In Boca Chica, unlike Punta Cana, there are no huge fashionable and expensive hotels that can offer you (for a lot of your money) a luxurious vacation and a variety of entertainment. But this does not mean at all that, having arrived in Boca Chica, you have found yourself in a remote province, where you are doomed to a quiet, sleepy and boring holiday. There are many very good hotels, entertainment on the beach and in the city is not a problem, and Santo Domingo is very close.
Boca Chica is a treasure trove of entertainment, conveniently located near Santo Domingo International Airport. This Dominican Republic resort is rightfully proud of its beautiful beaches and shallow lagoon protected by a coral reef. This is one of the places that will definitely be recommended to you if you decide to relax in the Dominican Republic. But first things first.
How does Boca Chica differ from other resorts in the Dominican Republic?
First of all, because the resort town of Boca Chica is conveniently located, close to the airport and the capital Santo Domingo. The proximity of the capital provides plenty of entertainment for active recreation.
In addition, upon arriving at Boca Chica airport, you can swim in the sea in just half an hour. That is why this place is so loved by families with small children.
However, the city is gradually changing. From a purely resort place, it is slowly turning into a kind of satellite city of Santo Domingo. For example, quite a lot of students studying at the capital’s university live here. Therefore, Boca Chica can no longer be called a purely resort town.
One of the big advantages of Boca Chica compared to other resorts in the Dominican Republic is its relatively budget prices. Compared to a holiday, for example, in Punta Cana, a holiday here will cost you less. But this does not mean at all that everything will be Spartan, very modest. Now we will try to tell you about other pleasant aspects of a local holiday.
What can we say about the beach in Boca Chica?
Boca Chica is the busiest beach on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a lagoon protected by a coral reef, the depth of which does not exceed one and a half meters, and covered with white and fine sand, like flour. And the weather here is always wonderful. Therefore, this Dominican Republic resort is especially attractive for families with children.
So, the biggest attraction in Boca Chica is the beach. It is surrounded by a coral reef, strewn with the purest sand and flows into the turquoise sea - what could be more beautiful for true beach lovers?
Its fine white sand and calm blue waters are protected from the waves by a coral reef. The slope of the beach into the sea is very gentle - you can wander waist-deep in water about a hundred meters from the shore, and under your feet in crystal clear water you will see nothing but soft and clean sand.
This is an ideal beach for small children because there are no waves, very shallow and very easy entry into the water.
The beach itself is located in a small bay, which is often called the largest natural pool in the Caribbean. The sea is very shallow and very calm and not at all like in other resorts in the Dominican Republic. It is impossible to judge all the beaches of the Dominican Republic by the local beach. This is the calmest beach in the country (in the sense of no waves).
Water activities are at your service; you can rent a jet ski or catamaran.
Given the proximity of the capital, Boca Chica beach is crowded on Sundays, when city residents literally travel half an hour from home to the beach, then returning home at dusk.
The rest of the week, sand and sun are for tourists.
The beach is quite crowded even on weekdays. The reason is the already mentioned proximity to the capital, the vibrant nightlife of the resort, as well as the availability of hotels, restaurants and cafes for almost any budget. However, on weekdays it is quite easy to find a free place for beach games and entertainment.
Boca Chica Beach can also be called a "shopping beach" because vendors constantly roam the beach offering food and souvenirs, or sell them in shops on the main street that runs parallel to the beach.
But experienced tourists in their reviews do not recommend shopping in Boca Chica, since the prices here are “resort”, and therefore very high. You can buy a hat or T-shirt in Santo Domingo for about 3 times cheaper, and it’s only a 30-minute drive! A bottle of local rum “Brugal Anejo” will cost you 10 dollars, but in the capital you can buy it for only 3!
Sometimes trading can be called very intrusive. People are just really trying to get a few of your tourist dollars. Frequent offers of sex may also be a problem.
What other interesting things can you see in Boca Chica?
If you're looking to explore the area a bit and are tired of the busy beach, you'll find some wild and unspoilt spots at Playa Caribe - Embassy Beach. It's about ten minutes east of Boca Chica, a small horseshoe-shaped bay with a small beach. However, on Saturday and Sunday it is also crowded with local youth.
There is more to see in the area around Boca Chica.
Between the shore and the reef there are two small islands, one called La Matica and the other Los Pinos. Both islands are very popular among tourists who love Robinsonade and discovery. The island of La Matica is famous for its mangrove tree, which grows almost in the very center; the tree has a name - La Matica. It was in honor of this tree that the island got its name. On the island you can see herons that have chosen this place, as well as other birds. Los Pinos is the second islet, located opposite Boca Chica beach, a little west of the islet of La Matica. There is, however, nothing on it except bushes and trees, as well as a sandy beach.
Further east are the cities of Guayacanes and Juan Dolio. The idyllic fishing village of Guayacanes offers you the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the “real” Dominican Republic and relax on a very beautiful beach. Guayacanes has a beautiful beach with palm trees lining the water, which is quiet and fairly deserted every day except Sunday. It is great for leisurely romantic walks early in the morning or at sunset. This place is located just a few kilometers from Juan Dolio, another famous resort area.
San Pedro de Macoris is a bustling town located about 30 kilometers from Boca Chica. Not everyone can call it a tourist attraction, since it is famous mainly for its large sugar factory.
If you want to expand your knowledge of other places and cultures, you can visit the museums in Boca Chica. There are two small museums in this city, but tourists are mainly interested in the Museo De Lary Mar, which is located almost in the very center of the city.
La Caleta Underwater Park is a popular nature reserve located about 10 km southwest of the center of Boca Chica. Two ships were sunk here to become home to a variety of marine life and a magnet for divers. This is a common practice in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas.
As for Juan Dolio, which is very close, we recommend reading it and then deciding where it’s better to go.
We can also offer you. Each of the resorts has its own flavor, so make your choice yourself.
Boca Chica also has very good transport links to Santo Domingo.
