By Denise Simpson
For those of you choosing the well-travelled Thornless Path route (Compass January 2025, caribbeancompass.com/dominican-republic-the-thornless-path-route-to-high-season-fun), with easy and affordable check-in together with great provisioning along the north and northeast coasts of the Dominican Republic, February, March, and April are the fun months of the year for carnival, independence day, whale watching and so much more! Here’s how to navigate it all.
Luperon Town Anchorage (north coast)
Various moorings are available with some anchoring areas in silt/mud or alongside dockage at the marina. In the past the captain and all crew members were required to dinghy to the government dock for check-in, then walk to the gate where the officials are based — but that might have changed again, so ask the DR harbor contractors upon arrival.
Luperon has a small carnival and independence day gathering. If you want to experience a larger carnival, or if you want to provision in the large supermarkets, taxis can take you to Puerto Plata (about an hour and a half drive) or you can hire a vehicle within 30 days of arrival on your tourist visa.
Puerto Plata (north coast)
The new year kicks off with a vibrant and fun carnival parade, plus independence day celebrations in the third-largest city in the country, also a great spot for grocery supplies, machine shops and so much more.
Carnival is traditionally celebrated throughout the Dominican Republic during February and part of March, with parades held every Sunday in different cities. Between Carnival Sundays comes Independence Day on February 27, commemorating independence from Haiti in 1844.
Dominican Carnival is a tradition inherited from Spanish forefathers, dating back to 1520; it’s an unforgettable experience. Celebrations are held every Saturday and Sunday from the first weekend of February until the first weekend of March, with parades every Sunday in Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Río San Juan, Bonao, Constanza, Montecristi, Samaná, Higüey, La Romana, Santiago, Santo Domingo — and La Vega, which is home to one of the largest and most popular carnivals in the Dominican Republic. Carnaval Dominicano is the oldest carnival in the Caribbean region.
Each city or province has its own unique celebration, but each features a variation on the main Carnival character: a limping devil, or diablo cojuelo, with its respective mask. Why is it limping? Legend says it was banished and pushed down to Earth, injuring its leg in the fall. If you don’t see some form of devil at carnival then you’re not in the Dominican Republic!
Cofresi, Puerto Plata (north coast)
Cofresi is just down the road from the large, vibrant, colorful and fun Puerto Plata Carnival. Space is limited to the marina, as there are no anchoring areas nearby. It is one of the best tourist cities for chocolate, rum and cigar production, as well as an amber museum, historic sites, fun outdoor activities (such as waterfall excursions, kiteboarding, and horseback riding), excellent provisioning and so much more.
This is a child- and pet-friendly English-speaking marina with fast and easy check-in, since all officials are onsite. A large local supermarket sends a free shopping shuttle to the marina, which features the only fuel dock on the north coast, 24/7 security and the only travel lifts for both multihulls and monohulls on the north and northeast coasts, with backup generators for the occasional power outage.
The marina offers special dockage rates based on the length of stay for cruisers and smaller vessels year-round. Also please note: vessels with low topsides should request a lower dock in the small yacht basin (D dock onwards), as the higher fixed concrete docks can make for a long climb down at low tide. It’s best to use plastic hose for chafe protection if staying longer term, since the marina is self-flushing with culverts under the seawall causing water movement. This is noticeable with any north wind (only 8-10 days a year) so make sure your cleats and backing plates are firmly secured to a strong deck and use your snubbers if need be. Spring lines and fenders are also recommended for docking.
Samaná (northeast coast)
After Carnival in Puerto Plata, many cruisers head to Samaná to see the amazing whales (many report seeing them close by when entering or leaving the bay). There are also many tourist attractions in Samaná, such as horseback riding and hiking, and one can explore the beautiful tropical coastline.
Use the town anchorage, or you can stay at the English-speaking marina outside of the town anchorage. This marina has all officials onsite for fast and easy check-in, 24/7 security and the only fuel dock on the northeast coast. The solid fixed concrete docks are within a large self-flushing sea wall and can also experience some surge, so use the same guidelines as mentioned above during certain times of year. If you need to shop or bulk provision, speak to the marina manager to arrange a taxi or car hire to get to town or the large supermarkets in Las Terrenas (about an hour’s drive).
Los Haitises National Park (northeast coast)
From Samaná, many cruisers head over to Los Haitises, which is a beautiful, peaceful nature reserve with a small hurricane hole. From there you can stage up for your Mona Passage crossing, or continue to Marina Cap Cana in Punta Cana (not recommended for deeper-draft boats) to prepare for the crossing to Puerto Rico.
Los Haitises National Park, Samaná Bay
Final Notes
Facebook users are invited to join our large group, “Dominican Republic Cruisers & Boaters INFO.” Whatever Dominican Republic experience you choose, we’re sure you’ll have a great time!
Denise Simpson is a host of the Seven Seas Cruising Association USA (SSCA) and port officer of the Ocean Cruising Club UK (OCC). She and her daughter Natasha sail aboard the Morgan Out-Island ketch S/V Fair Lady.
