Boats from Miami/Puerto Rico to/from Santo Domingo?

[Berzin]

On one of my trips I met a cat from Puerto Rico who took a boat to Santo Domingo. I was wondering if anyone on this board knows any details about this, especially the cost.

Also, are there any boats going to the DR from Miami. I need to hit Miami and/or Puerto Rico on my way to and from the DR this year so my plans need to be flexible enough to fit all of this in. Timewise a boat here and there may be more flexible than an airplane so I am wondering if anyone can help. Thanks in advance.

 

[ricktoronto]

There is a ferry between the DR and Puerto Rico. If you search here or google there are threads on that. Some cruise ships stop in the La Romana area. From Miami or Fort Lauderdale maybe as part of a longer route. I don't think there are just MIA/FLL - SDQ and back regularly. It is impossible to imagine a boat being more flexible than an airplane (or cheaper) - SDQ-SJU is about an hour, SDQ-MIA is under two hours, while the ferry is 12 or 13 hours , to MIA would be measured in days probably, also there are a bunch of flights daily from all over the DR to MIA and SJU.

 

[gardito]

Ferries del Caribe run the Mayaguez, PR to SD route on alternating days. Ship leaves around 8pm and gets to SD 12 hours later. About US$179 for a lounge type chair, staterooms cost a bit more. E.

 

[CyaBye3015]

You may want to think about flying between the DR and PR. American Airlines has mid week fares for about the same price as the ferry. www.AA.com

 

[J D Sauser]

Ferry... does tha mean you can get on with a car?

... J-D.

 

[riravaga]

Hello, another thing is that from Mia to RD only come cruisse to La Romana port, in the ferrys from SD to Mayaguez if you buy the ticket with cabine is more expensive, it?s a trip of 12 hrs. (809) 688-4400 for Reservations or more Info.

 

[HOWMAR]

Ferry... does tha mean you can get on with a car?

... J-D.

No, nor does the Staten Island ferry anymore.

 

[gardito]

Yes, you can get in with a car, motorcycle, etc. Costs a little less than US$200.00 extra. E.

 

[J D Sauser]

That's a no to SDQ->PR and a "Yes" to .... Staten Island or SDQ->PR??? :nervous:
I was trying to find a website (?). What is the ferry's company (name)?

Thanks! ... J-D.

 

[linamia]

That's a no to SDQ->PR and a "Yes" to .... Staten Island or SDQ->PR??? :nervous:
I was trying to find a website (?). What is the ferry's company (name)?

Thanks! ... J-D.

No to Staten Island since 9/11

 

[johne]

Does the car

Yes, you can get in with a car, motorcycle, etc. Costs a little less than US$200.00 extra. E.

need to pass customs??

JOHN

 

[gardito]

That's yes to PR -> SDQ. The car has to have it's paperwork in order, no lien hold on it. Pass regular inspection (no leaks & stuff like that). I don't know if you have to pass customs (thoroughly ;-) ), or since its temporary, they look the other way. Come to think of it, since this could be a great way to get gray market cars in/out of the DR, maybe the more stringent requirements are in Mayaguez. My brother raun an enduro with his four wheeler last year on the northern part of the island, and it was a big group of people that brought their own rides from PR. Let me ask him what the procedure is, and I'll let you know. BTW, there is aalso a group of motorcycle riders that go every summer to ride in the DR. So, you see, vehicles can go in the ferry. E.

 

[gardito]

OK, here's the deal. My brother went with a group, so what exact paperwork was required is sketchy. First, paperwork to include passport, car title, shipping papers, drivers license, etc, needs to be presented on Mayaguez docks. Car inspection requires matching numbers (VIN). When your vehicle is clear, you drive it into the ferry where your paperwork is examined again. when you arrive in SD, Your vehicle goes through customs and is given the sniffing dog treatment. When it's all clear, off you go.

On your way back, you go through customs in SDQ, present your paperwork at the docks and in the ferry. In Mayaguez, go through customs again, and there you are.

As to taking your car and leaving it there, if you go with a car and don't come back with th car, SD customs will ask that you pay all import taxes for that vehicle before boarding the ferry.

Hope this helps, E.

 

[J D Sauser]

Thanks! Yes, it's starting to help.
... J-D.