vacation questions

alice said:

Just a couple of quick questions for an upcoming vacation in June. Traveling with two kids (7 & 9). Where would the best snorkling be on the island? How far off the beach is it?
Also, I hear there is an overnight excursion to Haiti -- has anyone done it or have any information on it? Does it only leave out of Puerto Plata?Thanks.

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on my last visit jan 05 i tried a least 5 times to get a tour of border of

dr/haiti with no luck

Where?

Hi,

There are tons of places to snorkel in DR. Do you already know where you will be in June? If so, it might be a bit easier to help you with some information.
As for travelling to Haiti, not recommended. I have some friends, who do not have kids and live in DR, that when doing a grand tour, decided NOT to venture over to that side of the island. It is just adding to much risk... especially with kids.

Good luck with the planning.

Solituna

alice said:

Just a couple of quick questions for an upcoming vacation in June. Traveling with two kids (7 & 9). Where would the best snorkling be on the island? How far off the beach is it?
Also, I hear there is an overnight excursion to Haiti -- has anyone done it or have any information on it? Does it only leave out of Puerto Plata?Thanks.

Click to expand...

I'm an adult male and I wouldn't go to Haiti for safety reasons! Why would you put two kids (7 & 9) at such a risk? It would probably be safer to take them to Iraq.

There is plenty of snorkling around Puerto Plata

Ask any of the dive shops in the area.

Personally, I would take a trip over to Punta Rucia where the coral heads are colose to shore and the little ones can enjoy watching the fishies.

Be very careful of sea urchins and firey coral, the only two dangers...

(Yeah, I know, there might be ammorey eel or two , but they are nice enough if you don'bother them..You cold book a tour to "Paradise Islane" for the same thing..

As far as Haiti goes, DON'T, it is not worth the effort unless you have friends or family there waiting to escort you all over the place..And even then.......not a good idea.

HB

Haiti portion

I have no recommedations for snorkelling but would caution you on a trip to Haiti. Last year I took a day trip out of Puerto Plata and was shocked at the conditions in which people live and the poverty that is there. I'm not sure if it would be different in the larger cities. I felt relatively safe where we were but I was on a tour bus that went to a small market right over the border. Had it been further in, I do not think I would have been comfortable. It is beautiful countryside and a learning experience but I do not recommed you go with children. They may not understand and the sights can be quite disturbing (especially when someone buys a goat!). The trip definitely changed my outlook on life as I am more thankful for what I do have knowing that others have nothing but I'm not sure your children would get the same message.

Boca Chica Area

The beach in BC is quite nice due to the fact that you can "walk" quite far out and still not be in deep waters. For the kids this could be nice? Not sure they will see so many fishes though. Otherwise I'm sure that most dive shops should have a snorkelling program to offer. Perhaps a PADI program for children could be a nice surprise?? SASY and Bubblemaker perhaps. See link. (No I do not work in the industry, I just really enjoy diving).

http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/rec/begin/kids.asp

Good luck and have fun!!

Solituna

The best snorkelling near Puerto Plata is in Sosua.... Check it out... Its a short trip from Puerto Plata airport.

Canadian Diver