North Coast Travel Information and Reviews

The North Coast
When I visit the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, I often stay in more than one hotel or resort. Other than Punta Cana region, here you can find various lively beach towns like Sosua, my absolute favorite beach to hang out with the locals and Cofresi, which I adore for its magnificent bay and mountain views. Other options are the resort area of Playa Dorada and of course Cabarete, perhaps the best place on the North coast to go to for wind surfing and kite boarding.

Puerto Plata, the largest city on the North coast, with its wonderful restaurants and cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres, is located within a short distance of all these fabulous towns. The town Rio San Juan, a farming and fishing town known for its Gri Gri Lagoon, and the Palaya Grande/ Cabrera area are located further east, some 100-120 km from Puerto Plata. Here you will not only find white powder sand beaches and big waves, ideal for surfing and body/boogie boarding, but also the Playa Grande Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, with most “holes” being located along the cliffs, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Please be aware: it can be quiet hard to retrieve your golf ball!

What else to expect

It is said that the North Coast is perfect for town hopping and beach bobbing. This is exactly why I like a car when I arrive at Puerto Plata. The well-maintained two-lane highway that runs along the coast allows you to explore the wonderful beaches and energetic beach towns. I stayed in a very affordable small bed and breakfast while the next day I moved into a luxury all-inclusive resort and both were wonderful. What I mean to say is that the North coast of the Dominican Republic caters to the budgets and interests of all types of travelers!

How to get there

Whenever possible I fly to Gregorio Luperón International Airport close to Puerto Plata. From here it is easy to get to the towns of Cofresi, Maimón, Luperón, Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada, Sosua, Cabarete, Playa Grande and Cabrera. Santiago's Cibao International Airport is located about an hour south from Puerto Plata.
International & Domestic flights Dominican Republic

Distances from Puerto Plata airport to almost all final destinations in the area are limited. You can take a bus, airport shuttle, rental car or taxi to your final destination. To give you some kind of indication of cab fares: a journey from Puerto Plata to other North coast destinations will run between 25 USD (Sosua) to 160 USD when you want to travel all the way to Monte Cristi near the Haitian border.

Tours and Excursions

I always say: “It is impossible to be bored while vacationing in the Dominican Republic”. You will be able to book a tour or excursion with one of many renowned excursion companies in the area. Excursions range from Whale watching in Samana (which takes you a whole day), to monster trucking or catamaran sailing. The possibilities are almost endless. Families with children might want to consider a visit to the very popular attraction park Ocean World near the town of Cofresi.