Excursions leaving from Santo Domingo

[JKnee81]

Hi everyone,
I'm going to be in Santo Domingo and will be staying with friends. I want to do a day tour to a beach somewhere but I don't have travel agent to book through. Does anyone have any ideas where I can book something like this? Or if anyone knows of any other place to go snorkling? We'll be going to Boca Chica also if anyone knows if there is good snorkling there. Thanks!

 

[dymmach]

Sorry, No beaches in Santo Domingo. So Boca Chica is your only resort. Most of the beach belongs to diffrent AI's, but there is a small public section. I've seen snorklers but not a rental shop. They do however have water sports and jetski's for rent. You might want to try Jaun Dolio.

 

[jrzyguy]

bring your own snorkle gear to boca chica. THere is a small mangrove isle called matica off the beach. You can pretty much wade out there...but you might have to swim 5 mins. Cant say the snorkeling is all that spectacular there (it is pleasant...but the coral is not all that colorful and most of the fish are small). You might want to try an excursion out to Saona...you can book that while you are in BC.

 

[jruane44]

There was a thread not to long ago about snorkeling in Juan Dolio. You may want to do a search.

 

[SamanaJon]

Boca Chica is east of SD near the Airport and has a large public beach. The only private section I know of, is at the far east end which belongs to the Hamaca Resort (sould not be private, but that is another issue). Take a bus/guagua or taxi from SD. Express guagua is ~40 pesos. Once you get to Boca Chica travel south (motoconcho) till you hit the beach. Lots of street vendors on the beach and some thieves. Watch you stuff or have someone near you watch it. Use beach shoes/flip-flops as there is sometimes broken glass on the beach itself. Dont go after it rains.... street runoff brings lots of strang things (you cant see) into the water. Try to avoid the Sankies... :cheeky:

 

[JKnee81]

Thanks for the help everyone, another question though. Does anyone know of any good excursion companies to use to go to Saona Island?

 

[Dolores1]

Head out to Bayahibe. In the town and in Dominicus beach and hotel area, there are several companies that offer the trip. Best would be to overnight at one of the Bayahibe town hotels (non-all inclusive) and next day take the excursion. These leave early in the morning.

 

[Dre Broeders]

If you like snorkeling. The best place is the Island Catalina.

 

[juanita]

Call this agency, they have excursions out to Saona.
Turmaya in SD 809-532-4105.
Forget about Boca Chica...last time I was there (a month ago) I had to push the poopoo out of the way when in the water...uacala!!!

 

[Dre Broeders]

A lot of excursions leave from Boca Chica.
Therefore you have to go by bus or taxi in the morning to Boca Chica.

 

[Conchman]

You can also take excursions via tour companies to the white water rafting in the mountains near Santiago or a day at Ocean World Adventure Park and Casino in Puerto Plata. Or just take the Metro to the Puerto Plata/Sosua/Cabarete area. The ride is comfortable, modern busses with AC, etc.