General Info

[Bobsthrobbinknob]

Thank you very much gentleman for all the advice you provided. I decide to stay in Sosua at the New Garden from June 14 through the 21. BB is hooked up with a dive shop that provides transportation but they pick you up at 8:00am to meet a boat in Sosua. I decided to deal with the logistics of staying in Sosua to avoid the daily commute. Also if the diving sucks Sosua provides more recreational options. I just hope this 50ish, solo, non Spanish speaking hobbyist can negotiate the services I enjoy for a realistic price from quality ladies. I will post a full report on how I made out when I return.

A 50ish, solo, non Spanish speaking hobbyist can have the best time of all, just smile and say "hola" and they will take it from there.

I can't wait to hear how it goes.

[John from NJ]

I am planning a late June trip to the DR and having a hard time deciding whether to stay at Black Beards or the New Garden.

Thank you very much gentleman for all the advice you provided. I decide to stay in Sosua at the New Garden from June 14 through the 21. BB is hooked up with a dive shop that provides transportation but they pick you up at 8:00am to meet a boat in Sosua. I decided to deal with the logistics of staying in Sosua to avoid the daily commute. Also if the diving sucks Sosua provides more recreational options. I just hope this 50ish, solo, non Spanish speaking hobbyist can negotiate the services I enjoy for a realistic price from quality ladies. I will post a full report on how I made out when I return.

[Arainmain]

It is not passable, you will have to spend some 10 h to get trhough just go to SD (35 min after bani) and before entenring town, get the santiago highway

Latelly in Bani I saw SWG, just at the entry after the brigde, that is new.

This is such an active forum, i hoped i could ask my question and get a pretty good answer: I'm a resident of Haiti and want to drive across and up to Sosua area. West of Santo Domingo, @ 1.5 hours, highway 41 goes up north from Bani/Los Carreras, going through San Jose de Occoa--maps suggests it hooks up with Hghway 1, and think that's the main route up from Santo Domingo. I WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD ADVISE ME WHETHER THIS ROAD IS PASSABLE AND OKAY TO TAKE, or that otherwise i have to keep driving east towards SD and, in what looks like to be a very complicated way, hook up with 1A from there and keep driving north...Incidentally, if anyone wants to take this trip with me from Port au Prince, leaving @ May 15th, please let me know.

[Terry U]

This is such an active forum, i hoped i could ask my question and get a pretty good answer: I'm a resident of Haiti and want to drive across and up to Sosua area. West of Santo Domingo, @ 1.5 hours, highway 41 goes up north from Bani/Los Carreras, going through San Jose de Occoa--maps suggests it hooks up with Hghway 1, and think that's the main route up from Santo Domingo. I WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD ADVISE ME WHETHER THIS ROAD IS PASSABLE AND OKAY TO TAKE, or that otherwise i have to keep driving east towards SD and, in what looks like to be a very complicated way, hook up with 1A from there and keep driving north...Incidentally, if anyone wants to take this trip with me from Port au Prince, leaving @ May 15th, please let me know.

Where are you crossing from in Haiti? It would be easier if you could cross at Dajabon or any other northern crossings. But if you can't, then I would suggest travelling to the Capital and picking up Route 1 and take it north to Santiago, past Bonao and La Vega. You'll pass the airport and eventually see the Monument in front of you. Don't get on the upper level of the Autopista. Stay right to the bottom level and then you'll make a right on Estrella Sadhala. Take that street all the way up until you'll see a large roundabout and swing left towards navarette(Route 1). You'll pass Las Vegas night club on your right and eventually arrive to another huge roundabout intersection. Make a right(Route 5) don't go straight towards Navarette and you'll be heading towards Puerto Plata in about 45 minutes and eventually Sosua.

This is not the fastest route, but the easier and more direct, unless you want to save time and be adventurous, you can either take Route 21(Moca Route) after La Vega to Sabaneta de Yasica, hook a left and head towards Cabarete or in Santiago from Sadhala, make a right on Bartolome Colon to the Autopista Touristica, which will drop you at Montellano, hook a right and in 20 minutes bam, you're in Sosua.

Safe Travels

[Dub624]

"Arguing on the internet is like running at the special olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded."

I like that. Can I use it?

[Global Nomadrr]

This is such an active forum, i hoped i could ask my question and get a pretty good answer: I'm a resident of Haiti and want to drive across and up to Sosua area. West of Santo Domingo, @ 1.5 hours, highway 41 goes up north from Bani/Los Carreras, going through San Jose de Occoa--maps suggests it hooks up with Hghway 1, and think that's the main route up from Santo Domingo. I WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE IF SOMEONE COULD ADVISE ME WHETHER THIS ROAD IS PASSABLE AND OKAY TO TAKE, or that otherwise i have to keep driving east towards SD and, in what looks like to be a very complicated way, hook up with 1A from there and keep driving north...Incidentally, if anyone wants to take this trip with me from Port au Prince, leaving @ May 15th, please let me know.

