request for travel tips

[JoleneLy]

This is my first message on the forum, and I really appreciate its existence! I am traveling to the DR in 2 weeks for a 6-day trip with my husband's family. I have never been there before, and I have been all over the web trying to find activities. His parents are retired and a bit skittish about too much activity, especially stuff that isn't programmed by a travel company (in this case, Apple--YIKES!). However, my husband and I really like to find more local attractions and do outdoor pursuits. We have traveled enough in the general area (Costa Rica, Mexico, Jamaica) and feel sufficiently comfortable seeking out adventures. We will be staying in Puerta Plata at a resort but would love suggestions for activities outside the resort. My husband and I always try to find companies outside of the resort--they are cheaper, more fun, offer better excursions, etc. Plus, I always feel better when I give my money to local companies! Thus, I am especially interested in helpful information about which travel companies are friendly, offer off-the-beaten-path trips, etc. We are only going to be there for 6 days, but we are interested in everything from scuba trips, white water rafting, deep sea fishing, to restaurants and dancing at non-touristy places.

So, any names of places/adventure companies are greatly appreciated. Likewise, any locations you loved would be wonderful (e.g., if you have to pick one, which river is better--Damajagua or Jarabacoa?).

Also, if anyone has a suggestion for his parents--something they would find fun, yet tame, I would love info on that, too.

Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.

Jo

[Dolores]

Six days is not too much time. I recommend you stick to the north coastline. You do not tell where your hotel is located. Regardless, Puerto Plata vacations can be split with time for Cofresi (Ocean World Park), Damajagua-Imbert (take note this may leave you exhausted for the day), Playa Dorada, Sosua, Cabarete and Playa Grande. For the attractions of these places, see http://www.dr1.com/travel/index.shtml and then the sidebar to the left with links for what to do in these places. Nightlife in Cabarete is great. Taxi is recommended. You could probably do Sosua beach during the day, and then get to Cabarete late afternoon for the beach and night time there. Playa Grande is an awesome beach, further east of Cabarete. You may consider renting a car as all these places are within less than a two hour drive.

[JoleneLy]

Thanks Dolores for the info.

My hotel is actually Breezes: just east of Puerta Plata--closer to the airport. So, if you know of any companies close to there, I greatly appreciate it.

[Dolores]

Check out options offered by the local company Rancho Baiguate. They offer river rafting excursions -- but these will take up an entire day. See http://www.dr1.com/directories/tourism/baiguate.shtml

[Escott]

Wow I don't know if traveling 2 plus hours from your All Inclusive is what you are looking for. Breezes is a nice place with a casino located midway between Sosua and Cabarete.

Those should be your side trips. Spend a day on the beach in Sosua, visit the caseta that line the beach and walk the town. Have dinner at Pier Giorgio (Best food imho) or Waterfront for views and romance (both more expensive) or for the best meal for the least expensive price have dinner at Rockys in Sosua. (so cheap it pays to eat more)

Cabarete is a more active beach with rougher waters. Known for wind and kite surfing and a busy nightlife on the beach. Well worth going for the day to Cabarete also.

I think between the activities at your hotel and these side trips your time will be all used up with a good time had by all.

If you want more just walking in Cabarete you will see people selling tours and tourist thingys.

Have fun!

[Ken]

As Escott says, Breezes is much closer to Sosua and Cabarete than to the Puerto Plata airport. The websites for those two areas will give you a lot of activity information: http://www.activecabarete.com/ http://www.hispaniola.com/Cabarete/index.html
http://www.sosua.com/

Why not look them over then come back with any questions you might have about particular activities or providers.

Keep in mind, too, that Breezes is a very large hotel with a huge pool and provides a lot of activities for its guests day and night.