Calm waters

chiquittabanana · #1 02-12-2008, 11:48 AM

As much as I enjoy people watching from the Terrace at Playa Vista in BC,, I would like to find a spot with the same tranquil waters as Boca Chica, but less crowded.

My child (5) is Autistic and have no sense of surroundings,, so she is always in the path of people on the beach....I looked at the water flow by the new beach in JD and it is too strong... I can't bring her to the beach Club at Guavaberry because is worse...... is there any area between BC and JD where we can sit and relax under a rented umbrella like we do in Boca Chica and let her play in the sand without too many vendors and people?

I see pics of Aura, Playa Esmeralda and Co-op Marena,,, but I am not able to tell if there is heavy waves at either.

We will be in SD next month driving everyday to the beach,,,, up to now we go to GVB for the pool, but the sand is important for her sensory enjoyment.

Recomendations needed.

Thanks

CB

DanaP · #2 02-12-2008, 12:23 PM

I have a 5 year old son as well and we continue to search for safe beaches. You're right, the waves by the Guavaberry can be rough, but not always. There's the public beach in old Juan Dolio as well, right before the Barcelo Capella hotel, but you can't purchase any drinks or use chairs there.

A bit further west, in Old Juan Dolio there is the Don Pedro beach. Not quite lounge chairs and umbrellas, but there are a few restaurants right on the beach that have tables in the shade very close to the water. We love it there and make it our hang out on many weekends. Aura is lovely and the water VERY calm, definitely check it out.

There is also the Restaurant Pescadore in Guayacanes. Great spot with good food, chairs on the beach and plenty of room for kids to run. Much quieter than Don pedro or boca chica, but really nice. and the public beach in Guayacanes could work as well. I saw it for the first time today, many tables with umbrellas & the water is pretty calm (no boca chica or anything but nice). I didn't really notice a restaurant but i did find a nice empanada place on the other side of the street just a few seconds away!

Maybe we should get the kids together sometime??!!

d

tomis1 · #3 02-12-2008, 12:27 PM

The beach in front of Aura is calm, protected by a coral reef and most days there are no waves. You mentioned that sand can bring “sensory enjoyment” for your daughter - please be aware that while the beach sand is clean, the sea bottom has bits of coral and stone in some areas. There was some effort to remove some of the stones in front of the future Las Olas. You could enjoy the Aura quiet surroundings ( Mon-Fri, avoid the week-end if you need a tranquil spot) and just walk 20 m to the beach in front of Las Olas to enjoy the water. I have 2 boys and they enjoy Aura much more than any other beach in JD.

Hope this helps

tomis1 · #4 02-12-2008, 12:38 PM

BTW – My oldest boy (7 year old) is also autistic (PDD-NOS) and has enjoyed Aura every time we went.

chiquittabanana · #5 02-12-2008, 12:52 PM

I really appreciate the info,,, my DH is in JD right now golfing with some friends and I am sending him scouting for these areas for our upcoming family trip.

DanaP,,, please PM so we can get together when I come down in March,,we are only able to get her off the IBI Autistic program for March break, no Summer vacation for her and I want to maximize her time down there.

Tomis1,,, thanks for ur advice,,,, that is another reason for us to leave BC behind....lots of unsafe junk on the sand. I was under the impression that you must be a member at Metro to be at Las Olas,,,,and Las Olas is too far from the water in order for us to watch her while we lounge.

We try to get in Aura once and it was packed,,,but will send my husband now to check it during the week, as well as Don Pedro,,, I did see the Guayacanes rest you mentioned but it is a bit far from the water.

MommC,,, is the Don Pedro by the rest you and PapaC took me for dinner? I always get really confused with the Old JD and New JD......

I found a video,,, please take a look to see if anybody recognizes the spot.

YouTube - Juan Dolio (2)

Thanks

CB

chiquittabanana · #6 02-12-2008, 12:57 PM

Tomis1,, hope you don't mind me asking,,, R u in SD?

If you are and would like to talk off this topic,,,, I would like to know where does your son goes to school.

It is our long term plan to move to the DR once we are able to finish the house (Maybe in another 70 years,, at the rate we are going,,,but not loosing hope).

And I am always searching for SE school's info.

Thanks

CB

tomis1 · #7 02-12-2008, 02:07 PM

please see my PM

MommC · #8 02-12-2008, 02:30 PM

I'll take your DH for a walk while he's here.....
There are a dozen spots within walking distance from our place that would be perfect for your little angel!
Unfortunately not many have beach umbrellas and chairs but I'll loan you my umbrella and some beach mats. (I have some childrens beach toys also).

If you park your butt near your favorite restaurant |(even if the old cook is now gone) you can buy beer and soft drinks and food from the several locations in the area!!

BTW I thinks he's booked you into Decameron......their beach is perfect!!!

MommC · #9 02-12-2008, 02:34 PM

was taken in front of Don Pedro's....... or right next to it.

For CB.....it's about 200 meters from our front door......just so you know!

Can't wait to see you again......DH looks great!!

MommC · #10 02-12-2008, 02:48 PM

But the first shot is directly in front of Don Pedro's!
YouTube - En Playa Juan Dolio

You can even buy food there now (pescado con tostones, salad etc.) and it's not bad (but drinks are a little pricey!).

This one is the one we go to (right in front of Casablanca - the old Il Cappucino). Please note it was a bit windy the day this was filmed.

YouTube - Juan Dolio Beach

Hope this gives you an idea.....