Great shopping, dining and nightlife are available just 30 minutes' drive west to Santo Domingo. Buses that ply the highway will take you directly to the city's old colonial zone, where you can admire the Spanish colonial architecture. Or just go shopping.
Movement.
Most hotels in Boca Chica are located some distance from the coastline. However, this does not become an obstacle to a beach holiday, given, frankly speaking, the frivolous distances in Boca Chica. But most of the restaurants are located on the embankment near the beach, so if you get hungry, go to the sea.
The center of local activity is the main square of Boca Chica; it is small and of little value to tourists.
Along the entire main street there are shops lined up in a row, full of not only souvenirs, but also jewelry, cigars, some clothes, food and drinks, and others. The tourist part of the city offers accommodation and entertainment for any budget. Dominicans themselves prefer to relax in Boca Chica hotels, so you will see many locals here.
The three largest hotels have taxi stands, but in other hotels you can easily call a taxi by phone. You can also find out travel rates at the hotel. In the city itself you can catch a motorcycle taxi. For an economical trip to neighboring cities, you can simply get off the Las Americas Highway and wait a little for a public bus.
Sights of Boca Chica.
The main attraction in Boca Chica is the beach. Therefore, each hotel offers a wide range of beach activities and water sports to keep you entertained.
You won't find any high cultural establishments here - there are no theatres, galleries or cinema houses. Large hotels have their own evening shows and discos, and there are many public discos throughout the city. The Oasis Hamaca has a casino that is open to everyone. Admission is free and a welcome drink is provided.
Most holidaymakers in Boca Chica spend their time either on the beach or going on excursions to see the rest of the country.
Excursions.
But lovers of excursions and history buffs will quickly get bored. There are no historical sites, theaters, galleries, or cinemas here. But there are a lot of excellent hotels. Therefore, such a vacation is most suitable for those who decide to relax in the Dominican Republic, almost without leaving the hotel and without leaving the beach.
The hotel will definitely offer you jeep excursions, a trip to Santo Domingo (for a full day or half a day), a night tour of Santo Domingo (two hours' drive), horseback riding, rafting in Jarabacoa (two and a half hours' drive).
Many hotels offer cycling tours every morning, accompanied by a guide who will show you the local attractions.
Nutrition.
Everything is very simple here - if the food offered by the hotel is not enough, then most cafes and restaurants are located along the beach. So you won’t have to look for them for long.
Along the embankment there are plenty of mini-restaurants where local chefs will surprise you with fresh seasonal fish with a mixture of seasonings of salt, garlic and oregano. There is a side dish for the fish, but it is different everywhere. The Longanica sausages are worthy of attention - with a full side dish or in the American style, in a bun. Dominicans also often serve Italian or Spanish dishes with local products (they call them by their local name, of course).
A couple of good restaurants in this region:
— Boca Marina: Calle Duarte No. 12ª. Telephone: 809 523-6702
— Neptuno's Club: Calle Duarte No. 12. Telephone: 809 523-4703
— El Pelicano: Hotel Hamaca. Telephone: 809 523-6500
— Da Nancy Trattoria: Calle Abraham Núñez 52. Telephone: 809 523-9399
— El Tula: Calle 20 de Diciembre 1. Telephone: 809 523-6055
Nightlife of Boca Chica.
Good news for nightlife lovers - the parties here are not limited to Latin or salsa - the clubs play pop, house and even reggae. And although various events are held inside the hotels every night, it’s worth going to the city at least once.
There are several discos that offer a combination of dance pop, house music, and, of course, salsa and merengue. Couples and families usually stay in large all-inclusive hotels that have their own discos and night shows.
The best disco is considered to be “The Disco” at the Oasis Hamaca Beach Hotel on Calle Duarte. It's quite safe here in the evening. Sometimes the music is live, more often it is a soundtrack. Admission is free for hotel residents. Guests of any other hotel must purchase a night pass for RD$700. This pass entitles you to a sumptuous lunch and unlimited liquor or beer throughout the evening.
Those who come alone or do not have a partner mostly stay in small hotels, where they usually only serve breakfast, and spend the evening in city discos and bars.
The center of nightlife is Calle Duarte, where there are most cafes, restaurants, bars and discos.
They won't be bored - No wonder Baca Chica is considered one of the main centers of sex tourism in the Dominican Republic.
The shopping street we have already mentioned in the evening becomes a pedestrian zone, cafes and restaurants put out tables and chairs, music plays, the atmosphere is very pleasant.
Many people would like to enjoy a walk on the beach at night, but only on the part of it that is safe. This is the strip east of the Don Juan Beach Resort. Robberies on the other half of the beach are common, especially for those going for moonlight walks.
Well, besides, most of the beach at night is practically given over to the sex trade, so you are unlikely to be able to have a quiet romantic walk here.
But with all this, Boca Chica cannot be called a truly noisy and party town. It is a small town, after all, and its main street is only a few blocks long.
Diving and snorkeling.
You can snorkel here completely independently, almost everywhere, by buying or renting a mask and fins at the hotel. But diving is offered mainly by large hotels operating on an all-inclusive basis.
They offer beginner pool and dive lessons in the crystal clear waters of the south coast. PADI certification courses are also available.
Wreck diving (Hickory and El Limon) is popular. Many divers choose to fly to Catalina Island for excellent diving with incredible visibility (up to 60 meters) among coral reefs and tropical fish. Nearby there are two small islands - La Matica and Los Pinos, where there is also excellent diving.
The hotels also offer sea fishing on a boat.
Shopping.
Shopping in Boca Chica mainly takes place on the main shopping street, which runs parallel to the beach. It's only about 5 or 6 blocks, but these shops have everything you need to take home souvenirs of your trip: rum, cigars, art, crafts, etc.
