Dominican Republic - Yachting Essentials

Yachting Essentials for the Dominican Republic

Electricity

Voltage: 110 V

Frequency: 60 Hz

Water

You can buy potable water in 5-gallon jugs very inexpensively; there is a deposit on the jug. However, when you return it to get more water, you pay only for the water by exchanging the jug.

Fuel

Fuel docks at Boca Chica,  Casa de Campo,  Cofresi,  Punta Cana and Samana.  Also fuel by can at Las Salinas and Luperon.

LPG / Bottled Gas

You can easily find propane refill stations throughout the DR. Propane is very reasonably priced in the DR because the government subsidizes it. It is universally used to cook. You can bring your tank and have it filled. Or you can find someone with a motorbike who can do it for you for a small tip.

Repair Facilities

The best facilities are to the east of the capital, Santo Domingo, at Boca Chica and further east at Casa de Campo.- where the IBC Shipyard has a 300-ton travel lift for vessels up to 165’ LOA and catamarans with a 36’ beam. Maritima del Atlántico at Ocean World Marina in Cofresi, Puerto Plata, DR will be able to lift out catamarans by June 2024 with a 30 ton travel lift with 27.5ft beam over and above their existing 70 ton monohull travel lift.

Outside of the large industrial centers, repair facilities for yachts are virtually non-existent although minor repairs can be dealt with by ordinary workshops. Consult each port page (using the Explore/anchor icon) for a full directory of services available.

The average cost for day workers doing cosmetic work is between US$50-100 per day, depending on whether the worker is Dominican or Haitian. Whilst this price appears very attractive, cruisers should be aware that the standard of workmanship tends to match the price and many are not entirely satisfied with the results.

Note: It is illegal to hire the services of a non-DR citizen for any work on your boat. Being a member of a local sailing association and handing out a list does not allow them to work legally in the DR. Should you hire a resident, then they must give you proof of residency and proof of a DR registered company.

Spares/Chandlery

If you have need of something in the way of parts or something beyond the range of normal daily provisioning, Santo Domingo is where you need to go. There are chandleries mainly for sports fishing boats in Boca Chica and Puerto Plata. Marinas can assist with bringing in parts by air or sea and of course have experienced staff to handle all repairs whereas the town anchorages do not have many certified technicians. Specialty items for sailboats are not readily available and need to be imported, probably from the United States.

Speak to various transport couriers as products such as liquids, paints etc. are not allowed, but many are manufactured locally such as DR’s strong anti-fouling at very good rates. Be sure whatever product you use is used appropriately. If a product is banned in other countries and used on your hull, you may face issues in boatyards in the future.

There is “Duty Free” for vessels in transit for items shipped in on large boat parts (i.e. engines, sail drives, gearboxes, spars, sails etc.) and on board items which are part of the vessel/have always been in place. Said items need to be declared “in transit” for vessel “x” of country flag/registry and current port. A customs port official will escort the items direct to the vessel for a fee. This is probably not cost effective on small items. Speak to your marina/boatyard manager who can advise you.

When bringing in smaller items by air via a transport company with a Miami address, cruisers should open an account with their passport. Customs maximum value prior to customs charges is USD199/invoice then over that, import duty is added at various rates. Contact Denise Simpson for assistance.

Navigation Hazards

Beware of floating fishing line in shallower water off the coast of the DR.

Storms/Hurricanes

In threatening off-shore hurricane conditions (80NM away), many boats choose to stay on the water in Ocean World Marina in Puerto Plata. Expect to be moored spider-webbed-style, very securely by the staff. With large seas hauling out is an option, particularly if expected from the North or North East. There is a max. 19ft beam at the Ocean World boatyard where they have stands, cradles and use big sands bags and concrete blocks for tie downs. Boats can also can run up to Luperón to the mangrove area, similar to Samana and Puerto Rico’s Salinas areas. You’ll need lots of bug spray, have extra long dock lines plus spare anchors. The marinas all around DR arrange a free Despachó for boats who want to go to the mangroves.

[info. provided by Denise Simpson, cruiser based in the DR]

Cruiser Contacts

See Cruiser Contacts in the Clearance Agent Section for helpful contacts and advice in the DR.