Four backpacker friends and I would like to get from the DR to South America (Colombia or Venezuela). After researching online, it is clear that there are no ferries. But would it be possible to rent a boat for $1000 or less for five people from Santo Domingo to Caracas, Venezuela or to Santa Marta, Colombia? By plane, the total cost would be about $3000 ($600 each for 5 people). That's why we're looking for other options to get into South America. Any other recommendations would be great.