Here you can also buy such necessary little things as sunscreen, spray or sandals. Prices here will be lower than in hotel stores. Most stores accept pesos, US dollars, traveler's checks or credit cards. There is an ATM at the far end of the shopping area. Another ATM is located directly opposite the Hamaca Hotel, and the third is in Hotetur Dominican Bay.
Well, you can do shopping right on the beach. Goods are usually delivered to you by friendly local traders, usually simply in bags. True, some large chain hotels do not allow trading on their beaches. Prices are usually somewhat high, so bargaining is a must.
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There is an ideal place on earth with beautiful beaches with soft and clean sand. Undoubtedly, this is the resort of Boca Chica in the Dominican Republic, located in the south of the country near the capital Santo Domingo and washed by the waters
This Dominican town is considered a favorite destination for both tourists and local residents. Here you can have a wonderful vacation with your whole family, relax with friends, or retire to this piece of paradise with your significant other. Any tourist who comes here is guaranteed to be able to find a suitable activity for themselves.
Description
The first hotels in the Boca Chica resort (Dominican Republic) were built back in the twenties of the last century. They looked like residences intended for the summer holidays of the local elite. Thanks to its clear waters, soft sand on white beaches and its close location to the capital, this town has become one of the most visited resorts in this state.
The main advantage that the Dominican Republic (Boca Chica) has is a natural barrier of coral, which is about five hundred meters long. It is thanks to this topography that the beach area of this resort is considered the largest natural lagoon on the Caribbean coast and is completely protected from waves.
Today, the Dominican Republic (Boca Chica) is a lively place with numerous hotels and hotels. Convenient location and proximity to Las Americas International Airport makes this resort very attractive for tourist travel.
Beach holiday
The Dominican Republic (Boca Chica) has a coastline that stretches for three kilometers and consists of several beaches, the peculiarity of which is fine and grainy sand, reminiscent of flour. The most popular beach areas among tourists are: Playa Andres, La Matica, Los Pinos and the central beach.
Some vacationers prefer to sunbathe on a separate small island. To get to it, you just need to walk through shallow water.
The local beaches are the real pride of this Dominican resort. There are no deep waters here, and the shore is clean and comfortable. Therefore, the Caribbean lagoon is very popular among families with children. Its maximum depth barely reaches one and a half meters.
Hotel and hotel complexes
(Boca Chica) are mostly located on the coast and many have their own pier. These are three-star and four-star hotels with excellent service and excellent living conditions. Almost all of them operate on an all-inclusive basis. Some complexes are located at a distance from the coast, but given the small area of the resort, one cannot say that these are any serious distances.
One hotel was even built near the water. Tourists vacationing there can enter the water directly from its territory and dine in the evenings to the sounds of the waves, creating a romantic atmosphere. The name of the hotel fully corresponds to the atmosphere prevailing there.
Tourists traveling independently can rent a private apartment at the resort. But such a vacation will be a little more expensive, since the cost of air tickets is included in tourist packages at a lower price, therefore, it is not profitable for a “savage” to vacation.
What can you do?
The Dominican Republic (Boca Chica) can please its tourists with a variety of outdoor activities. Fans of scuba diving can explore the underwater world of this resort, where there are many coral reefs. Their inhabitants are various exotic representatives of marine fauna, striking even experienced divers with their beauty.
Despite the fact that the shallow lagoon is famous for its peaceful and relaxing holiday, fans of windsurfing and amateurs will undoubtedly find entertainment here. You can also play tennis or ride horses.
Tourists who come here in April can take part in the annual fishing competitions, organized by the founders of the local water club.
While relaxing in the Boca Chica resort, it is simply impossible not to try culinary masterpieces from local chefs. There are a huge number of restaurants, cafes and bars here that want to treat tourists to unsurpassed dishes of their national cuisine. In particular, food prepared from the inhabitants of local waters has an amazing taste. Those who prefer spicier foods should try pineapple with ground black pepper, rum and chili.
Where to go on an excursion?
This resort is famous for its boat trips on yachts or boats. In close proximity to its beaches there are two small islands - Los Pinhos and La Matica. The first is interesting for tourists for its beaches. It became completely uninhabited after a hurricane hit it and destroyed all the businesses located here. When going there on an excursion, it is better to stock up on comfortable shoes with thick soles and mosquito repellents so that you can explore the dense thickets of this island.
On the territory of La Matica there grows a magnificent mango tree, which gave the name to this island. Tourists who decide to visit this paradise will get acquainted with many exotic birds, and the most surprising thing is that no vehicle is needed for an excursion to this island. You can get there on foot along the shallow lagoon.
The Boca Chica resort in the Dominican Republic has gained popularity among Russian tourists only in recent years. Due to the crisis in Russia and the associated increase in prices for trips to the Dominican Republic, tour operators were forced to look for options that could be offered to tourists with a small budget. Inexpensive hotels in Boca Chica turned out to be the right option. Today, tourists who cannot afford big expenses go on vacation to the Boca Chica resort area in the Dominican Republic. However, Boca Chica attracts tourists not only with its cheap hotels, and you will learn about all the advantages of the resort from this article.
What a sea in Boca Chica
As you know, the Dominican Republic is washed from the north by the Atlantic Ocean, and from the south by the Caribbean Sea. Tourists often ask the question about what kind of sea or ocean is in Boca Chica. Since this resort is located in the south of the Dominican Republic, it is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Is it good or bad? It seems to us that, from a psychological point of view, most tourists would like to relax on the ocean shore, and not on the seashore. However, the Caribbean Sea in the Dominican Republic has two advantages. Firstly, it is warmer than the Atlantic Ocean (not by much, but warmer), and, secondly, the waters of the Caribbean Sea are calmer than the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Boca Chica on the map of the Dominican Republic
Where is Boca Chica? It’s not difficult to find the Boca Chica resort on a map of the Dominican Republic, but, of course, you won’t find it on a world map. Situated about 30 km east of Santo Domingo, the resort is a very popular destination among locals who come here in large numbers for the weekend. Foreign tourists also often visit this resort, as there are several good hotels here.
