Domincan Republic – Don’t Miss it
Published 13 years ago, updated 6 years ago
Last February I wrote about problems with government officials, particularly the Comandantes, along with the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. I was angry about the “shaking down” we’d experienced from officials in every harbor we visited along the Coast. (see report here)
It would be much better for both cruisers and the local economies if a yacht could clear it once, pay the reasonable entry fees and then be able to cruise from port to port without enduring the same process in every port. However, I really don’t want to discourage yachts from visiting this fascinating country, and things do seem to be improving.
We are now back in Luperon for the first time since last May. The town is cleaner, the officialdom less obtrusive, and there is actually a new, safe dinghy dock. This has always been a very safe harbor, both weather-wise and security wise. There is a charm here that I have not found in islands further East. The people are friendly and easy going, and there are no “boat boys” insisting on your patronage for whatever they are peddling.
I would strongly encourage any yachts bound East or West along the coast to make this stop and explore the town.
Sam Slaymaker
