Beaches near Santo Domingo

HHA · #1 05-07-2004, 06:01 AM

What other good beaches there are near Santo Domingo besides Boca Chica ? What's the best way to get to those beaches ?

TEHAMA · #2 05-07-2004, 09:57 AM

Someone please reply. In my opinnion, Boca Chica is completely over-rated. Not to mention the over-priced umbrella seating. It was interesting the first time, boring as hell the second time. I desperately need to know another beach to visit. Thanks.
TEHAMA

ricktoronto · #3 05-07-2004, 11:21 AM

You can go to Guaycanes (sp?) between Boca Chica and Juan Dolio for a post-George demolished town with no services ( rental umbrellas included from what I could see) with a few very nice beaches or you can go to Juan Dolio and use theirs, that is, the beaches that are not all taken over by the 75 AI resorts, that is.

You just keep going east from Boca Chica and there are turn offs/ exits for them both. You'd need a car or taxi or get off the gua-gua and hoof it to the beaches. For the sake of the cost of an umbrella this seems extreme, mind you.

As for "overrated" if you are sitting on a beach, with your chair and umbrella , rented or not and reading, a beach is a beach really, sand, water, people.

MommC · #4 05-07-2004, 11:42 AM

in front of Ferreteria Mas Uno. The cross street is the road to Los Conucos.
Go left a block to the beach. There are many "umbrellas" to rent if you wish and there are several small "bars" such as Il Cappucino and Don Pedro's where you can buy a Presidente (or other refreshment) as well as a snack.
If your appetite says "meal" any of the restaurants are good however for a really sumptuous meal try the new "Jardin del Caribe" restaurant! The food is fantastic!
The natives are friendly, the beach picturesque with not too many vendors and the UBH's won't hound you to death but are available if that's your "desire"!
Weekends especially Sunday are busy with "locals" and you can even buy Dominican fare right on the beach Sat. & Sun.
I think Boca Chica is over-rated also (more like a giant wading pool) altho' the fine white sand there is a treat (even if it is a man-made beach as opposed to a "natural" gem).
Have fun........

Bartolomeo67 · #5 05-07-2004, 07:51 PM

Can anyone advise on the beaches West of Santo Domingo, between San Cristobal and Bani? Playa Najayo, Palenque, Bani, Las Salinas? Is it worthwhile going there by car, or is there public transport from the capital?
Thanks
Bartolomeo

Mirador · #6 05-07-2004, 09:57 PM

Cocolandia is a part of Palenque Beach and accesible in less than one hour from Santo Domingo driving South on the San Cristobal highway. The easiest approach is past the Nizao bridge (Lucas Diaz) taking a turn South toward Nizao town, at the end of the town you cross the river bridge and drive the winding road up to Palenque town, then south toward the shore, until the sign Cocolandia. I like the taking a dirt road past Yaguate toward the sugar mill, then up the hill and across toward the road by the sea, taking a right to Palenque. Great fresh fried fish with moro de guandules, fried plantain, etc. I usually take my own cooler with refreshments. The surf is mild to medium. I rent inner tubes for the kids. Fishing boats give rides for RD$15 per person. Lots of beach peddlers from coconuts, to mussels, to corn on the cob. Great beach for the family.

Mirador

newuser · #7 05-08-2004, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartolomeo67

Can anyone advise on the beaches West of Santo Domingo, between San Cristobal and Bani? Playa Najayo, Palenque, Bani, Las Salinas? Is it worthwhile going there by car, or is there public transport from the capital?
Thanks
Bartolomeo

As Mirador pointed out, The Palenque, Najayo beaches offer good, inexpensive food. If you are however looking for a beach with crystal clear water and fine powder sand you can forget about this area. The water is murky and the sand has the color of mud.

Las Salinas de Bani has two sides to it. There are the ocean side and the bay side. The bay side seems to always have a lot of wind and waves although the depth of the water is shallow. The ocean side is usually crystal clear but does not have green/blue hues. It reminds me more of a Great Lakes beach.

I prefer Las Salinas over Najayo or Palenque.

TEHAMA · #8 05-08-2004, 07:18 PM

Rick- 2 meals and 8-9 drinks= $103 US. Not complaining as the food was better than average but the drinks were weak. $50 US very possibly, but $100 hell no, and never again.
TEHAMA

jrzyguy · #9 05-09-2004, 11:18 AM

what is so "over expenisive" about paying 100 pesos for an umbrella seat in boca chica? thats what...about 2 USD? I wouldnt buy my food there...but if you wander down towards the end of the beach....right past costalunga beach club....the guys who set up the chairs are very cool. not the VERY last one tho...(he's an @@@). I have found that that chairs and tables that are near the hamaca tend to rip you off and be over priced.

TEHAMA · #10 05-10-2004, 10:54 AM

JERSEYGUY,
That a US$100, not pesos. Thanks for the info though. I think I went to the area near Hamaca and WAS ripped off. I will try the far end of the Beach next time...possibly in 4-5 months. Right now, I dont want to go anywhere near Boca Chica. Thanks.
TEHAMA