You're probably wondering how long it takes to get from Punta Cana Airport to Boca Chica? The distance between Punta Cana Airport and Boca Chica resort is approximately 155 km, and you can cover this distance in about 2 hours. Usually, this much time is spent on a transfer from Punta Cana to Boca Chica, if there are no stops at hotels in La Romana.
Distance from Boca Chica to:
Punta Cana – 155 km
La Romana – 75 km
Juan Dolio – 25 km
Santo Domingo – 30 km
Boca Chica Bay is protected from strong waves by a coral reef, so the water here is always calm. For this reason, it received the nickname "The Largest Bathtub in the World." This is a very safe place for children, and this is not only due to the absence of high waves, but also to the gentle entrance to the sea.
The city of Boca Chica will appeal to people who like noise, especially at night. The city center has a variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, concentrated around the main street, Calle Duarte, which attracts many locals and tourists.
History of Boca Chica
Today, Boca Chica for locals is a city beach near Santo Domingo, where they relax on weekends, but previously Boca Chica had a completely different status. Until the 40s, Boca Chica was a small fishing village, but everything changed when the dictator Trujillo built his dacha here in the 40s. In the 50s and 60s, many wealthy families also built their summer houses in this place, and in the 70s, Boca Chica finally transformed from a small fishing village into a resort town, the popularity of which became so high that a bus service was created between Santo Domingo and this city.
At the beginning of this century, Boca Chica attracted few foreign tourists, and the reason for this was the high crime rate. However, in recent years the situation has changed greatly; police officers began to be constantly on duty in the city. Today, many tourists, without any fear, come in the evening to the central street of Caye Duarte, where they relax in restaurants, bars and clubs along with local residents.
The main beach of Boca Chica turns into one big open-air party on weekends with dancing to the sounds of Caribbean music. The beach is lined with beach bars and restaurants, and hard-nosed vendors sell everything from fruit and drinks to cigars and jewelry. These merchants can be annoying at times, but saying “no dinero” (“no money”) is a quick way to get rid of them.
Weather in Boca Chica
The famous resort in the south of the Dominican Republic offers good weather throughout the year. However, it should be remembered that the Dominican Republic is located in the hurricane belt, so storms and even hurricanes are possible in Boca Chica from June to October. In most cases, strong hurricanes that pass through the Caribbean islands bypass the Dominican Republic, but cyclones come to this country every now and then, bringing with them heavy rainfall. However, if you decide to go on vacation to the Dominican Republic for 10 or more nights, you can be sure that the weather will be good for most of your vacation.
Below are the average figures that characterize the weather in the Dominican Republic by month:
In January - daytime 28.4 °C, precipitation 47 mm
In February - daytime 28.5 °C, precipitation 52 mm
In March - daytime 28.9 °C, precipitation 32 mm
In April - daytime 29.6 °C, precipitation 63 mm
In May - 29.9 °C, precipitation 77 mm
In June - 30.8 °C, precipitation 79 mm
In July - 30.9 °C, precipitation 112 mm
In August - 30.7 °C, precipitation 189 mm
In September - 31.1 °C, precipitation 93 mm
In October - 30.6 °C, precipitation 84 mm
In November - 29.5 °C, precipitation 73 mm
In December - 28.7 °C, precipitation 52 mm
Attractions of Boca Chica
It is not surprising that a city with a short history has almost no attractions. However, not far from the famous resort there are several very beautiful places that are especially recommended for lovers of nature and a relaxing holiday. Tourists can always quickly travel from Boca Chica to the city of Santo Domingo, which is literally strewn with attractions. Below is a short summary of the main attractions in the Boca Chica area.
La Matica is a small island off the coast of the Dominican Republic where you can watch a variety of birds. From here you can take a catamaran trip to the small island of Los Pinos, which has nothing but bushes and trees.
The idyllic fishing village of Guayacanes offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the “real” Dominican Republic and relax on a fabulous beach. This place is located just a few kilometers from Juan Dolio, another famous resort area.
San Pedro de Macoris - Located about 30 kilometers from Boca Chica, the bustling town is famous for its large sugar factory with tall chimneys.
If you want to expand your knowledge of other places and cultures, you can visit the museums in Boca Chica. There are two small museums in this city, but tourists are mainly interested in the Museo De Lary Mar, which is located almost in the very center of the city.
La Caleta Underwater Park is a popular nature reserve located about 10 km southwest of the center of Boca Chica. Two ships were scuttled here, and the purpose of the sinking was to promote the spread of marine life.
Boca Chica Beach
Boca Chica Beach is divided into three parts. To the west is Playa Andres Beach. This is followed by the widest part of Boca Chica Beach, where you can find many restaurants and bars. The narrower part of the beach begins behind the pier. Here you will also find several cafes and shops.
Between the resort of Boca Chica and the village of Guayacanes there is a small bay with Playa Caribe beach, which has deep waters and often strong waves.
Boca Chica Beach is definitely one of the best beaches on the south coast of the Dominican Republic. The coral reef near the shore forms a natural breakwater that protects it from the high waves of the Caribbean Sea. This makes Boca Chica Beach a popular spot for families whose children can swim safely in the shallow water. Fans of active recreation will not be bored on this beach, as there is the opportunity to rent kayaks, catamarans and jet skis. There are even several diving schools in Boca Chica.
The color of the sand on Boca Chica Beach varies from light yellow to white. The beach itself is generally quite flat and good for jogging. Its width ranges from 40 to 100 meters. On any day of the week except Sunday you can always find a place to play here, but on Sundays it is so crowded that it is difficult to find a free place at all. It is clear that you will not see such crowds of people in the beach areas of hotels.
Boca Chica Beach is truly unique. It is located in a bay 1.5 km long and approximately 400 meters wide (at this distance there is a coral reef in the form of a huge semicircle). In fact, Boca Chica Bay is a huge pool of sea water, the depth of which is only 90-120 cm. The water in the bay is crystal clear thanks to continuous natural filtration and constant recharge from a series of natural underwater springs.