[Manizales911]

Don't want to confuse you further, John, but consider also Field of Dreams as an option. More laidback than living in Sosúa, tranquil rather than "overwhelming and stressful", but on the other hand within easy reach of Sosúa and Puerto Plata by public transport for a few pesos, not "isolated" like Barba Negra and at the mercy of the Costambar taxi cartel. Under the new management it is getting good reviews.

At any one of these three locations you will have a great time and lack of Spanish will not be a handicap. Worth learning a few basic words and phrases (especially counting and prices) though to smooth your way.

Pooter,

I want some of what you are smoking,your words about BB's being "isolated" vs. FOD could not be further from the truth. FOD is on the main highway but is in the middle of absolute nowhere and you have to take a taxi to go anywhere and I mean ANYWHERE!! On the other hand at BB's you can walk to the beach,walk to bars,restaurants,markets,pharmacies, whatever you need is within walking distance. And all the taxista's in the DR are thieving bastards,the difference is you don't need them at BB's whereas if you want to buy a lousy bottle of soda you have to hire a taxi if you stay at FOD.

[Jaosousa]

I

My vision of the ideal vacation day is spending the morning diving,

This link works, then click Puerto Plata. http://www.gooddive.com/dominican-republic-diving/

[Charles Pooter]

I am planning a late June trip to the DR and having a hard time deciding whether to stay at Black Beards or the New Garden ... this is my first trip to the DR. I’ll be traveling alone and speak no Spanish.

I like Black Beards’ business model ... I’m afraid that it would get old after a few of days. Also there does not appear to be much else to do in the area.

On the other hand the New Garden is in the middle of a town with restaurants, shops, bars and other available activities ... The logistics of Sosua may be too overwhelming and stressful.

Any comments/suggestions that would persuade me one way or the other would be appreciated.

Don't want to confuse you further, John, but consider also Field of Dreams as an option. More laidback than living in Sosúa, tranquil rather than "overwhelming and stressful", but on the other hand within easy reach of Sosúa and Puerto Plata by public transport for a few pesos, not "isolated" like Barba Negra and at the mercy of the Costambar taxi cartel. Under the new management it is getting good reviews.

At any one of these three locations you will have a great time and lack of Spanish will not be a handicap. Worth learning a few basic words and phrases (especially counting and prices) though to smooth your way.

[TeamHorny]

I have gone to BB's twice already July 08 and Dec 08, I had a great time both times. I met other guys at BB's that were cool guys. The language was not a problem for me I speak a little spanish. The new mamasan at BB's Rosalba speaks English and the other guys that are there would probaly help you out. I am also going to DR in July I am going to do two days at the New Garden and Five Days at BB's. I think BB's is a safe place for a new guy with no spanish skills. You could always stay at both New Garden and BB's. The mongers in Sosua (New Garden)
would also help you out.

Take care

Carlos

[Jaosousa]

I am planning a late June trip to the DR and having a hard time deciding whether to stay at Black Beards or the New Garden. I went to Curacao last year and had a great time but this is my first trip to the DR. I’ll be traveling alone and speak no Spanish.

I like Black Beards’ business model. The concept of having available ladies on site at a fix price appeals to me. I would not have to find the ladies, negotiate a price or worry about getting ripped off. Everything needed would be available at the resort. Since the ladies are regulars even the available services would be known. But that is also the problem. I’m afraid that it would get old after a few of days. Also there does not appear to be much else to do in the area.

On the other hand the New Garden is in the middle of a town with restaurants, shops, bars and other available activities. Also the best scuba diving is near Sosua which is important to me. The problem is I not sure how successful I would be in obtain quality and affordable ladies. The logistics of Sosua may be too overwhelming and stressful.

My vision of the ideal vacation day is spending the morning diving, the afternoon relaxing, then after a nice dinner and a few drinks spending time with an agreeable lady. I don’t see myself staying out partying until the wee hours of the morning but you never know. If the diving sucks that's what I may end up doing. Any comments/suggestions that would persuade me one way or the other would be appreciated.

How many nights will you go for? (You could split your time between Blackbeards and Sosua) Appears there are some good dive centers based in Playa Dorada complex, which is maybe 30 minutes from Blackbeards. http://www.gooddive.com/dominican-re...ta-diving. Htm

Sosua has at least two well established dive centers, one at the beginning of the beach and the other on the main street, about 200 feet from Classicos. (There are others in Sosua). If you stay in Sosua, you can walk to the dive centers.

