First Visit to the DR

1POSTS

4 years ago

Hello all!

I have enjoyed reading this board and finally decided to post.

My husband and I are planning a 2 week trip to the DR in December to see if it fits the bill for our post-US lives. We love to fish (inshore, offshore, and flats), snorkel, hike, and enjoy really anything outside and/or on the water. We are not into nightlife and prefer off the beaten path type places to big city living. What areas you would recommend we visit? We will have a car and are not afraid to go explore!

Thank you!

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Sand Toyz Member

10POSTS

4 years ago

My opinion is La Romana. Punta cana is tourist but nice. It's busy. That's my two cents 馃

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

4 years ago

Welcome to the forums!聽 Good first post. I am sure many will give you ideas and opinions!聽

Consider them all and figure out what works for you. Will likely take more than 1 visit!聽 Enjoy!

Guest2022 Guest

0POSTS

4 years ago

We love to fish (inshore, offshore, and flats), snorkel, hike, and enjoy really anything outside and/or on the water. We are not into nightlife and prefer off the beaten path type places to big city living. What areas you would recommend we visit?

Those requirements got me thinking mindful you will also want a retirement home with some expat community and facilities.

Suggestions:

Samana peninsula. Super beaches and fishing opportunities off shore and in the bay and snorkelling available. Good rolling hills for hiking and close to the Parque de Haitises too. Established low key expat community throughout the peninsula and some excellent advice available on this forum from regulars living there.

West of Puerto Plata - Luperon and Punta Rucia some lovely shoreline and secluded bays and home to fishing communities and some expats. Large coral reefs nearby. Good hill country nearby for hiking and a short disance from the higher mountains in DR via Moa and Moncion. Also close to Puerto Plata and the North Coast for essentials.

Miches. an up and coming tourists zone with lovely beaches and a fishing community and with a backdrop of mountains. Close enough to Punta Cana and the main tourst hub for all your needs.

Barahona, Baoruco and Pedernales. A long shot. Off the beaten track but soon to become a new tourist focus with some impressive scenery and beaches and a mountain back drop ideal for hiking. A few expats live in these parts which with new by passes under construction will be closer to the capital soon by road and with an airport being upgraded.

Explore virtually using the DR tourism website as link attached:

2 members reacted to this post

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1948POSTS

4 years ago

Welcome to the group! Through various threads, there is a lot to read about different areas of the country.

If you decide to consider Las Terrenas (on the Samana peninsula), let me know! My husband Dave (RockyM on here) and I retired and moved here last year. We've gone through residency, owning rental property, finding land to build on, finding a rental to live in while we build, importing our car and household items, bringing our dog down...and lots of other stuff so far! Right now, we're in the midst of building a home in the Coson lomas.

We have a large, active hiking group here that I can put you in touch with if you head this way! I'm still adjusting to the heat and trying to get into decent shape before going off with them on a half day hike!

Denise

Mkunz6580 Active member

53POSTS

4 years ago

I have found the inshore fishing in most areas to be marginal at best. Most areas are over harvested but you can find some good areas for reef fish with some looking and research. The fishing off Punta Cana however is world class for palagic species. I do prefer the north coast to Punta Cana for living however.