Shops in Boca Chica
While vacationing in Boca Chica, do not forget that you are in the tourist center of the Dominican Republic. This means that prices in stores here will be quite high. So, for example, for a hat that you can buy in Santo Domingo for $5, in Boca Chica they may ask you for $15! Brugal Añejo rum costs about $10 in Boca Chica, although it can be purchased for as little as $3 in stores in non-tourist areas.
Shops in Boca Chica can be found everywhere, even in hotels. However, the main shopping area is Calle Duerte. On the beach you can also see stalls with souvenirs and products, and, of course, merchants who will persistently try to sell you a variety of goods.
If the shops in Boca Chica seem too modest and uninteresting to you, then you can go to the nearby city of Santo Domingo, which has several large shopping centers and a wide variety of shops.
What to bring from Boca Chica
You won’t find any unique goods in Boca Chica, since everything that tourists usually buy in other places in the Dominican Republic is sold here. In Boca Chica you can buy handcrafted souvenirs, paintings, as well as typical souvenirs such as Brugal rum, mamajuana (a drink made from rum, honey and herbs), coffee, cigars, cocoa balls, snail slime cream, larimar products... .
Holidays in Boca Chica
If you decide to go on vacation to Boca Chica, you should have a good idea of how you see this vacation. Boca Chica is a rather specific resort with its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to understand that there are no luxury hotels in this resort area, just as there are no large hotels with a wide variety of entertainment. However, entertainment is not hard to find here, especially if you enjoy snorkeling, diving and fishing. Boca Chica offers excellent snorkeling and diving, and local companies can organize offshore fishing trips.
Holidays in Boca Chica are mainly associated with spending time on the territory of the hotel and the adjacent beach, water activities, walks around the city and trips on excursions. But as a base for excursions, Boca Chica is not the best place, unless you want to explore the entire city of Santo Domingo and go to the mountainous part of the Dominican Republic.
Holiday season in Boca Chica
There is no clearly defined high season in Boca Chica, since the hotels here are filled with vacationers all year round. Note that in the period from December to March, when it can be cool in the Punta Cana area, the weather in Boca Chica is quite good. In addition, the water temperature in the Caribbean Sea in the south of the Dominican Republic at this time of year is on average 2-3 degrees higher than in Punta Cana. Do not forget that Boca Chica Bay is quite shallow, which means that the water in it is still several degrees warmer than in the rest of the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic.
Between April and November, Boca Chica often experiences heavy rainfall. The air temperature and humidity level increase noticeably at this time. However, the weather in Boca Chica between April and November is generally quite suitable for a beach holiday.
Snorkeling in Boca Chica
If you think that Boca Chica is a resort only for tourists who want to save money on vacation, then you are wrong. Snorkeling enthusiasts who want to admire the beauty of the underwater world every day sometimes prefer this resort, because the coral reef in Boca Chica is located quite close to the shore, and you can get to it on your own. This significantly distinguishes Boca Chica from Punta Cana, where the coral reef is located 600-1000 meters from the shore and can only be reached by boat.
Although the underwater world in the Boca Chica area is unlikely to amaze avid divers and snorkelers with its biodiversity, the proximity of the coral reef to the main resort hotels makes Boca Chica an ideal destination for those tourists for whom snorkeling is their main attraction.
Boca Chica is rightfully considered one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic for snorkeling lovers, since, in addition to the beautiful reef, this resort also offers relatively calm and always warm waters. If you forget to bring a mask and snorkel, you can rent them right on the beach for just a few dollars.
Note that Boca Chica also offers trips to snorkeling spots that can only be reached by boat. A group tour to these sites costs approximately $40 per person and includes equipment rental and free drinks. Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Boca Chica area include La Caleta Underwater Park and several famous shipwrecks.
Nightlife in Boca Chica
Many people like to enjoy the beach in the evening, but the only part of Boca Chica Beach where you can have a good evening is the strip east of the Don Juan Resort. People walk here until midnight, merengue music can be heard.
The center of nightlife in Boca Chica is The Disco club at the Be Live Hamaca Beach Hotel on Calle Duarte. This nightclub attracts a lot of people almost every evening. The music is very diverse, so here you can hear merengue, salsa and pop music. The hotel's all-inclusive guests have free access to the nightclub, but all other guests have an entrance fee of 700 pesos.
The Be Live Hamaca Beach Hotel is also home to the largest casino in Boca Chica, which is open daily from 5pm to 4am. Entrance to the casino is free, and gambling games here include poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.
Excursions from Boca Chica
If you want to go on excursions during your holiday in the Dominican Republic, you should think carefully about whether you should choose a hotel in Boca Chica. The fact is that only a few well-known travel agencies offer excursions from Boca Chica, and the cost of excursions is usually much higher than the cost of similar excursions from Punta Cana. This is explained by the fact that tourists from Boca Chica need to organize a transfer, the cost of which is quite high. Therefore, you can either pay extra for the transfer or book an individual excursion with a personal guide. In any case, the cost of excursions from Boca Chica in general will be quite high. This does not apply only to excursions to Santo Domingo and “local” excursions, that is, snorkeling trips, catamaran rides, etc.
Some tourists find a way out and buy excursions in Boca Chica from local travel agencies, such as Pedro Tour, but the range of excursions in these companies is very meager, and prices are still high.
Which is better: Boca Chica or Juan Dolio
Boca Chica and Juan Dolio are two small resorts located on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic, near Santo Domingo. These resorts attract tourists with low prices for hotel accommodation, so some travelers prefer one of them. Which is better: Boca Chica or Juan Dolio?
In truth, these resorts are very similar to each other, but Boca Chica is a noisier, more fun place. So this resort is more preferable for young people. It seems to us that Boca Chica is also a preferred place for families with children, because the lagoon in this area has warmer and calmer waters than in the Juan Dolio area.
