caribe tours santo domingo to sosua

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Last update: December 2013

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Understand [ edit ]

German Jews settled this little pueblo in the early 1940s. Many streets are named for Ashkenazic Jews.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Most visitors will fly in to Puerto Plata' s airport ( POP  IATA ). Before going through immigration, you'll have to purchase a "tourist card" for US$10 (think of it as a tourist tax). When leaving the airport you'll immediately be greeted by vendors, money changers and taxi drivers. Since everything is much more expensive at the airport, neither change money nor buy anything.

The taxi fare for the 10-minute ride from the airport is fixed at US$25 per car with little to no room for negotiation. If you already booked your accommodation, ask them for a transport to save a few dollars.

If you arrive at Santiago , Santo Domingo or Punta Cana , you'll have to take a bus to Sosua since there are no domestic flights within the Dominican Republic.

By bus [ edit ]

Caribe Tours buses leave every full hour from Santo Domingo, via Santiago and Puerto Plata to Sosua. They stop along the way in all the major cities and towns (about 5 stops). Buses are comfortable, modern, air conditioned (usually turned up to arctic levels) and have a restroom (though usually without toilet paper - bring your own!) The trip takes about 5 hours and costs RD$450 (as of Mar 2019) for a one-way ticket. Motoconchos and taxis wait at the bus station to bring you to your accommodation.

By car [ edit ]

From Santo Domingo's airport, either turn left into Santo Domingo and follow the road until just until after the elevated express way ends, turn right towards John F. Kennedy Avenue (follow the sign), turn left on John F. Kennedy Avenue and stay on that road for about 3 to 4 hours until you reach Puerto Plata. In Puerto Plata just keep going until you see the first road signs to Sosua.

Alternatively, just when leaving the airport turn right towards La Romana, Bahia and Punta Cana. After a few kilometers take the exit towards Samana (beware, it is on the left side of the road - you go down a ramp and through a tunnel!) and then take the toll-road to Samana for about 2 hours until you reach the point where you either go to the right towards Samana or left towards Nagua, Rio San Juan, Puerto Plata. The overall toll is about RD$420 for a small car - obey the speed limits there, they regularly set up speed traps because the road makes you want to go much faster. In Nagua turn right towards 4 o'clock at the traffic lights where you have to chose between right and left again. Keep on going for another 2 hours through the aforementioned towns (sanity check: water should be to your right!) Nagua itself can be tricky to navigate, if in doubt, ask a local for directions to Puerto Plata.

From Punta Cana you first have to go to Santo Domingo, thus the same two options listed above apply.

From Santa Barbara de Samana take the road towards Santo Domingo until you see signs for Nagua, then follow those. See above for how to proceed from there.

Get around [ edit ]

The town is relatively small and walkable. You can also get around using the motoconcho , where you are basically hitching a ride on the back of someone's motorcycle. The price within the El Batey area of Sosua is RD$20 during the day and RD$40 at night, though you will certainly be quoted more if you ask them firsthand. Simply tell the driver where you want to go, hop on, and hand the driver the exact fare when you arrive at your destination and walk away. The motoconcho drivers are everywhere and will actively solicit you for a ride. Do not hop a concho while you are inebriated.

The cheapest way to move between Sosua and the surrounding cities and towns of Puerto Plata , Cabarete and Rio San Juan , as well as the tourist resorts in between, is by guagua (Caribbean Spanish slang for bus), which are small mini-vans operating on the main highway between Puerto Plata and Rio San Juan. At peak hours they pass every five or ten minutes. Short distances (i.e., Sosua to Cabarete ) should cost no more than RD$20 to Cabarete, to RD$30 to Puerto Plata. They will pack in up to 25 people per mini-van (this is not an exaggeration!), with passengers almost in each other's laps. Watch your wallet! You may even have someone's cage of roosters deposited on you lap. Then the merengue starts up on the radio and half the passengers pitch in, singing from memory.

Tourist taxis are plentiful but expensive when compared to the other modes of transportation in Sosua. As of March 2009, tourist taxi from Caribe Tours bus station to El Batey run RD$150. A taxi from Sosua to Puerto Plata airport will charge US$25 for the car. Many taxi drivers will attempt quote US$25 per person, so be aware. Note that it is possible to get a ride for as low as US$10, however, you must #1 dress the part #2 speak good spanish. Leave your luggage at your place of stay, and go out dressed like a local (shirtless & sandals) towards the taxi hub. Ask around where for the taxi meeting point . After a few minutes of asking around, a local with a car will eventually ask you where you want to go. Say you want to go to the airport, and that you will pay US$10. Most locals will think this is a good price and take you in their private pickup/car. Included in this price is the 1-3 block drive to your place of stay (to pick up your luggage). Give them the money once at the airport. This is a little more difficult to do with legitimate taxis at the taxi hub.

The taxi ride from the airport to almost any point in Sosua is less than 10 minutes. You will pay about US$15 from Sosua to Cabarete but this is a complete ripoff when the guagua runs through town and charges RD$20 pesos per person. Guaguas and publicos run through the main roads. You have to flag them down so they will stop for you.

Car rentals may be had locally and if you prefer to deal with the international chains, stop by the Puerto Plata airport. An economy car may be rented for US$30 per day. Check with your credit card company first to see what coverage they provide because this price is not inclusive of insurance. Local insurance is expensive so most simply rely on the coverage provided by their credit card.

You may also simply take guaguas which are the carro publicos along the main road which are affordable and overcrowded. For instance a taxi between Sosua and Cabarete from the official stop will cost upwards of US$20 while a guagua will cost about US$1.50. Similarly you can get to the airport for US$30 from a taxi at one of the stops which has set fares or take the carro publico for less than US$2.

Propinas [ edit ]

Before you venture out on your own, or even with a group of people, be aware of men or boys who are looking to help you find what you need. While walking you will be approached with offers of help with changing your money, finding a restaurant or finding a nice bar or gift shop. On the beach you will be offered assistance with getting a lounge chair or having a drink or food from one of the many beach stalls fetched for you.

In the vast majority of cases these folks are harmless and can be a wealth of information. If you decide to use their services you will be charged a small fee above the asking rate for any item you purchase, eat or drink, and that fee will be passed to your helper after services are rendered. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Sosuans are accomplished capitalists and they also are a lot less well off than you! If you already know exactly what you want and a "tag-along" Sosuan is starting a conversation with you while you are walking along, be firm in telling him that you need no help! If you are first timer offer the propina man a small fee up front for an hour or for the day and he will become a wealth of information for you.

Do not , under any circumstances, use a propina man for money changing. Money changing operations are well signed and easy to find.

See [ edit ]

Playa Sosua is the town's main beach. It is a fun, colorful and lively beach which is approximately one kilometer long, with a row of shacks along the back, selling food, drinks and souvenirs. At one end of the beach is the El Batey neighborhood, which was founded by a community of about 600 Jews exiled here from Eastern Europe during World War II. It contains the small synagogue, still occasionally used by Jews from the surrounding communities, as well as a small museum documenting the history of the Jewish community in Sosua, both set in a tidy tropical green lawn adjacent to Casa Marina Resort. The synagogue has services on Friday evenings about once per month - check with the museum whether there are services the week you are there. Batey no longer has an active Jewish community; it is now the tourist section of town, containing several all-inclusive resorts, as well as a number of smaller hotels and guest houses.

