Seeking advice for 1st trip to DR

[Tara G]

Hello Everyone,

First, I would like to say "Thanks". This forum is a great resource. So many people have already asked about things I want to know about.

Myself, my husband and our teenage daughters will be arriving in Puerto Plata on Feb. 20th, staying at the Coral Marien Bay by Hilton in Playa Dorado for one week (any feedback on this resort would be appreciated).

Overall, we are a family of see'ers and do'ers. We do not want to sit around the resort for a week. Part of the time - yes (especially since we are paying the AI rate), but not all week. I have researched a number of excursions in the area, but would like to know which ones are the most reputable and the best value. We are definitely planning the whale watching excursion with Kim Beddall. Others of interest include waterfall jumping (cascading) and snorkeling. The horseback riding, outback safari, and others sound great as well, that's why we're having a hard time choosing. I'd be interested to know which ones are good half day trips vs. full days.

Thank you for your insight.

[sukstr]

Like Tara, my wife & I are also visiting the DR for the first time.
Ariving this coming Sunday and staying at Jack Tar Village Hotel , Playa Dorada.

Following the advice elsewhere within these forums, I've already booked 2 excursions - Whale Watching and a trip to the Alps with CoCo Tours ( http://www.cocotours.com/coco/english/toursenpop.htm

Traveling from the UK, Whale Watching on Monday seems a great idea - it's a 5.00 a.m. pick-up from the hotel, but we'll still be on UK time so would be awake that time anyway.

I'd love to hear from others who have experience of these tour (and for peace of mind, the tour operators).

Unfortunately, we are only staying for a week - is there anything else anyone would say is a MUST DO that is readily accessible from the part of the island?

I'm so, looking forward to next week....


Steve

[JanH]

Tara - My teen son and his girlfriend recently went on the waterfall tour. This should only be done by physically fit people.

His girlfriend had a hard time climbing the rocks, even though she appears fit. My son, who works out, climbed higher than she did, but said it took all the strength he had in climbing with the ropes. So maybe just your kids could go on that tour - unless you and your husband are Mr. & Mrs. Jack LaLane.

The tour lasted all day, which included breakfast and lunch. They were back by 5. They thought it was a wonderful experience.

I believe there are several tour operators that do the waterfall tour and each may have different programs (easy to extreme).

[sukstr]

(Tara: hope you don't mind me sharing your thread, but I think we're both looking for similar info).

Is it worth changing any US$ in local currency? I get them impression not.

thanks,

Steve

[Tara G]

Steve,

No worries. Glad to be able to share.

From everything I've read, it sounds like a good plan to get some money exchanged but not too much.

Steve, I'd love to hear about your trip once you return (and before I leave - evening of the 19th). If you have time upon your return, please share.

Thanks and have a fabulous trip!

[sukstr]

will do - this is by far the best source of genuine and honest information I've found; and trust me I've been looking. It seems only fair to give as well as take.

I get back to the UK on 16th Feb, will post on my return (after a bit of sleep ).

Steve

[toby]

My families first trip to the DR was to the Coral Marien (Christmas 2003) and we found it worth the 4-5 star rating it has recieved on the current ratings boards(Debbies Dominican Fodor's etc).
You will be very please with the service and facilities and the pool is very large and gracefully designed for quiet and high activity areas. The beach was always clean and by and large quiet with only the occasional interupption by people who want to braid your hair or escort you to the Blue Market area down the beach.
While there we found that the resort was filled with families of all ages and types, those with small children had the acitivity area to attend each day on the beach, those with teens had excusions and pool fun. This resort for the most part is not a big party and dancing place and at night after the show in the outdoor theatre most guests went to there rooms for a good nights rest. The evening fun was the pub style atmosphere of the pool bar where you can meet and mingle with the other guest from all over the world. But be worned this hotel has the nickname
"Little Canada" for a reason. I am proud Canadian and while there we figured there were about 9 Canadians to 1 foreign tourist to talk with. Very good fun hearing about "our home and native land" while enjoying 83 degree weather.
And don't worry about missing out on the scores for the hockey teams playing to the north...just ask the Canadians crowding the internet cafe across from reception...they will be able to give you the score!
Like you we are doers', and went on the Monster Truck Safari...(military vechicles about 10 feet off the ground...fantastic fun ride with a river crossing and a great outback experience) and the dolphin swim at the new Ocean World Park in Puerto Plata...(absolutely worth every penny and a must for those who love animals) but if I could do it again would save my money and spend my tourist dollars for shopping in Sosua (taxi there in 20 minutes) where the atmosphere is more small town, it has great restaurants and a main street boulevard to window shop and people watch.
I am currently planning our next visit and we will definitely be staying at the Coral Marien...also if you are in the mood go to the Spa it was a great place and the hair braiding is cheaper there then on the beach...my daughter looked wonderful ...enjoy yourselves and soak up the sun and fun for me!
Toby