Doing what I love to do: Photo Me In.
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The Dominican Republic is often overlooked and even nay-nayed by Cruisers as a possible Adventurin' destination.
Mostly over reports of ridiculousness trying to clear with C&I, rampant requests for bribes, corrupt officials, the need for despacho's with every single boat displacement. And you know what? Cruisers just want to be free !!
On our way South four years ago, we had two back-to-back cold fronts that allowed us to downwind sail from the Bahamas to Puerto Rico, in three successive ~220 nm jumps apiece. Back then we stayed two nights in Ocean Marina for the worst of the blow, and then we were off again, so really didn't get a chance, or make much of a chance, to explore.
This time we are planning to spend more than 2 nights here, unless the weather changes (wink wink). Our point of entry: Samanà.
We'd done lots of research before coming here, trying to determine just what is what. One thing we knew for sure was that it would be easier if we went straight into a marina. And that we would need a despacho for entrance/exit to every port of call.
We read that "
The ship's papers, passports and clearance certificate from your last port must be presented... A new law started the 1 of July that will make arrival and departure easier, less expensive and nicer."
Reading Active Captain reviews someone indicated that it was hard to hail the marina. What follows is the actual exchange, just as it happened.
"Puerto Bahia Marina, Puerto Bahia Marina, this is Sailing Vessel Banyan, on one six"
A waiting period of about two minutes, and then we tried again.
"Puerto Bahia Marina, Puerto Bahia Marina, this is Sailing Vessel Banyan, on one six"
A crackling and some squelching and then we heard.
"...Puerto... Marina... si"
"Yes good day Sir. This is Sailing Vessel Banyan.
"Yes"
"Do you have a working channel we can move to"
"This channel works perfect".
I think their English is just fine.
Given the calm conditions, and with many extra hands to offer assistance if needed, it was an extremely easy process to back into our slip, the hardest part getting our starboard line over the mooring post, what with me being short and all.
"Lady, Lady..." asked the tallest of the Marina Staff, making a motion that he would do it. I motioned him onboard, and sure enough, one lasso hoop and it was done. Le Sigh. A baseball player I was not born to be.
Once the lines were secure, the "muchas gracias" exchanged, everyone seemingly disappeared and the peaceful calmness that reigns here returned.
With our yellow Q-Flag flying, our immediate next step was to check in, and with Best Shirt Forward, the Capt'n headed to their Office, conveniently located in the the Hotel Complex.
The Immigration officer copied our Passport information into her log, handed us the stamped document, and we paid a fee of $94, apparently a compilation of several different fees, but who knows? There is not one agreement anywhere for a standardized list of rates. The Immigration Lady spoke not one word of English, nor did she try much, for an Official.
Both the Coast Guard (Marina Guerra) and the Drug (Intelligence) Officers followed Dave back to the boat, and in broken English welcomed us to the Dominican Republic.
When asked about our intentions, we told him we were staying in the marina for a few days, and might want to visit the Hiatises National Park. We were to inform him the day before we wanted to go, and he could perhaps, maybe, arrange a one-night visit.
"One Night?" we looked at each other, aghast. But now was not the time, we blinked understandingly at each other.
He did, in broken English, inform us that there was no charges to any of this. He insinuated that some people in some places charge dollars for this service, but that is wrong. He, here, does not ask for money. Same goes for despacho's, they do not officially cost anything, so we should never have to pay for one, anywhere.
However, if we felt we wanted to give him something, a little bit for his efforts, we could. (Note: we didn't, but are considering, when we leave, to offer him a little something extra).
He said that usually boats get inspected by the Drug/ Intelligence Officer, sitting beside him and easily identifiable as such by the red sneakers, black jeans, and red and white T-Shirt, more interested in his phone than us. Who quickly dismissed us with a imperceptible shake of his head, replied "No Necesito"
They left, and we felt rather, bemused and confused at the process, but glad it went well. Such a prolific presence that amounted to... not much.
When Dave had checked us into the Marina, Gavi had mentioned that he would give us a tour, so we locked up the boat and walked over to get our bearings.
I did what I love to do best, venture forth with camera in hand.
There are a few restaurants on site. The Compass Lounge bar in the Reception Area of the Hotel, the Cafe del Mar (with its own infinity pool staring out at the bay), La Regata which is right next to the mini-market on site (don't get your hopes up, it's rather small, but has some goodies), laundry facilities (apparently), a lounge area (complete with pool table and comfy chairs), and as we climbed the stairs to the second level.
"And oh look Dave..." I exclaimed as my nostrils inhaled the aroma of massage oils, "A Spa..."
We kept on walking. Past the Gym. And the Showers. The upstairs Infinity Pool and Lounge Area,
right next to the Le Deauville restaurant and coffee bar, open for breakfast only.
Our previous marina stop in Palmas del Mar had us working non-stop for a week: just a-,scrubbin' and a-washin' and a-provisionin' and a-waxin' and a-cleanin' and a-organizin'. Was this the... Ultimate Reward?
The Marina is surrounded by countless coconut trees all around us, on gorgeously landscaped grounds (as is typical with Resort-like settings).
and look, even a Rainbow!!
A lovely afternoon in the infinity pool that overlooks the "Largest Bay" in the Caribbean.
"Can I have a Presidente" asked Dave?
"Si, Excellente" replied the kind waiter, attentive to our every needs.
Cold enough?
We swam and lounged and watched the sun go down,
and behind us, the Cafe del Mar all lit up.
Prices are American style. The beer $2.50 and my Caipirinha $6.50, the server quiet but always and ever attentive to refill, everything quite spectacular in a perfect resort type of way,
from the Setting of the Sun, to the starlings which sang and flitted about the palm trees, all ensconced by the Feng-Shui'd music quietly enveloping us as we melted into the landscape.
And when the final rays of sun disappeared,
We felt the rush of peacefulness that Relaxin' brings.