At the other end of the beach is Los Charamicos, which is the locals' neighborhood and somewhat more run-down and lively than Batey. For an authentic cockfighting experience go to Club Gallistico, in Charamicos. It is along one of the main streets but you will have to ask for directions. Cockfights are on Saturday afternoons and sometimes on other days of the week. It is best not to venture alone into the alleyways of Charamicos as they are unsafe. The main streets are OK during daytime but care should be taken at night.

The beach is very popular and offers the best local option for the snorkeling enthusiast - snorkelers should swim out to the reef that lies about 100 m from the shore. A beach chair rental should cost about RD$60. Refuse to pay any more. Equipment can also be rented there. There are lots of gift shops where you will be quoted absolutely laughable prices (see the "Buy" section below).

There are two other beaches in town. Playa Alicia is accessible from the On the Waterfront restaurant. This beach is quieter and more sterile than Playa Sosua, and is thus a good option for those who want to trade a bit of local color for a more relaxed experience. The town's third and smallest beach is accessible from the Sosua by the Sea hotel.

Do [ edit ]

As in the other towns on the North Coast, tour operators offer numerous excursions to surrounding sites and nearby adventure activities at reasonable prices. These include whale watching (December to March), jeep tours, waterfalls and swimming holes, deep sea fishing, whitewater rafting, snorkeling, mountain biking, horseback riding, interesting beaches, as well as tours of Puerta Plata, Santiago, Santo Domingo and the border area of Haiti. Check with a tour operator near your hotel for available excursions. The range of tour options and the trips themselves are almost identical among the various tour operators.

• Merlin Dive Center ( at the entrance to Playa Sosua ). Offers all of the standard diving fare, including snorkeling, beginner dives, advanced dives, etc. They are a highly professional outfit who will take you for pleasure dives or you can get qualified with them for a very reasonable price compared to the UK.  
• 19.757982 -70.521835 1 Sosua Beach ( Playa Sosua ), Highway 5, Sosua . 7AM - 7PM . Sosua beach is the main attraction of Sosua, a beautiful golden sand semicircle of turquoise blue water set in a bay of the same name. There are many gift shops, restaurants, bars, and tour operators available for visitors. It has shallow waters in many areas, so clear you can see bottom fish from a boat. See also https://www.facebook.com/sosuabeachdr/ ( updated Jul 2015 )

Buy [ edit ]

Tourists are always quoted prices inflated by a factor of at least 2, sometimes even 5 or 6. A good rule of thumb is consider how much you would pay at home for a similar item. If you are tired of haggling, just offer a price and walk away if they don't agree. Chances are they will run after you and sell for the price offered.

Most of the souvenir shops sell the same ubiquitous Latin American fare. Sosua also has a large number of Haitian paintings for sale. Many of these oil paintings are the same in each shop. Occasionally some good quality artwork can be found.

Cigars of course are popular but prices vary. Very good Dominican cigars (torpedo size) can be bought for US$3 per piece if bought directly at the factory and with lots of haggling, add US$1 or US$2 markup for the local vendor to arrive at a realistic price - but you will without doubt be quoted US$10 to US$15 and have to haggle a lot. Only buy cigars at souvenir stores, stands on the beach or from beach vendors if you really know cigars and can tell real ones from fakes. Cuban cigars may be purchased but beware that many of the Cuban name brands also have Dominican manufacture, though the quality is said to rival that of Cuban ones. When buying boxes, always inspect their content before paying or you might end up with cigars made from worm-punctured leaves even when the factory itself has a good name.

Authentic leather goods are not available in any tourist oriented shop or beach shack in Sosua. Imitation leather is the rule of the day. Authentic leather goods are more commonly found in Santo Domingo.

If you head away from the beach to the main road there is a large supermarket where the prices for lots of goods are a lot cheaper, except for fruit which is best bought in dedicated fruit stores.

Eat [ edit ]

Sosua has a lot of restaurants and you can find authentic German food, Italian food, English fare, and of course, if you look for it, traditional Dominican cooking. Many Dominicans can cook food rivaling New York City restaurants on not much more than a hot plate and an open flame. Service time varies in between restaurants and in between different nights. Often the same restaurant will be very slow one night (coincidentally when the boss in not around) and excellent the next.

• Britannia Pub , Pedro Clisante 9 , ☏ +1 809-571-1959 . 8AM-11PM . A great place for a few drinks and a delicious meal. Breakfast is of large portion and don't forget their famous fish and chips. Take heed of the specials which tend to be excellent. They also serve the coldest Presidente in Sosua and have one of the best happy hours in town. Wifi is available. ( updated Apr 2017 )
• El Choco . German food just outside of town on the main road.  
• Josef's Bar and Grill ( behind the Sosua-by-the-Sea Hotel ). Th-Sa 7PM until late . Set amidst perhaps the most impressive setting of any of Sosua's restaurants, this establishment has four tables set on a spit of land with waves crashing literally feet away. The food is prepared creatively with excellent presentation and an interesting mix of flavors. There is a hotel restaurant adjacent to this one, so be sure to make it clear that you want to eat at Josef's, otherwise the menu and vista will be significantly less impressive. One helpful tip: while the setting is romantic and inspiring, on nights when the sea is rough consider avoiding the last table located closest to the water. US$15-40 per person .  
• Morua Mai ( right across from P.J.'s ). Great for fine dining, one of the top 3 restaurants in Sosua.  
• On the Waterfront . An upscale restaurant which has excellent food on a cliff overlooking the bay. The open-air setting is ideal for watching sunsets or romantic evenings. Happy hour is from 5-7PM. US$20-45 per person .  
• P.J.'s . Sosua's version of a diner, large menu with adequate food, but nothing to rave about. 24-hour service is available during the high season.  
• Pica Pollo . The fried chicken at lunch is not to be missed and is quite affordable. Shouldn't cost more than US$4. Best served with fritos (fried bananas - taste like french fries) or arroz y habichuelas (rice and beans).  
• Rocky's . Provides a kind of hostel atmosphere with good food and very affordable prices, if you are unfamiliar with Sosua this is a good place to start. Try the ribs at Rocky's, served beginning at 5PM, and be patient. Enjoy a beer or two and strike up a conversation with a fellow tourist or expatriate while you wait. Rocky's breakfasts are large and satisfying, and every table is appointed with a fresh pot of coffee for you to enjoy. Wifi is available and computers are situated in the restaurant for you to check your email or surf the internet for a very small fee.  
• Tick Tack . Most restaurants open at 8AM, but for those looking for food at an earlier hour this German-run internet cafe has good coffee and an affordable plate of scrambled eggs.  
• Casanova's . Delightful beachfront restaurant with varied menu, excellent service and free wireless internet access.  
• Jolly Roger Bar & Grill , 11 Pedro Clisante . Offers drinks, food, and a lively atmosphere. There is bingo every Tuesday at 2PM, darts on Friday nights, Thieves Market every other Saturday where you can find some great deals, and a guest chef night on Sundays for RD$250. They also have a good happy hour. Wifi is available.  
• Bologna Restaurant . the finest Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Sosua  
• 19.7569 -70.5169 1 El Toro Negro , Caseta #107 Sosua Beach , ☏ +1 809-571-4828 , [email protected] . 10AM to 8:30PM . Authentic Mexican food on the Sosua Beach. Excellent drinks and beautiful surroundings. Full . and Open all day and as late as you want. Dine-in, take out and delivery. US$5 . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 19.7577 -70.5169 2 Big D's BBQ , 109B Sosua Beach , ☏ +1 829-903-3125 . Noon-6PM . Best BBQ around, ribs and chicken that fall off the bone; also featuring excellent sides and the always welcoming Big D himself. If not open at his beach stall he's manning the Victoria House Hotel's Bourbon Street Grill at the end of the beach. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Drink [ edit ]

