Dominican Republic

Hispaniola is a big island.  Just the Dominican Republic portion is big compared to the other islands in the Caribbean.  Our last hop was a 115 NMs, or 16 – 17 hours in Motivator time.  All we did was go from Samana around the corner to Puerto Plata, Ocean World Marina.

 Entrance to Ocean World Marina

Because we have a standing rule to never enter a harbor in the dark and to avoid departures during darkness, we have to time our passages.  For this trip we departed at 5 PM and arrived the next morning at around 10 AM. 

Fuel dock

Again, we had to check in with Customs, Immigration, DR Navy and Drug Enforcement, but no fees were extracted.  They do, however have a new requirement that all boats must go to the fuel dock for check in.

We also prefer to dock without strong trade winds (in the morning, not in the afternoon).  It makes the Captain’s skills look so much better.

Ocean Word Marina will be our home while we wait for a weather window for the crossing to Turks & Caicos.  Having visited once before (see archived posting, Turks & Caicos to Dominican Republic, dated April 5, 2012), we will probably not be taking the tour that visits all of the tour guide's cousins businesses.