- Thread starter maaron1
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Puerto Plata/Caberete or Las Terrenas
When you say laid back, what exactly does that mean. I don't mind laid back. In other words, I don't want to see a whole buch of tourist bumping into me while im out having a drink. that's why I only come south during the summer. I hate other tourist.. hahahha. When I hear party, I think of a bunch of people acting like assess...That's not what I'm looking for.
If you want party you will find a party (as every where else in DR, I am assuming), but I don't think LT is known for its party scene. It will be kinda slow outside of week end nights.
You will see tourists while you are having a drinks, but again there are a couple Dominican places where you won t see any. By the way, LT has a lot of Europeans tourists so summer is high season too.
Sorry, I can't really compare to Cabarete as I never been there. However, if you want stunning beaches during the day, a few cool bars at night and practice your Bachata/Merengue moves on Saturday, you will be perfectly fine
Hope it helps....
Best Bet: Bavaro
Contrary to the Cabarete clique, I beg to differ. As a new ex-pat, who traveled the entire island in search of the most surreal beaches, you will be VERY disappointed in Cabarete. It attracts mostly budget-class Europeans into kiteboarding and partying.
You can find a party ANYWHERE in DR. And every local chica appears to be for sale. Sosua (next to Cab) is a Sewer -- nothing but prostitues, drugs, crime and pollution from motoconchos. You will need ear plugs to walk in town.
Cabarete has brown sand and a murky ocean similar to the Pacific. Sure the photos are nice but it is not not the real DR deal. Not if you ventured this far to dive into turquoise waters and stroll on powder white sands.
Bavaro/Punta Cana beaches are HEAVEN on EARTH. Sure it?s mostly AI resorts -- for a reason -- but you will NEVER FORGET the most gorgeous crystalline turquoise ocean. Just looking at it changes your neurons. There are condos renting for $50/night or less. The town is charming and SAFE.
Second runner up: Las Terrenas. Absolutely STUNNING beaches and gorgeous turquoise water. Remote, less developed, harder to get to (entire day?s commute if you start very early). If your time is limted, you do not want to waste an entire day on buses and guaguas.
Best bet: Bavaro. I PROMISE you will not regret it. In Bavaro you will be like a child, unwilling to get out of the pool/ocean. In Cabarete, you will not want to step foot in the ocean. Unless you are a kiteboarder.
Contrary to the Cabarete clique, I beg to differ. As a new ex-pat, who traveled the entire island in search of the most surreal beaches, you will be VERY disappointed in Cabarete. It attracts mostly budget-class Europeans into kiteboarding and partying.
You can find a party ANYWHERE in DR. And every local chica appears to be for sale. Sosua (next to Cab) is a Sewer -- nothing but prostitues, drugs, crime and pollution from motoconchos. You will need ear plugs to walk in town.
Cabarete has brown sand and a murky ocean similar to the Pacific. Sure the photos are nice but it is not not the real DR deal. Not if you ventured this far to dive into turquoise waters and stroll on powder white sands.
Bavaro/Punta Cana beaches are HEAVEN on EARTH. Sure it?s mostly AI resorts -- for a reason -- but you will NEVER FORGET the most gorgeous crystalline turquoise ocean. Just looking at it changes your neurons. There are condos renting for $50/night or less. The town is charming and SAFE.
Second runner up: Las Terrenas. Absolutely STUNNING beaches and gorgeous turquoise water. Remote, less developed, harder to get to (entire day?s commute if you start very early). If your time is limted, you do not want to waste an entire day on buses and guaguas.
Best bet: Bavaro. I PROMISE you will not regret it. In Bavaro you will be like a child, unwilling to get out of the pool/ocean. In Cabarete, you will not want to step foot in the ocean. Unless you are a kiteboarder.
Angelfish opining again...
While everyone has there own dream destination -- and yes, to each their own -- I just feel compelled to advise visitors to have NO CLUE what to expect.
If you are on vacation looking for relaxation and beautiful beaches without tourists, WHY would you spend half your time in Santo Domingo?? It is worse than Caracas, Venezuela -- polluted, noisy and dangerous.
Punta Cana is 4 hours by bus, and a world apart. Las Terrenas is a NO GO given the transit time (2 days there and back). I am not benefiting financially by telling you this -- just which someone else had informed me prior to my arrival. Similar advice to what you would find on LonelyPlanet?s thorntree.
Whatever you decide on, enjoy this amazing island.
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with Angelfish on one point. LT is not a days journey away from SD. The bus (guagua)from calle Barahona, just behind the Duarte Plaza Lama takes from 3 1/2 to 4 hours, costs RD$ 260. There are several buses every day. I have been known to take the first bus in the morning, do my business in the Capital and catch the 3.30 pm guagua back to LT the same day. A bit tiring, mind you.
I agree with windguy....bavaro sucks the big one....I have been to every corner of this island, and that is the ONLY place i have not, and would not return....LT is good, Cabarete is fine, except the blue shirts trying to sell you something or braid your hair on the beach...you can have fun in SD, but beaches are too far away....my suggestion, anywhere on the north coast would be fine.....
And by the way the most beautiful beaches are west of Barahona, but somewhat isolated.....
And by the way the most beautiful beaches are west of Barahona, but somewhat isolated.....
I read that from Santo Domingo to LAs Terrenas its only 2 hour drive with the new high way.
I stand corrected. I was referring to the 1 day each way travel time from Cabarete! Cabarete-SD-Samana by bus, then a guagua to Las Terrenas. Trip took OVER 8 hours.
Sorry, I?ve been traveling so much my head is still spinning.
I also retract my recommendation for Bavaro, if you are seeking The REAL DR. It is Cancunized and artificial yet the beaches are the most splendid on the planet.
You cannot go wrong in Las Terrenas. There is no pretence and seperation of the haves and have nots. The locals mingle with the the imports and vice versa.
My only complaint is the NOISE level of the non-stop motos. They are like locusts! But a quick retreat to the playa will sooth frayed nerves.
There are many inexpensive places to stay if you are not ocean front. You do not need a reservation. Just get there early and tour around.
Sorry, I?ve been traveling so much my head is still spinning.
I also retract my recommendation for Bavaro, if you are seeking The REAL DR. It is Cancunized and artificial yet the beaches are the most splendid on the planet.
You cannot go wrong in Las Terrenas. There is no pretence and seperation of the haves and have nots. The locals mingle with the the imports and vice versa.
My only complaint is the NOISE level of the non-stop motos. They are like locusts! But a quick retreat to the playa will sooth frayed nerves.
There are many inexpensive places to stay if you are not ocean front. You do not need a reservation. Just get there early and tour around.