Presidente and Bohemia, once virtually the sole choice besides rum drinks, are now being challenged by Brahma, another locally brewed beer (of Brazilian origin), and by Quilmes (an Argentinian beer). Several of the bars now stock European and American beers at a premium price. Brugal, the local rum with its company headquarters on the eastern outskirts of Puerto Plata, will be placed in your rum drinks unless you have the savvy to ask for the Barceló (another local rum which is of far superior quality.) Mixed drinks tend to be rum based and cost more than beer but "when in Rome." Many of the restaurants and bars have a happy hour from 4-7PM which is often 2-1 drinks.

On the beach, there is an endless array of restaurants (along with the souvenir shops stuffed with the same goods) which serve drinks and each small swath of beach has a different person who provides concierge service for a modest fee (US$0.30 per drink). As one leaves the beach there are a number of expatriate bars and restaurants clustered towards the end of Pedro Clisante closest to the beach. The Checkpoint Pub is popular during the day. The Brittania restaurant has an excellent Happy Hour. Beside that is "The Jolly Rogers", owned and operated by a pair of Canadians, Patti and Kelly. They offer weekly trivia and bingo, a happy hour, live music, and sports on TV. Rudy's has a weekly karaoke night. There​ is a substantial international community who frequents these establishments which lends a cosmopolitan feel to this end of town.

As one heads away from this expatriate area, Pedro Clisante is dominated by discos and bars which are companionship friendly. This end of town rather than being reminiscent of San Sebastian in Spain harkens to the nightlife of Manila. The Club Classico is the fountainhead of Sosua nightlife with the burgeoning Sosua Life just a few blocks away. Sosua is a friendly Town, prices and ambiance vary greatly within the town.

• Casanova's . Excellent food and beautiful setting as a beach front restaurant. Service is excellent, located in Cabarete beach.  
• Gaudi Tapas Bar , Pedro Clisante #12 . Spanish restaurant serving a wide variety of tapas, drinks and fine food. Located in the Village Square plaza where years ago operated the famous Casablanca bar.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget hotels start at around US$25 per night, while the all-inclusive resorts can range in price up to several hundred dollars per night. Most hotels will agree on a discount when you book for a week (10-20%) or a full month (up to 50%), especially in off-season. Since sex-tourism is a major factor in town, hotels are divided between a strict "no working girls"- and a very liberal policy - ask before booking about their "guest policy" so you can make sure you stay in a place that floats your boat.

Most hotels offer free WiFi, though, if you book after arrival, it makes sense to check connectivity and speeds in the offered room because not all have reliable/fast connections.

Budget [ edit ]

• Rocky's . Both hotel rooms and condos have A/C, but the condos are the best. They're like a small apartment replete with stove/oven, full size refrigerator, cable TV and WiFi. His hotel has WiFi also. Hotel rooms are US$25 per night and condominiums are US$45 per night. .  
• 19.764232 -70.517619 1 Perla de sosua , Detras del Banco Popular, la propiedad # 7 ( Behind the popular bank ), ☏ +1 809-571-2876 , toll-free: +1 800-844-4156 , [email protected] . 8AM to 6PM . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . Perla de Sosua consist of studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom vacation condos, apartments type hotel rooms. Most with cooking facilities or kitchens, Some with full sized living rooms, balconies and separate dining rooms and all have air conditioned bedrooms, safes, ceiling fans. Linen, and cleaning services provided, pool and community terrace on premises, along with free wireless internet access and free telephone calls to the USA and Canada. Hotel rooms start at US$30 per night and US$180 per week. .  
• Casa Alegria Sosua , Calle Holanda / Villas Ana Maria ( between Super Pola and CMC Clinic ), ☏ +1809-805-5231 . Cozy guest house with six rooms in a very quiet location under German management. from 22 € . ( updated Nov 2020 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Casa Cayena . Quiet US$60-80, depending on the season .  
• Hotel El Colibri , Calle Pedro Clisante 141 El Batey , ☏ +1 809 571 1847 , fax : +1 809 571 4115 , [email protected] . Hotel El Colibri is the place to be if you want to enjoy the Dominican lifestyle and if you want to explore the beautiful countryside. El Colibri is well known for the hospitality and personal attention given by its Dutch host/ess and the Dominican staff. One of the few hotels in the town that is still very family friendly. Monique and Steven, the owners, take great care in maintaining the property and ensuring guest comfort. English, Dutch and Spanish are all spoken by staff. US$40-60 depending on the season .  
• New Garden ( formerly Garden Keti ). Among the best of the smaller and more inexpensive hotels. One wing has rooms that include a jacuzzi. For security, there is an armed guard at night. It is walking distance to many bars and nightclubs. US$45-60 .  
• Tropix Hotel , 7 Camino Llibre, El Batey , ☏ +1 809 571-2291 . Check-in: noon , check-out: 1PM . Tropix is super friendly and casual, and a 5-minute walk to the center of town, 10 to the beach, but nicely hidden away in beautiful gardens surrounding a pool. The accommodations are simple, clean and cheerful. It was one of the first hotel/guesthouses in Sosua and has a lot of repeat guests who've been coming for years. Wi-Fi and a great breakfast! US$30-50 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Casa Marina Beach Resort , ☏ +1 809 571-3535 , fax : +1 809 571-3104 , [email protected] . The biggest all-inclusive in town, located next to Playa Alicia. If you search online you can sometimes find deep-discount packages as cheap as US$500-1,000 for a full week.  
• [formerly dead link] Piergiorgio Palace Hotel , ☏ +1 809-571-2626 , fax : +1 809-571-2786 , [email protected] . This large, colonial-style hotel is on a cliff above the water, and offers a massive and impressive lobby, clean and functional rooms, and plenty of secluded cliffside grottos for romantic moments or quiet contemplation. There is a bar and restaurant onsite with friendly and attentive staff, and while the food isn't bad it is pricier than comparable meals in town. A large breakfast buffet is included in the room rate. US$95-125 for standard rooms, suites from US$250 .  
• Sosua Bay Resort , ☏ +1 809 571-4000 , fax : +1 809 571-4545 , [email protected] . Located next to Playa Sosua, this all-inclusive resort offers two lodging options: the more modern Sosua Bay Hotel, and the more colonial Victorian House.  
• Sosua-by-the-Sea . The most inexpensive all-inclusive, with walk-in prices for under $100 per night in the off season.  
• Sosua Villa Rentals ( Golden Treasures ), Batey, Sosua , ☏ +1-829-477-2038 , toll-free: +1-305-677-9615 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . The largest selection of villa rentals in Sosua, ranging from luxury to affordable. ( updated Jul 2015 )

For additional nearby options see Cabarete and Puerto Plata .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Be prepared for the heat. The Dominican Republic is sub-tropical and warm all year.