Not knowing any Spanish will make things a little difficult. There are plenty of people around who can help you with some basic translation. Learn a few basic words, Cuanto? (how much? ) Cuanto pesos? Cuanto horas? (How many hours)

If you scuba dive everyday, you will be tired (carrying the equipment, bumpy boat ride).

Most times it is very easy to find a chica in Sosua. If you stay at New Garden, the bars are within a two to three block radius. All you have to do is go and sit in a bar, order your favorite beverage and watch the chicas walk by. In the evenings more chicas hang out in the bars. Some Sosua chicas are aggressive and they will approach you. There is also La Passions massage in Sosua which is a controlled environment with set prices, where you can get your rocks off.

I do not know Blackbeards in person. I am not sure how the diving scene is in Costambar. The dive center near Classicos is, I believe run by dutch guys and I believe they speak English.

[Bee 362]

I am planning a late June trip to the DR and having a hard time deciding whether to stay at Black Beards or the New Garden. I went to Curacao last year and had a great time but this is my first trip to the DR. I’ll be traveling alone and speak no Spanish.

I like Black Beards’ business model. The concept of having available ladies on site at a fix price appeals to me. I would not have to find the ladies, negotiate a price or worry about getting ripped off. Everything needed would be available at the resort. Since the ladies are regulars even the available services would be known. But that is also the problem. I’m afraid that it would get old after a few of days. Also there does not appear to be much else to do in the area.

On the other hand the New Garden is in the middle of a town with restaurants, shops, bars and other available activities. Also the best scuba diving is near Sosua which is important to me. The problem is I not sure how successful I would be in obtain quality and affordable ladies. The logistics of Sosua may be too overwhelming and stressful.

My vision of the ideal vacation day is spending the morning diving, the afternoon relaxing, then after a nice dinner and a few drinks spending time with an agreeable lady. I don’t see myself staying out partying until the wee hours of the morning but you never know. If the diving sucks that's what I may end up doing. Any comments/suggestions that would persuade me one way or the other would be appreciated.

Why don't you call Blackbeards and ask about their diving contact information. Call the diving company then ask all the questions you need regarding the terms etc. Make sure you ask about locations as taxi fares could make it prohibitive. If you have to take a taxi to Sosua or Caberete from Costambar it will cost quite a bit. I know there is diving outside of Puerta Plata, but not being a diver I can't vouch one way or another.

In saying that, after your morning dive you would go back to the resort, refect on your dive and relax. Clean up, have a few drinks, dinner and enjoy the chicas on your terms. This would be the most stress free way in my estimation for a first timer. So, taking it slow for your first visit would be my advise. But you are correct that Blackbeards is somewhat isolated with very little to do.

Sosua offers more with regards to activity. If the better diving is to be had there then it would be more cost effective to stay in Sosua based on taxi expenses alone. Again, Google the Sosua diving scene and ask the appropriate questions. In Sosua you are on your own with no one to hold your hand. Personally I've never had an issue and enjoy the main drag, shops, the wonderful beach and the overall scene more then the confinement of Blackbeards. Chicas are everywhere and it's easy to score. Just backpeddle thru some reports and you will do fine.

My 2 cents.

Either way

[John from NJ]

I am planning a late June trip to the DR and having a hard time deciding whether to stay at Black Beards or the New Garden. I went to Curacao last year and had a great time but this is my first trip to the DR. I’ll be traveling alone and speak no Spanish.

I like Black Beards’ business model. The concept of having available ladies on site at a fix price appeals to me. I would not have to find the ladies, negotiate a price or worry about getting ripped off. Everything needed would be available at the resort. Since the ladies are regulars even the available services would be known. But that is also the problem. I’m afraid that it would get old after a few of days. Also there does not appear to be much else to do in the area.

On the other hand the New Garden is in the middle of a town with restaurants, shops, bars and other available activities. Also the best scuba diving is near Sosua which is important to me. The problem is I not sure how successful I would be in obtain quality and affordable ladies. The logistics of Sosua may be too overwhelming and stressful.

My vision of the ideal vacation day is spending the morning diving, the afternoon relaxing, then after a nice dinner and a few drinks spending time with an agreeable lady. I don’t see myself staying out partying until the wee hours of the morning but you never know. If the diving sucks that's what I may end up doing. Any comments/suggestions that would persuade me one way or the other would be appreciated.

[Bkgee]

Car show 2009 in Sosúa

From Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April car enthusiasts can visit the car show, held in the car park of the Banco Popular in Sosúa. The latest models will be displayed and motoring fans can eat their hearts out. There is also good news for bargain-hunters, because most models will be sold at reduced prices. Anyone wanting to buy a car, but not having enough cash on hand, can always apply to the Banco Popular for a loan. Bank staff will be ready to give you all the necessary information.

[Bkgee]

Now they have GPS!

Dominican Republic now also with GPS system

www.ola.com.do