Boca Chica or Puerto Plata
The resorts of Boca Chica and Puerto Plata differ markedly from each other, so it is easy to choose the one that is most suitable for you. Firstly, it is worth noting that direct flights are offered to Puerto Plata from the tour operator Pegas Touristik (at least as of March 2017), while Boca Chica will need to be reached a few more hours by bus or car after long flight to Punta Cana. In addition, you may have to pay extra for transfers to Boca Chica.
Hotels in Puerto Plata are generally better as there are several large 5 star hotels. Puerto Plata is great for surfers and those who love to jump on the waves, while Boca Chica is better suited for snorkelers and those who like to swim in calm waters.
Our services in Boca Chica
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Boca Chica: photos
Unlike Punta Cana, the Caribbean resort is just gaining the attention of tourists Boca Chica(Dominican Republic). On the map it is located in the southeast of the country.
Its undoubted advantage is that a holiday in Boca Chica requires much less financial costs than in the capital or the popular tourist region of Punta Cana.
Resort on the world map
Those who choose an island holiday, year-round sun and emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea should pay attention to the Boca Chica resort in Republica Dominicana.
Where is?
One of the most beautiful resorts in the Dominican Republic, Boca Chica, is located on southern point the islands of Haiti, just an hour's drive east of the capital of the Republic - Santo Domingo (the distance between them is about 32 km).
Boca Chica is 155 kilometers away from the popular northern resort of Punta Cana.
How to get there?
Access to the Boca Chica resort is only possible by car from two international Dominican Republics - in Santo Domingo (Las Americas airport) or in Punta Cana.
It should be noted that direct flights There is no way to the Dominican Republic from the Russian Federation (departure from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg). The transfer will have to be made either in Paris or in Miami (travel time is 14.5 and 15.5 hours, respectively).
You can book a plane ticket using this convenient search form. Enter cities of departure and arrival, date And number of passengers.
Tourists travel from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana to Boca Chica by Taxi, or by renting a car at the airport. There is no bus service in the direction of Boca Chica.
Is it washed by the sea or the ocean?
The Dominican Republic itself is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from the north, and the Caribbean Sea is already located in the south. Since Boca Chica is located on the southern point of the island, it is washed by warm waters Caribbean Sea.
The Caribbean Sea, by the way, is much warmer and calmer than the Atlantic Ocean in terms of waves.
The resort is called "big bathroom" due to the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by coral reefs, which prevent large waves from approaching.
Weather by month
In Boca Chica (and throughout the Dominican Republic) - humid tropical. In Boca Chica, the average temperature is around +30 degrees (the difference between summer and winter is only 2-3 degrees, in winter it can be around 27-29 degrees), and the percentage of humidity reaches 90%.
Not all tourists tolerate high humidity well (acclimatization can last about a week), but due sea breeze The humidity is not felt as much.
If you want to get into a hot summer from a cold winter, you should go to the Dominican Republic. Read about the weather conditions in the country in December.
Temperature (average) by month:
- -February– 28.5°C;
- March– 28.9°C;
- April May– 29.6°C;
- June– 30.2°C;
- July August– 30.7°C;
- September– 31.4°C;
- October– 30.6°C;
- November– 29.6°C;
- December– 28.6°C.
Night temperature equal to 20-23 degrees above zero.
Water throughout the year it is warmed up quite well, and even at night it does not fall below +25 degrees, and on average the water temperature is +27-28 degrees.
True, we must not forget that this region is located in hurricane zone, which are not uncommon here from to October. Strong hurricanes avoid the resort, but stormy winds and rain can be an annoying nuisance at this time of year.
Top hotels
Dominican Republic hotels are designed for any category of vacationers- from simple three-star hotels with a minimum set of amenities to luxury hotels with maximum comfort. By the way, the price of hotel rooms does not depend on the location of the hotel itself - whether it is on the beach or in the central part of the resort.
The price of accommodation in Boca Chica hotels is affected only by the range of services and the star rating of the hotel.
Five star
Five star hotel in Boca Chica only one.
Be Live Experience Hamaca(5 stars) - an upscale hotel with the maximum degree of comfort. It offers visitors a business center and conference rooms, a SPA complex, a private beach and free parking.
Food by type "All inclusive" 5 restaurants offer Mexican, Brazilian, Italian and international cuisine.
Four-star
- Be Live Hamaca Beach 4* And Be Live Hamaca Garden 4* constitute a single hotel complex and are located on the 1st beach line in the Boca Chica beach area. All inclusive meals, private beach with free service. Recommended for a family holiday or for a small group holiday.
- Quality Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo(4 stars) located close to the city beach. A restaurant with international cuisine, convenient and comfortable rooms, private parking and a year-round swimming pool. There is a transfer to the airport.
Read in what other hotels in the Dominican Republic offer a high level of service and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Three-star
- Don Juan Beach Resort 3* located right on the city beach. Great for families, especially families with small children. Here you can stroll through the botanical garden, play golf and even hold a wedding ceremony, which is actively enjoyed by hotel guests.
- BelleVue Dominican Bay 3*. The price includes only breakfast, but this should not be an inconvenience for your holiday - there are many restaurants and cafes around the hotels to suit every taste and financial affordability.
- Aparta Hotel Azzurra 3* located 45 meters from the city beach. Guests can enjoy picnic and barbecue facilities, an outdoor sun terrace, and spa studios.
The delights of vacation - photos
A holiday in this Dominican resort is an excellent opportunity to soak up the white sandy beaches and explore everything connected with the history of this city.
Beach holidays and entertainment
Beach holiday – main advantage Boca Chica. The main beach has the same name as the city - Boca Chica. It occupies almost the entire coastline within the city.
The beach is equipped with changing cabins and showers, and umbrellas and sun loungers are provided free of charge.