Prostitution is common in Sosua, so men should expect to be propositioned by women offering "massages" with extra favors. In general these individuals will not be overly aggressive, so if you keep walking and say "No, gracias" there shouldn't be any problems. In bars, men will have lots of women vying for their attention - keep in mind that they are not smiling at you and grabbing at you because they are suddenly in love with you.

Go next [ edit ]

The nearest towns are Puerto Plata to the west and Cabarete to the east. Further eastward it is possible to see Dominican Republic without the expatriate crowd. As you leave the civilization of Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete, European-style restaurants and supermarkets become rare as to other first world conveniences such as the internet cafes which abound on every third corner in Sosua.

If you are looking for a less trammeled vacation experience, drive out to Samana (4 hours) or consider staying in Las Canas , which is 35 minutes to the east but feels like it is a million miles from civilization. Private villa rentals are available with a beach that you can walk on for hours without seeing anybody.

Read section "Get around" above for ways of finding US$10 fare to Puerto Plata airport.

• Cabarete - 10 minutes to the east, this town offers a massive number of resorts and some of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing in the Caribbean.
• Puerto Plata - 15 minutes to the west, this town is the area's largest.
• Santa Barbara de Samana - about 3 hours to the east, famous for whale-watching but in itself a worthwhile destination

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Bus to Santo Domingo from Sosua - Sosua Forum

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We are interested to use Local Transport rather than tour excursions.

Any advice and comments would be appreciated.

First there is Caribe tours which actually leaves from Charimicos (just west of Sosua)

Second is Metro from Sosua (at the Texaco)

Both run very modern coaches with very good AC. In fact bring a light sweater. Metro is a few pesos more (both are less then $9 each way but Metro is a little faster as it has less stops. WE prefer this one. Caribe however has a more frequent schedule and you can leave for SD by 6am on it while Metro first bus i believe is 7:30. Caribe also runs into the night with last bus leaving SD at 7Pm or so and Metro last bus is about 5pm.

It is about a 4.5 hour trip each way so yes you can do it in one day and still have some time to explore. However why not stay overnight?

If you want i can try to find the actual schedules for you

Many thanks for your quick reply.

Do the buses also go to Santiago?

Yes both buses stop in Santiago. Metro actually stops in two differnt locations in Santiago.

Thanks again.

Just another query.

Or do you have to turn up at the Bus Station and buy tickets?

Your advice much appreciated.

Turn up and buy a ticket. Needs to be paid in pesos and i belive it is $270RD Caribe and $290 Metro. Or something very close to that.

"Metro actually stops in two differnt locations in Santiago."

Unless it has changed recently, so does Caribe Tours.

Take a jumper, the aircon was working overtime so it gets cold! I managed very easily without being able to speak Spanish, it's a good way to see some non-tourist country.

Thanks for the details.

Much appreciated.

I think it's the other way around, actually. Caribe Tours makes 2 stops in Santiago and Metro has 1.

Thanks for the extra bit of information.

Often it is better to organise transport on your own rather than tour operator excursions. As you have to keep to their fixed time and route.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Sosua Hotels and Places to Stay

• What Bus Lines operate to/from Sosua/Puerto Plata/Las Terenas/Samana?

• Santo Domingo to Sosua

How to get from Santo Domingo to Sosua

Santo domingo to sosua trip overview.

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Travel Schedule Options from Santo Domingo to Sosua

Taking a bus from santo domingo to sosua.

Fastest bus: 4h

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The fastest: 4h

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POSSIBLE AMENITIES :

Reclining Seats

The fastest: 3h 25m

The cheapest: $201

The cheapest: $189

About the ride from Santo Domingo to Sosua

Santo domingo to sosua route information.

The distance between Santo Domingo and Sosua is 108 miles, or approximately 172 kilometers.

There are 3 ways to get from Santo Domingo to Sosua, including bus,minivan,car .

The earliest departure leaves at 17:00 and has a duration of 3 hours 25 minutes.

The fastest way to travel is by car, which takes approximately 3 hours 25 minutes.

Depending on how you choose to travel, the following amenities are available: .

Santo Domingo to Sosua by bus

• Starting Price: $143
• 13 departures a day, or 91 departures a week

The only travel class available is Standard.

Each bus ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Santo Domingo to Sosua by minivan

• Starting Price: $200
• 86 departures a day, or 602 departures a week

Each minivan ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Santo Domingo to Sosua by car

• Starting Price: $188

Each car ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Companies Operating from Santo Domingo to Sosua

Average time

Average price

$189 - $201

Solanch Transport & Services offers the best shared and private transfer services in the Dominican Republic. They are the number one company in transportation services to the different destinations on the island.

$144 - $269

Jumbo Tours has over 40 years experience in the tourism industry in Europe and Central America. They provide comfortable and safe shared and private transfers in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Cuba.

Popular stations and stops in Santo Domingo and Sosua

Departure stations in santo domingo.

Santo Domingo Las Americas Airport (SDQ)

Arrival stations in Sosua

Sosua - Any hotel

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A Guide on Public Transport from Santo Domingo to Cabarete

Traveling through the Dominican Republic offers a rich tapestry of culture, landscapes, and vibrant experiences. If you’re planning to make your way from the bustling Santo Domingo to the laid-back paradise of Cabarete, navigating the public transportation system can be an adventure in itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to easily make your way to the north of the island.

1. Starting Point: Santo Domingo

Your journey begins in the city center: Head to the Caribe Tours Bus Terminal, located at Av. 27 de Febrero, close to the corner of Leopoldo Navarro. You can easily reach this point finding a driver via the Uber app. You can share your pick up point, destination and pay in advance. Specially useful to use if you have heavy carry on. Caribe tours is one of the hubs for long-distance buses departing for various destinations across the country.

2. Choosing the Right Bus Company

Several bus companies operate services between Santo Domingo and Sosúa, the closest town to Cabarete. Caribe Tours, Metro Bus and Asdotrapusa are among the most reliable and reputable options. However, they have different location points and destinations. To go north, the only one recommended in this case is Caribe tours.Buses typically depart multiple times throughout the day, providing flexibility for your travel plans, but it is useful to call the company itself with the provided number on their Instagram platform or about page, to ensure yourself of schedule, specially on holiday dates. 

3. Ticket Purchase and Boarding

Upon reaching the Caribe Tours Bus Terminal , head to the ticket counter and purchase your ticket to Sosúa. IMPORTANT! There are two ways to get to Sosúa : The express bus or the regular one. The express route will take you almost directly to the north while the regular one will have several stops and a much longer journey to reach the final destination, so make sure to purchase your express bus ticket and ask the driver about route and duration before boarding..  It’s also advisable to buy your ticket in advance, especially during peak travel times. The journey usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, so plan accordingly. Budget for a ticket ranges from 500 to 600 pesos per person, an estimated equivalent of 10 USD, which should be paid in Dominican currency. 

