Dominican Republic - Security

Overall Crime and Safety:

The biggest crime threats to tourists in the DR are of a non-violent nature, principally petty crimes like purse snatching and theft of expensive electronics. As with other Caribbean nations, don't walk around ashore wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large quantities of cash, and take care to avoid certain neighborhoods after dark.

Maritime Issues:

The south coast of DR suffers with Colombian drug runners trying to get past the Navy/Armada to get drugs to the USA and Puerto Rico. Fortunately DR and PR are working hand in hand to combat this and Armada ships patrol and control DR sea borders.

Based on reports to Noonsite from cruisers, petty theft from yachts is on the rise in the Caribbean in general. Thieves are getting bolder and swimming out to yachts on moorings or at anchor, even boarding boats inside guarded marinas.

Luperon (on the north coast, popular with yachts in transit and as a hurricane hole) suffered in the past with a high crime-rate against yachts. The situation did improve considerably during 2019 with the active liveaboard community working hard with local officials to try and combat any crime. Unfortunately thefts are continuing and cruising yachts visiting here should leave someone on board when going ashore at night to keep the boat safe.

As with everywhere in the Caribbean, take basic safety precautions and use common sense when leaving the boat or going ashore at night and whilst asleep (i.e. secure the boat). If leaving your boat for any length of time, research carefully and only appoint a recommended caretaker for your boat. Dinghy thieves operate throughout the Caribbean and the best advice is to place your dinghy on deck and chain it overnight. Lock it or lose it.

Be prepared not to expect Western standards when it comes to crime and officialdom.

The Caribbean Safety and Security Net provide information by anchorage or by the island. If you experience a boarding, robbery or attack on your yacht or have information about a yachting-related security incident, go to the CSSN homepage and click on the “Report an Incident” icon.

Reported Incidents:

• Luperon 2023:  Dinghy Engine Stolen from Yacht
• Bayahibe 2022:  Anchor Disappears from Yacht
• Boca Chica 2022:  Yacht Burgled in Marina
• Boca Chica 2022:  Armed Robbery and Assault

Useful Links:

• Related security reports for the DR
• General Emergency Numbers

Useful local news sites for updates on security and the Haiti situation