The sand on the beach is fine and white, the entrance to the sea is smooth and gentle, which makes it an excellent holiday option for families with children. True, on the beach you can sometimes meet stray dogs, which are fed by the tourists themselves. If you do not consider yourself an animal lover, you should choose beaches away from the central one.
A little west of the city beach is "Andres"– a real paradise for lovers of yachting and sailing. Sailing through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea will be the most amazing experience. If anyone is not yet familiar with this type of entertainment, there is a sailing school here.
This beach is less crowded, but people prefer to relax here local residents, so that should also be taken into account. There are no sunbeds here, but there are wooden chairs where you can rest. There are no changing cabins or showers on this beach.
Beach "Karibe" famous for its waves - this is where fans of “catch a wave” gather. Many arrive here with their own equipment (from nearby regions). For those who come light, there is a rental point for special equipment.
The city is perfect for those who like noisy nightlife and beach activities. Open-air beach parties are very popular, where you can have a great time in the company of friends to the sounds of fiery salsa or other Caribbean music. Numerous bars and discos on the coast will add “spice” to your relaxing holiday.
Punta Cana or Boca Chica – which is better?
Each resort has its own characteristics and advantages. Boca Chica is located in the south of the Dominican Republic, unlike Punta Cana, and the sea here is much warmer and calmer. This is why families traveling with small children find the Boca Chica resort so attractive - the beaches here have much calmer and safer.
In respect of financial costs for vacation, Boca Chica is also preferable for tourists: prices here are much lower than in the more popular resort of Punta Cana, and the attractions and beaches are not inferior to other resort towns.
But if Punta Cana is a truly tourist area, where the entire infrastructure is aimed at developing the tourism business and any desire of tourists is immediately satisfied (of course, for an additional fee), then Boca Chica is in this regard more simple.
Hotels and inns in Boca Chica are adjacent to ordinary residential buildings, and instead of a quiet walk around the hotel grounds, tourists stroll along the most ordinary street with houses, shops and catering establishments “for their own”.
In Boca Chica you can feel the atmosphere of the city much better by immersing yourself in it.
What to see?
Since the history of Boca Chica as a resort very short(the city began to develop only in the 60s of the 20th century, and before that it was just a quiet fishing village), then there are no such people in the city. But excursion and travel agencies offer resort guests all the opportunities for recreation, in particular, visiting nearby resort places and areas.
Those who miss the Russian language can book a walk with Russians or a Russian-speaking guide.
Excursions to architectural landmarks
- San Pedro de Macoris– another interesting place for guests of the island (located 30 km from Boca Chica). There is a sugar factory here and on a tour you can observe with your own eyes the process of turning sugar cane into a sweet delicacy.
- Fishing village of Guayacanes located near Boca Chica. Here you can fully experience the local atmosphere and observe the life and way of life of the local residents.
- Church of St. Archangel Raphael- the only church building in the city. The temple is a simple white one-story building with a red roof. Inside, the decoration is quite simple: there is no gilding or luxury, the walls are ordinary, without paintings.
The temple is open all days except Monday and Wednesday (these are weekends), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visiting the church is free.
Natural beauty and other adventures
The cost of the dive is negotiated individually (independent diving or with an instructor-guide).
Note to tourists
- It should be kept in mind that English Not everyone speaks (and even more so Russian) language; some employees of hotels and official institutions can speak it more or less passably. So you’ll have to take a Russian-Spanish phrasebook with you on your trip or learn a dozen common phrases.
- Boca Chica is a place where you can not only feel the atmosphere of the Caribbean region, but also a place where you should be especially careful about your wallet and pockets - theft is very common here. Therefore, it is better to leave especially important documents and valuables in the hotel safe.
- Russian money It is quite difficult to exchange here, so before your trip it is better to take care in advance to exchange rubles for American dollars. Both dollars and Dominican pesos are used in Boca Chica, and you can easily pay with them or exchange them for local currency.
Look video review about the Boca Chica resort:
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Located in Haiti, it invites guests from all over the world, kindly presenting vacationers with crystal clear waters, white hot sands and mysterious mountains.
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But which beach should a tourist choose? Let's compare popular vacation spots in the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic
Country located on the island of Haiti, washed by several seas. Therefore, holidays on different shores of the Dominican Republic have significant differences.
It will be useful for tourists to know that the national language in the republic is Spanish. But in recreation areas you can most often hear messages in English, as well as French and Italian.
Dominicans use the local currency, which is called the Dominican Peso. You can exchange your money for local pesos upon entering the country: at a hotel or bank branch.
You can visit the sunny region at any time of the year However, it is recommended to open the season in October, because in the fall the sun is gentle and gentle, but in the summer, on the contrary, it burns away all desire to sunbathe with its scorching rays. Another coin in the autumn holiday treasury can be considered algae, which populate the beaches in the summer and recede along with the unbearable heat.
The island provides tourists with the opportunity to enjoy a subtropical climate: the hottest month is August, when the temperature rises to +31°C, and the coldest month is January - +22°C. From May to September there is a rainy season, which is temporary. Instant heavy downpours quickly give way to hot weather. The remaining months are considered predominantly dry.
The variability of the weather, as well as hurricanes that mar the holiday, have led to the fact that the most “popular” month for visiting the Dominican Republic considered to be the autumn-winter period.
The incomparable beach mood that overtakes a tourist in the middle of winter can be satisfied on any of the beaches of the Dominican Republic. Let's look at the most popular resorts on the Dominican Republic.
boca chica
Popular name of the resort - Coconut Beach. The coast gained popularity a hundred years ago. A quiet and sunny location, as well as the proximity of the capital, have become the favorite criteria of the local elite.
Today, relaxation on the coconut shores is available to everyone. There are many hotels and inns along the coastline, which is more than one and a half kilometers long. Las Americas Airport, located nearby, allows tourists to fly straight to the sunny shores.