4. Enjoy the Scenic Route

Taking the guagua is usually a steady experience when it comes to departure times and the usual stop for a snack/drink break at a “colmadito” on the way to your destination. The fun reality of this local experience is that every bus is it’s own world when it comes to the people on board: locals from all over, as tourists from different places. The guagua is also famous for playing local music, so be ready to travel to the tunes of the Dominican bachateros, some spicy merengues or salsa. BEWARE – with capital letters with the strength of the air conditioning of the bus! There may be close to 30 degree celsius outside the guagua, but during your ride you could experience a very cold capsule for your whole travel time. It is highly recommended to bring a sweater, protective cozy jacket or even a scarf or if you’re really committed to the comfort… a blanket! Aside from these variables, the best part is that the scenery does not disappoint. The route offers glimpses of local life, picturesque landscapes, and the gradual transition from cityscape to coastal beauty. Get ready for the views!

5. Arrival in Sosúa

Upon arrival in sosúa, you’re just a short distance away from cabarete. sosúa serves as a transportation hub for travelers heading to various destinations in the north coast. from the bus terminal, you can easily find taxis or local guaguas (small buses) that will take you to cabarete. depending on the timeframe, our most recommended is to get on a guagua: usually white small bus with a banner that will read puerto plata – rio san juan. you can always ask the bus if they are heading or passing by cabarete. once you get on the guagua, let the driver know your destination drop off and remind them about it when you are reaching the point: to get to the center you can ask for cabarete center and drop off at the bon ice cream shop, next to the watersport liquid blue kitesurfing and wingfoiling school. if you arrive late at night: in this case it is advised to get on a taxi car, and ask to take you to cabarete for an approximate price of 200 or 300 pesos (prices are higher at night). a cheaper though longer alternative is to get on a taxi and ask to take you to the carrito stop in sosúa. for this ride you would pay aprox 100 or 150 pesos. at the carrito station, you can get on a car with a taxi signal on the roof: these are public cars taken by all citizens that drive around at all hours of the day and night. from carrito stop in sosúa to cabarete center, you should pay around 50 to 75 pesos. note: there are taxi motos called “moto chonchos” always driving around and waiting for potential customers at bus stops, markets and other busy points in town. this is also an easy travel alternative from point to point everywhere in cabarete. however, this choice is less reliable as their prices vary according to their criteria, hours of the day and or night, and can also carry less baggage on board. , 6. final tips for a smooth journey. .

• Timing is Key: Be mindful of the bus schedules and try to plan your journey during daylight hours.
• Comfort Essentials: Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for the bus ride to ensure a comfortable trip.
• Cash is King: Have some Dominican Pesos on hand for bus tickets, taxis, and any unexpected expenses. 

Embarking on this public transport adventure from Santo Domingo to Cabarete allows you to soak in the local culture and witness the diverse landscapes of the Dominican Republic as well as the company of other locals getting from point A to point B, just like yourself. Embrace the journey, and let the anticipation of reaching Cabarete fuel your excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. Safe travels!

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Welcome to Cabarete, North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

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Getting Around

Public transportation.

The Dominican Republic’s public transportation system is surprisingly modern and extensive. Dominicans are constantly on the road–visiting family in the countryside, conducting business, or shuffling to school. Taxis are ubiquitous, Uber is available in three major cities–Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata–and there’s always a form of bus service, big or small, going to any town or city you want to explore. Aside from being the most affordable way to travel, public transportation is a great way to glimpse every day life in the DR, and is guaranteed to be a memorable experience.

Santo Domingo Subway

Metro Santo Domingo  operates two lines, mostly used by residents commuting to work. But there are a couple of stops convenient to sights. Line 1 runs north to south along Máximo Gómez Avenue, from the Villa Mella area all the way to Centro de los Héroes, where Congress, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the Department of Migration, among other government offices, are located. The Casandra Damirón stop on Line 1 lands you directly into  Plaza de la Cultura , home to key museums and the National Theater. Line 2 runs east to west on John F. Kennedy Avenue, passing by Ágora Mall at the Pedro Mir stop, and the Felix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. A roundtrip subway fare costs RD$15 for a rechargeable metro card, plus RD$40 roundtrip, or RD$80 for a day-pass. The subway operates daily from 6am-10:30pm.

Taxis are easily located in major cities and towns­, usually stationed outside major bus stations, or hotel and tourist zones. In the big cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata, your best bet is to call one of the major 24-hour taxi service companies–ask your hotel or a local for the best ones, and to make the call for you. In Santo Domingo, for instance,  Apolo Taxi  is popular, as is Aero Taxi. When calling, ask the taxi phone operator to confirm the color of the car, and the estimated wait time. You should also ask for confirmation of the fare to your destination –rates within cities are set by the taxi association.

Uber & Cabify

The popular ridesharing app service UBER launched in the Dominican Republic in 2015, and is now operating in three major cities: Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. Cabify also operates in Santo Domingo. These apps are as safe to use in the DR as in any other destination. More visitors are resorting to them because of the language barrier–no need to speak to a taxi operator on the phone. The cars are also usually in better condition, with working seatbelts and air-conditioning, in addition to reduced fares when there is no heavy traffic.

Long Distance Local Travel

Interurban coach bus service.

One of the major perks of the DR is the convenient, affordable large coach bus services connecting the major regions in the country. There are three reliable companies providing daily service to major hubs, in modern, air-conditioned buses with Wi-Fi and movies.  Metro Tours  buses connect Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Sosúa, La Romana/Casa de Campo, and there are daily departures to Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  Caribe Tours  serves Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Sosúa –with more frequent daily departures–Barahona, Cabrera, Jarabacoa, La Vega, Montecristi, Samaná, and other towns in the Dominican Republic, as well as Haiti.  Expreso Bávaro  is the only major bus service connecting Santo Domingo and Bávaro every day, ideal for Punta Cana travelers.

Bus fares range between RD$200-RD$500 one-way. Make sure to arrive at least one hour prior to departure to ensure seating space, and bring a solid jacket or scarf with you on board, as these buses tend to keep the air-conditioning at its lowest point.

Low-cost Minivan Bus Service or Guaguas

Smaller, privately-owned and operated minivan buses called  guaguas  travel scheduled routes daily, taking travelers within a city, or long-distance to small and large destinations around the Dominican Republic.

The long-distance  guaguas  are just as comfortable as the large coach buses, seating no more than 20-25 passengers, each with a dedicated seat and offering Wi-Fi connection. Look out for the ones labeled “ Expreso ” to your destination–they don’t stop along the road to pick up passengers, unlike the regular ones, which shortens your trip.

In-City Transportation

Minivan buses.

