Zar Par - Immigration & Armada service | 5.0 ★ |
Review summary: Clearance interaction at Zar Par manifests remarkable efficiency. Visitors report completing the process in just 10 minutes. This streamlined experience makes it a noteworthy option for those needing swift immigration services.
Place marker mentions: fees or payments.
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| Catalina Island Armada | 4.5 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Catalina Island Armada can be efficient, with personnel characterized as helpful and accommodating. Procedures are available around the clock, ensuring flexibility for visitors. The office manages dispatch requests promptly, sometimes even offering refreshments during the wait.
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| Samana Armada (naval authority) | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Samana Armada is straightforward and does not require an agent. Cruisers are merely reminded to be cautious of aggressive individuals offering unnecessary services. Passport and boat documentation are needed and electronic forms are accepted. The process is generally friendly, albeit sometimes slow.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents and official inspections.
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| Marina Puerto Bahia clearing | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: The clearance process at Marina Puerto Bahía features a single office for customs, immigration, and Armada procedures. While generally smooth, a reported delay due to staff unfamiliarity highlights occasional inefficiencies. Typical procedures involve marina staff assisting visitors upon arrival, enhancing convenience.
Place marker mentions: official inspections and official boardings.
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| Barahona Armada | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in at Barahona can be conducted efficiently with friendly service. Visitors may experience a straightforward process, though entry and exit procedures might require multiple visits. Costs are reasonable, with official fees such as customs and immigration totaling around 4000 pesos.
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| Catuano Armada | 4.0 ★ |
Review summary: A radio mast is located approximately 30 meters to the right of the Catuano Armada port of entry office. It features a light on top with a red flash every three seconds and offers about three miles of visibility, aiding in navigation.
Place marker mentions: opening hours.
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| Luperon Customs & Immigration | 3.3 ★ |
Review summary: Clearing into and out of Luperon involves multiple steps at various offices including Customs, Immigration, Agriculture, and the Navy office. Visitors should ensure they have cash handy for some of the fees, as well as required documentation including passports, boat papers, and a photo of their boat.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments.
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| Las Salinas Armada | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in at Las Salinas Armada involves a walk from the anchorage, and the Dispatcho is typically available promptly. The dock near the hotel provides a convenient location for tying up dinghies, though visitors encounter consistent strong winds in the area.
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| Boca Chica Armada | 3.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Boca Chica Armada can involve inspections, such as a search by inspectors and an officer with a dog. Despite expected efficiency, experiences can vary with regard to timing and staff interactions, as evidenced by different reported wait situations.
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| Cabo Rojo - Armada-Inmigracion-Aduanas | 2.5 ★ |
Review summary: Crew members at Cabo Rojo's port of entry office may contact immigration on behalf of sailors, facilitating entry or exit. The official's visit can require up to an hour of waiting. It's helpful to communicate in Spanish, and initial contact via VHF 16 is possible.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, fees or payments and departure requirements.
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| La Romana Armada | 2.0 ★ |
Review summary: Check-in procedures at La Romana Armada are reported to be challenging, including significant waiting times. Visitors experienced delays, with one review detailing a check-in lasting four hours. Details suggest a laborious process, highlighting the procedural aspects of entry at this port.
Place marker mentions: check in steps.
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| Bayahíbe Armada | 2.0 ★ |
Review summary: Checking out at Bayahíbe Armada can be an extended process, often requiring interactions with multiple officials. Visitors should prepare for procedures that may take over an hour and involve reviewing documentation multiple times.
Place marker mentions: departure requirements.
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| Casa de Campo Clearing | 1.7 ★ |
Review summary: Checking in at Casa de Campo Clearing involves several fees and potential delays. Visitors report experiences with customs and Navy inspections, encountering varied interactions with staff. The entry is typically aimed at larger yachts, with limited space for smaller vessels.
Place marker mentions: check in steps, fees or payments and official inspections.
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Useful yacht clearance links
- Marina Zar Par: Check in procedure
- https://marinazarpar.com/migracion/
Notes for mariners
After clearing in, skippers are responsible for notifying the Armada (Navy) when moving between ports or anchorages.
The off-season
Despite the risks during hurricane season, many boats choose to stay or haul out at Luperón.
Facts for visitors
- Best times of year to sail here: November to April
- Most common type of shore power: 110V 60Hz
- Cost for provisioning: Low
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP)
- Personal security: Crime rates are relatively high, with increased caution advised, particularly in urban areas and at night.
- Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 911
- Fire: 911
- Ambulance: 911
- International dialing code: +1-809, +1-829, +1-849
- Time zone(s): UTC -4
Maritime history
The Dominican Republic's maritime history is rooted in its early indigenous Taino population who navigated its coastal waters in canoes. The arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492 marked the beginning of European exploration, with the island of Hispaniola becoming a pivotal center for expeditions further into the Americas. This period established Santo Domingo as the first permanent European settlement in the New World.
During the colonial era, the island saw a series of conflicts between European powers vying for control. Spanish and French interests led to a division, which eventually resulted in the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697. This agreement split the island into French-controlled Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) and Spanish Santo Domingo, leading to significant cultural and demographic shifts driven by sea trade and slave routes.
Modern maritime culture in the Dominican Republic is influenced by its strategic geographic location in the Caribbean. Today, the country boasts a number of ports and shipping lanes critical for inter-island trade. Notable maritime attractions include the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, where remnants of early fortifications and the historic port provide insights into its colonial naval history. These sites are a significant draw for sailors and history enthusiasts exploring the Caribbean waters.