A lively place on the Caribbean Sea has become famous for its remarkable natural “structure”: the beach is protected by a 500-meter-long coral reef, which has turned the shore into a cozy lagoon, protected from waves and sea adversities.
Beaches
With fine snow-white sand - the pride of the Dominican Republic. Coastline three kilometers long. The beaches located on it will appeal to even the most sophisticated tourists: there are crowded recreation areas and remote islands. The area protected by the reef is ideal for couples with children, because the depth of the lagoon does not exceed one and a half meters.
Most popular beaches:
- Playa Andres
- La Matica,
For those who do not like to relax in crowded areas, there is a passage through shallow water, with which you can get to a remote deserted island.
Hotels
Boca Chica is a small resort whose hotels are mainly located on the coastline and have their own access to the sea. But even those hotels that are located at a distance will not force a tourist to walk more than one kilometer to the water.
Almost all hotels boast three or four stars and operate on an all-inclusive basis. For example, the wonderful Don Juan Beach Resort hotel is located right on the seashore, which allows guests to enter the water from the hotel grounds.
For those who prefer to relax “savage”, there are many apartments for rent on the island. However, such a vacation is considered unprofitable, since renting such housing will cost many times more than staying in a hotel.
Things to do
So, the hotel has been chosen, the beach has been visited. It's time for the cultural program. Maybe a tour?
Undoubtedly Boca Chica - a resort for active people. No one can get bored here. For those who like to enjoy the beauty of nature, local companies offer scuba diving, exploring coral reefs and observing the peaceful inhabitants of the underwater world.
After being underwater, come to the surface and try your hand at active sports. There is tennis, surfing, and even horseback riding.
And for those who decide to visit the Dominican Republic in mid-spring, annual fishing competitions are held.
What to try
Visiting the vibrant Dominican Republic, don't forget to taste the local delicacies. Cafes and restaurants offer a whole range of dishes from the inhabitants of local waters. And for lovers of strong booze, chefs prepare pineapple flavored with hot spices and rum - the signature treat of Boca Chica.
Excursions
Get ready for interesting outings and active recreation by visiting Boca Chica. Hotel representatives or the guides themselves will advise you on what to see on the island.
The coastline welcomes curious tourists with an abundance of yachts that are ready to set sail at any moment. Of greatest interest is a couple of islands located nearby:
Punta Cana
Another wonderful resort in the Dominican Republic. Crystal waters and purest fine sand are a worthy rival for Boca Chica for a place in the hearts of tourists. Luxurious hotels will happily welcome visitors who want to lose themselves on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don't forget to bring a Spanish dictionary to communicate with the locals, as well as an English phrasebook to understand hotel workers. And also, be in a great mood, because the most unforgettable vacation awaits you!
Beaches
At the beginning of your vacation, it may seem like this is one big beach, because the hotel areas are not separated, and visitors can freely walk along the coastline. However, the coast is still divided into several conventional zones. Each beach has its own special atmosphere: they differ in the height and intensity of the waves, water temperature and sand quality. The further north you go, the more choppy the sea will seem to you.
The most popular beach is Bavaro. Protected by a small coral reef, it gives tourists calm waters, clean white sand and coconut palms of incredible beauty. The beach extends over a distance of four kilometers, and its surface is so densely planted with palm trees that there is no need to install sun umbrellas near the hotels.
The most famous beaches:
- Cortecito,
- Arena Gorda,
- The territory of the Barcelo Bavaro Resort hotel,
- Uvero - Alto,
- Cabo Engano,
- Macau.
Hotels
Hotels - This is not just a place where you can spend the night, but entire entertainment complexes. Most hotels are located on the coastline, however, each of the hotels offers visitors many pools of the most unusual shapes.
All rooms are equipped with the latest technology, and the internal infrastructure offers guests not only chic restaurants, but also entire chains of shops, and there are bars near the beach. For a relaxing holiday, sun loungers are provided, the number of which is always equal to the number of guests.
Features of Punta Cana hotels is their “shortness”. Most hotels are presented in the form of small bungalows, hidden in the cozy shade of palm trees. There are also more spacious accommodations: for large families, two-room suites with a private pool and jacuzzi are suitable.
Things to do
Punta Cana is a Caribbean paradise. Both active tourists and sunbathing lovers can relax here.
Variety of active recreation:
Delicacies
To visit Punta Cana means taste the most unusual dishes from sea creatures. Even if you are not a seafood lover, mussels and octopus will satisfy your stomach in the best possible way.
The island attaches great importance to alcohol culture. If you like booze, try the local rum - it's a taste you'll never forget! A type of rum-based alcoholic drink, Mamajuana is a wonderful combination of a pirate drink, wine and honey. Try unusual drinks and enjoy them here and now, because you can take no more than 200 ml of strong alcohol out of the country.
What's better?
There is no unanimous opinion about where it is better, on Boca Chica or in. Each coast is unique, and its atmosphere is unique. The variety of impressions can be judged by the reviews of visitors to the island. There are practically no dissatisfied tourists among the guests.
» Dominican Republic - an incredible adventure. Consider the luxurious beaches of Boca Chica in a quiet, cloudless lagoon. Heavenly pleasure has finally become a reality!
Review from a guest of Maria Island
"All words about the unsurpassed atmosphere of the Caribbean islands dry up at the sight of this beauty. It is worth visiting Punta Cana just to make sure that there is happiness. Many thanks to the hotel staff for their first-class service, as well as to the local population for the inimitable flavor of these places.”
Review from Yaroslav, a gourmet in the world of tourism
» I was pleasantly surprised by the English language, which can be heard everywhere on Dominican soil. This gave us the opportunity to relax without dictionaries and misunderstandings, which so rarely happens away from home. I can say with confidence that it is difficult to find a more thoughtful service than in Punta Cana. I was very pleased with the opportunity to keep the children busy: the animators are ready to work all day, giving parents the opportunity to once again plunge into the waves of romance.”
Feedback from a family who visited the Dominican Republic in January