The inner-city  guaguas  tend to be white vans, stopping to pick up or drop off anyone along the designated route as many times as it takes, and are the slowest form of getting around. Passengers are crammed in, and space appears magically just when you think there isn’t any left. It’s also the cheapest way to travel within a city or town limits. Be sure to carry small change for the fare, as these vans don’t carry much cash–you could be stuck paying more otherwise. Each  guagua  has a driver, and a conductor who calls out for passengers along the road, handles collecting fares, and hollers out requested stops to the driver. Inform the conductor of your destination as soon as you board, and prepare to pay right away or as soon as requested.

Motorbike Taxis Or Motoconchos

Motorbike taxis are popular among locals in the big cities like Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata, and even Jarabacoa, because they are the cheapest and fastest way to get past traffic. But this is also the most dangerous way to travel, particularly in cities or areas of heavy traffic. Many motorbike taxis don’t provide helmets, though they are legally required to do so. Riding a slow bike taxi in the mountain towns of Jarabacoa and Constanza, however, is a great way to take in the spectacular scenery. The official motorbike taxis usually wear a vest of neon color, but note that it is not always the case. Ask for the  motoconcho  hub in your town, or get a referral from your guesthouse. Fares range from RD$25 to RD$75 in-city, depending on the distance.

Shared Taxis or Conchos

Also known as  carrito – conchos, carritos,  or just  conchos , these four-door sedans are shared taxis, similar to the in-city  guaguas  because they travel specific routes and stop anywhere on the route as requested by passengers. You can find them in the big cities, as well as in towns and villages. They are a slightly more comfortable method than the  guagua,  but passengers are also crammed in at the back and the front. Fares range from RD$25-50 depending on the distance–significantly cheaper than a private taxi fare, which start at RD$150.

The Dominican Republic is well served by vast, modern highways connecting its major cities and coastlines, and linking the most popular tourist destinations. In good condition, they reveal the country’s glorious scenery­, particularly along the highways from Santo Domingo to the Samaná Peninsula or Jarabacoa, and along the coast of Puerto Plata.

Familiarize yourself with these five major highways–particularly if you plan on renting a car and exploring the country’s multiple regions. Expect tolls, depending on your origin and destination–inquire at your guesthouse before launching your trip. For instance, the highway from Santo Domingo to Boca Chica bears a single tollbooth, while there are four from Santo Domingo to Bávaro.  Toll fees  vary, ranging from RD$60 to RD$100 per booth. Carry small change in Dominican pesos. Dollars are accepted, but any applicable change will be in the local currency.

Route 1: Autopista Duarte – Santo Domingo to Santiago:  The Duarte Highway is a divided four-lane highway linking the north and south of the Dominican Republic. It’s a two-hour scenic drive from the capital up to the second largest city of Santiago, also leading towards Jarabacoa and La Vega.

Route 3: Autopista Las Am é ricas:  This highway links Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport with the city of Santo Domingo going west, or to the beach town of Boca Chica going east. It eventually meets with the Autopista Coral towards La Romana.

Route 3: Autopista Oscar de la Renta:  This highway, also known as  Autopista del Coral , links Santo Domingo with the Punta Cana resort area, bypassing Higüey, in less than three hours, and reaches La Romana in less than one hour.

Route 5: Carretera de Puerto Plata:  This two-lane highway runs along the North Coast in one of the most colorful, quaint drives in the country. It goes past fishing villages, beaches, distant verdant hills, and every day  campo  life.

Route 7: Santo Domingo to Samaná Highway:  Route 7 links Santo Domingo with the northeastern Samaná Peninsula. The views on Route 7 are unparalleled, with dense coconut tree-punctuated hills from a coconut oil plantation, towering over a bright blue sea. An additional option is to reach Las Terrenas via the  Boulevard Tur í stico del Atlántico or Route 133 , worth the additional US$11 in toll fees for its breathtaking, winding coastal views, and a panoramic lookout stop over the Bay of Cosón.

Car Rentals

All the major car rental companies are present in the Dominican Republic, located at international airports, as well as in-city. For the best rates, book online ahead of time on travel sites.

Renting a car is useful if you’re staying in one particular region–such as Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samaná, or Barahona–to better explore the long coastline. In-city rentals are also available; stick to well-known brands or ask your hotel for referrals. Pick a four-wheel drive for added safety, and make sure you have a good country roadmap on hand. Investing in a reputable travel guidebook is a solid investment as well, and learning a few key Spanish phrases.

To be eligible to rent a vehicle, you must:

• Be 25 years of age; and
• Bring a valid drivers’ license from your home country.

Go for full insurance coverage, including the  Casa del Conductor  option, which ensures you are not immediately sent to jail in case of a serious accident injuring another party. Cars are often rented with a full tank, and must be returned as such.

Domestic Flights

Getting around the DR by charter flight is a possibility to quickly reach the various regions.  The domestic airports  listed below are used for charters or for limited scheduled flights between the DR’s major tourist hubs: Santo Domingo, Samaná, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Barahona. Charter flight companies include  Air Century ,  SAP Group ,  TAS Jet , and  Aerolíneas Mas .

La Isabela International Airport (JBQ )­–also known as Aeropuerto Higüero–services domestic commercial and charter flights, including daily departures to Haiti and Cuba.

Arroyo Barril International Airport (MDAB) , located in Samaná, services domestic flights coming from Punta Cana.

María Montez International Airport (BRX)  sits right outside the city of Barahona, and serves primarily domestic flights.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)  services domestic charter flights, aside from international ones.

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Information on Sosúa

Sosúa is one of the most popular coastal towns in the dominican republic, and is located 15 km to the east of puerto plata, which is the main town in the province of puerto plata on the country's north coast. sosúa lies around a large bay and consists of two suburbs, el batey and los charamicos, which are located at each end of playa sosúa (the beach). this delightful 1km long beach is also one of the main attractions in sosúa. el batey lies on the eastern side of the bay, and contains the main tourist area, with its many hotels, bar, restaurants, diving schools, shops etc..

Playa Sosúa

Here you'll enjoy coffee or drinks at the many pavement-side café areas during the daytime, or stroll to the many restaurants, bars and discos during the evening. From El Batey you can walk along the beach - a wonderful clean sandy beach with many opportunities for water sports. Immediately behind the beach there is a long line of souvenir shops, restaurants and bars for you to choose from. Los Charamicos lies on the western side of the bay, and is where most Dominicans live who work in the tourist area of El Batey. This is still an authentic Dominican residential area, with many small shops, as well as typical restaurants and bars.

How do you get to sosúa, most tourists fly to puerto plata (gregorio luperón) airport. from here it's only a 10-minute drive to sosúa. if you fly to the capital, santo domingo (las americas), then it will take you around 4-5 hours to travel to sosúa by taxi or bus..

Airport Puerto Plata Gregorio Luperón (POP)

However, if you fly to Santiago (Cibao), then the bus/taxi journey will only be around 90 minutes to Sosúa. Caribe Tours and Metro Tours run scheduled bus services between Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and Sosúa.

And once you're in sosúa.

