Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
whelming 15-minute tour from a 2nd-floor gangway. Complimentary rum-based cocktails
provided at the end.
WHALE'S-EYE VIEW
Only a day's sail north of Puerto Plata is Silver Bank, part of a protected migratory area that extends
all the way from the Bahamas to Banco de la Navidad, and one of only two places in the world (the
other is Tonga) where you can snorkel with humpback whales, some 60ft long. These 'soft water en-
counters' are both intimidating and exhilarating. However, because of the trip's costly price tag
(US$4000 per person including sanctuary, port and fuel fees), it remains under the radar to most.
Tom
Conlin
( in US 954-382-0024;
www.acquaticadventures.com)
, an American naturalist who has
been running week-long live-aboard trips here for 20 years, is the preeminent guide; the season is
from the end of January to April and boats depart from Puerto Plata. Mini-seminars are conducted on
board every night, in which the ins and outs of the species are explained as well as safety precautions
- for the whales' benefit and your own.
Festivals & Events
Cultural Festival
( 3rd week of Jun)
This festival sees merengue, blues, jazz and folk concerts held at Fuerte
de San Felipe. Troupes from Santo Domingo perform traditional dances that range from
African spirituals to sexy salsa tunes and local artisans gather for an arts-and-crafts fair at
Parque Central.
CULTURAL
Merengue Festival
( early Nov)
The entire length of the Malecón is closed to vehicular traffic, food stalls are
set up on both sides of the oceanside boulevard and a stage is erected for merengue per-
formances.
MERENGUE
Sleeping
Unless you're after budget accommodations there's no real reason to spend more than a
night in Puerto Plata, considering that there are better options nearby.
Villa Carolina
MAP
GUESTHOUSE
$
GOOGLE MAP