Motoconcho's

In sosúa almost everything is within walking distance - from the wide variety of shops in the town centre to the beach. you'll find 'moto-conchos' (motorbike taxis) at almost every street corner, who will be happy to transport you around town for a reasonable price. however, you should always agree the price first if you wish to travel further afield, there are plenty of taxis, public transport buses or hire cars. it's no problem to hire a car and drive yourself everywhere, as long as you remember that dominican drivers don't always obey all the traffic rules., where can i stay, most tourists book a hotel via their travel agents, but there are usually plenty of hotel rooms available, in all price categories., food and drink, if you prefer not to take the 'all-inclusive' option, there are plenty of good restaurants to choose from - at all price levels. many restaurants offer varied international menus. bars and pubs can be found all around town..

Restaurant in Sosúa

Change money

Generally you'll need to pay for things in the national currency - the peso - although hotel rooms are often priced in us dollars or european euro. the easiest and cheapest way to obtain pesos is to use your debit card to take cash out of the atm machines. there are several atm machines at the banks in sosúa, and their screens offer a choice of language (english or spanish). of course you can also bring dollars or euro in cash and exchange these for pesos. there are plenty of 'legal' money changers standing around on street corners (yelling 'change'), who all promise you the best exchange rate. be careful, what is there to do here, you'll certainly not be bored in sosúa, because there is so much to do. there are plenty of opportunities for water sports, generally offered by companies located on or around the beach. there are also a number of tour operators offering all kinds of day trips and excursions. of course sosúa also has a terrific nightlife, with its many bars, discos and casino..

Playa Sosúa

Arrival and departure puerto plata.

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• Getting around Dominican Republic: Transportation Tips

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The Dominican Republic’s bus companies provide an excellent, inexpensive service over much of the country. Lines at the stations move quickly, there’s plenty of room for luggage on the vehicles and – aside from the quality of the movies screened on cross-country rides – trips are relatively pleasant and hassle-free. Even more extensive and cheap is the informal network of guaguas, ranging from fairly decent minibuses to battered vans, that cover every inch of the DR; in most cases, you should be prepared for some discomfort – and you’ll have a hard time fitting in much luggage, as every square inch of space is packed with passengers. Within towns there’s usually a reliable formal 24-hour taxi service that you can call for pick-up as well, though they typically cost a bit more. Rates are typically set but there’s no meter; only rarely will anyone try to rip you off but it’s still good to set a price before you start.

Guaguas, públicos and motoconchos

Car rental affords a freedom you’ll greatly appreciate after a few days going from town to town on the guaguas, but the cost is generally high, due to petrol prices, import duties and high accident rates. Domestic airlines , on the other hand, are a reasonably economical option if you’re not exploring much beyond the main centres. Finally, a number of tour operators in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and the all-inclusive resorts organize individual itineraries and packages with transport included.

Santo Domingo and Santiago are the major hubs for bus travel and some companies do little more than shuttle between the two. You generally have to buy your ticket the day you travel, though Caribe Tours allows you to reserve online, provided you confirm two hours before departure. Caribe Tours ( t 221-4422, w www.caribetours.com.do ) boasts by far the most extensive network of bus lines – with connections to the Cibao, the Samaná Peninsula, the Barahona region, the entire Silver Coast and even Port-au-Prince, Haiti – while Metro ( t 566-7126, w www.metroserviciosturisticos.com ) can get you from the capital to the Cibao, Puerto Plata and the Samaná Peninsula. Both of these companies have comprehensive brochures available in their stations, listing destinations and departure times.

In addition to these two, you’ll find several regional bus companies that cover one particular part of the country, though vehicles and drivers tend to vary more in quality; negotiating the regional connections is detailed throughout the guide. Unless it’s a public holiday, you won’t need advance reservations , but you should arrive at least an hour before the bus leaves to be sure of getting a seat.

The bus companies strive to stay in competition with guaguas and so fares are extremely cheap. Even a cross-country trip from Santo Domingo to Sosúa will set you back no more than RD$350, while shorter trips fall in the RD$150 range. Make sure that the date and time are correct on your ticket; even if the mistake isn’t yours, you cannot normally change your ticket or get a refund. All Dominican buses have toilets in the back and on trips of more than two hours, a rest stop will be taken at a roadside restaurant or service station.

The Dominican Republic’s informal system of guaguas , an unregulated nationwide network of private operators, is a distinctive experience that you should try at least once. An instant bond of familiarity is formed as passengers – mostly locals – are crammed four and five to a seat in these half-wrecked vans that often seem held together with little more than packing tape and a strategically placed bit of rope: Amway salespeople pester fellow passengers, Pentecostals proselytize to heathens, a bottle of rum is passed around and – on night runs when the guaguas are less crowded – somebody pulls out a guitar and everyone breaks into song. Aside from the local colour they provide, they’re worth using for the cheap fares and comprehensive coverage to all parts of the country. Guaguas are operated by teams of two, the driver and the cobrador , who sticks his head out of the sliding side door (assuming it hasn’t been torn off) and drums up business. If you want to catch one, just stand by the side of the road and wave your arms at one as it passes.

You’ll find a higher volume of guagua traffic in the morning, but there’s a limited overnight service as well. Guaguas are incredibly cheap; in the southeast and other parts of the country not serviced by Caribe Tours and Metro, they’re your best option for public transport. That said, most guaguas are a bit cramped and you shouldn’t expect to hear much, if any, English spoken. Often the destination will be emblazoned on the side, but always ask before you hop aboard.

For longer trips, you’ll often have to change guaguas at major towns, but even the longest leg of the trip will cost no more than RD$100; more often, you’ll be paying RD$50–60. Be aware, though, that attempted rip-offs of tourists are not unheard of. You should ask around and find out how much a given guagua ride costs before flagging one down. Don’t ask the driver or you may be quoted a rate ten times higher than the norm; instead, clamber into the vehicle and hand over your money immediately without saying a word. If the cobrador won’t take the money, get out and wait for the next. Keep a careful eye on the road as you go; you’ll have to shout for the driver to pull over when you want to get out: even if you ask them to alert you at your stop, they sometimes forget.

Though vans are the most prevalent type of guagua, there are other manifestations as well, such as pick-up trucks; routes leading from Santo Domingo to the southeast and the Barahona region are often served by far more comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses.

Along the Silver Coast, the vans are augmented by private cars called públicos , which charge around RD$40–50 and only go to the next nearest town and wait to fill up before heading off. Públicos also make up part of the city transport system in Santo Domingo and dominate it in Santiago. City routes rarely cost more than RD$20, though you’ll have to put up with blaring music and some daredevil driving manoeuvres. In Puerto Plata and other, smaller, towns, city transport is instead in the form of motoconchos , inexpensive, small-engine motorbikes that ferry you from place to place; they’re faster than the públicos but can be dangerous.

Car rental is expensive in the DR, though you can cut your costs a bit – and avoid a lot of hassle – by booking in advance with one of the international operators listed on; Dollar and National are generally the best value and both offer decent 4WDs. Recognized international firms, along with reputable Dominican agency Nelly, are preferable as they’re no more expensive, have branches at the airport and are far less likely to rip you off; if you don’t have a credit card, though, you’ll be stuck with the local companies, who accept passports in lieu of a security deposit. Take extra care in documenting any pre-existing damage to the car at the outset.

Rates start at around US$60 per day, with unlimited mileage but no discount for longer rental periods; you should also get full collision insurance. Even with collision, though, you’re contractually responsible for any damage up to RD$25,000. You should therefore take special care to note all dents, scratches and missing parts before signing off; nor should you sign the contract if a total price, including all hidden charges, taxes and fees, is not filled out. Anticipate high petrol costs, which float around RD$200 per gallon. Most petrol stations close around 8pm – and there are none whatsoever in the most remote regions – so keep a careful eye on your tank. If all else fails, look for one of the many roadside tables that sell individual litres of petrol for around RD$100.

Rental firms here charge exorbitant rates for repairs ; if your car is dented you’re far better off going to one of the local mechanics, who will charge at most RD$300 (as opposed to as much as RD$25,000). Because of the poor quality of many roads, flat tyres are a common occurrence; fortunately, every town has at least one gomero , independent tyre shops that work miracles for as little as RD$50.

Car rental is the most convenient travel option if you’re going from town to town across the island, but driving through the congested, unregulated streets of Dominican cities is often more trouble than it’s worth. If you want to explore the beautiful coastal and mountain back-roads – which give access to the DR’s finest scenery – you’re best off renting a good four-wheel-drive , which costs from US$100 per day. Rental firms may try to entice you into choosing the cheaper Suzukis, which are the same price as standard cars, but these aren’t really intended for rough mountain travel and after the first bone-wrenching hour along a Dominican dirt road, you’ll curse yourself for not spending more.

Motorcycles can also be rented at many local firms, for around US$40 per day. Be warned, though: motorbike thefts are extremely common, especially in resort areas, so you’ll have to keep it locked up when you’re not riding it. A motorcycle helmet law was enacted several years ago, but it’s rarely adhered to and laughable local attempts to comply generally utilize baseball batting helmets or plastic toy American football gear intended for children. That doesn’t mean that you should follow suit; insist that a proper helmet comes with your bike.

Dominicans drive on the right-hand side of the road , often at a breakneck pace. You’ll have to keep a careful eye out along the highways, as large commercial buses and cargo trucks constantly veer into the opposite lane to pass slower vehicles. An array of signals using the car horns and lights are used by local motorists, though most of the time their meaning is obscure; a driver about to pass you will often blink the headlights, while one coming towards you doing this is signalling that he or she is in your lane.

You’ll also find a bewildering variety of obstacles in your path, including turtle-paced ice-cream trucks, motoconchos with comical cargoes of piled chicken coops or construction equipment (which the driver holds down with one arm) and children running back and forth along the freeway. As you approach towns, watch out for the nasty speed bumps , originally intended to prevent accidents but now used by local police to slow passing cars enough that RD$5 bribes can be exacted from them.

Bribe-taking is the primary concern of law enforcement officers posted along the roads, who don’t have enough money for police cars; if they don’t actually jump out in front of your car, you should do as the Dominicans do and drive past them without slowing down. Otherwise, pretend to speak no Spanish and keep repeating the word “tourist” and they’ll usually let you go.

Top image: Dominican Republic. The beach musician plays the drum © aleksandr paraev/Shutterstock

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• Thread starter MisterDom
• Start date Feb 4, 2023
• Transportation

Caribe tours full schedule

• Feb 4, 2023

Years ago I came across a pdf of the full caribe tours schedule with routes and times. Does such a schedule still exist? I know I can check the times from the website but it's a big pain to work out what routes are available  

NanSanPedro

Nickel with tin plating.

I have never seen a pdf. I don't find the website difficult and if you need any help just holler.  

If you're travelling from Sosua, don't trust the website for departure times. They leave earlier because of the broken bridge in Cangrejo. I've never had a problem leaving from Santo Domingo. Not sure about other departure locations being inaccurate.  

Welcome To Wonderland

Horarios de salida - caribe tours.

Seamonkey said: If you're travelling from Sosua, don't trust the website for departure times. They leave earlier because of the broken bridge in Cangrejo. I've never had a problem leaving from Santo Domingo. Not sure about other departure locations being inaccurate. Click to expand...

• Feb 26, 2023

Thanks all. The biggest challenge I was having was figuring out which locations I could leave from to get to a specific city since the website requires a starting point (which 98% of the time is exactly what you need). We ended up working out a plan that worked for us  

Well-known member

The schedule in Sosua is handwritten on a paper on the wall. It was every hour for the slow bus and every half hour for the fast one until 5:00pm. I went for my residency last month on Metro and had a better experience. Sosua-SD return. The driver was much more cautious and they didn’t make all kinds of stops- which Caribe will do. I’ve been on the “fast” bus and they’ll do drop offs all through Pedro Brand, Imbert, Montellano, you name it. The slow Caribe stops in Puerto Plata, Santiago, and La Vega. Plus all along the way. Once the fast Caribe bus was 4.5 hours but can often be over 5. The Metro schedule is less frequent but although I’ve gone with Caribe dozens of times, it will be Metro for me from now on. No stops, except one in Santiago and one in Puerto Plata.  

When I first arrived in the D.R., it was in the Bavaro area. At that time it was Metro, Metro, Metro and nothing but Metro. So much so that, over time, the locals would refer to any large passenger bus as a "Metro". lol. Branding 101. The service they provided was entirely geared toward the business of ferrying tourists from here, there and everywhere. Eventually they began, in spite of objections from, and difficulties with the local guagua and taxi sindicatos, to offer service to Santo Domingo. I'm a Metro gal all the way. True blue. Call me branded.  

There is no Metro now in Bavaro. To the Capital there is Bavaro Express leaving from the Parada in Fruisa.......  

Auryn said: The schedule in Sosua is handwritten on a paper on the wall. It was every hour for the slow bus and every half hour for the fast one until 5:00pm. I went for my residency last month on Metro and had a better experience. Sosua-SD return. The driver was much more cautious and they didn’t make all kinds of stops- which Caribe will do. I’ve been on the “fast” bus and they’ll do drop offs all through Pedro Brand, Imbert, Montellano, you name it. The slow Caribe stops in Puerto Plata, Santiago, and La Vega. Plus all along the way. Once the fast Caribe bus was 4.5 hours but can often be over 5. The Metro schedule is less frequent but although I’ve gone with Caribe dozens of times, it will be Metro for me from now on. No stops, except one in Santiago and one in Puerto Plata. Click to expand...

Metro lays over Caribe Tours.............  

NanSanPedro said: I've never taken them but am open. Do you have their website? Click to expand...

Also, Nan will know this, but I should add that most places not served or underserved by Caribe or Metro will have their own connecting guagua systems. If you have been through Parque Enriquillo you will have seen their garages. San Pedro is Astrapu. La Romana has Asomiro. They usually won’t have a website but sometimes Facebook or Instagram and most run frequent routes.  

Auryn said: I assume you meant Metro, but here are both. I don’t know if Caribe follows theirs or not. They do have more options. https://www.metroserviciosturisticos.com/ https://caribetours.com.do/horarios-de-salida/ Click to expand...

• Feb 27, 2023

SKY said: There is no Metro now in Bavaro. To the Capital there is Bavaro Express leaving from the Parada in Fruisa....... Click to expand...