Attractions & FAQ

AIRPORT TAXI

30 min. (approx.) & $40. Several major car rental companies are located at the airport, on the right hand side as you leave immigration. Check the Internet for car rental options.

BEACH

The Costambar gated community has over a mile of expansive white sand beach – a 10 minute walk from Casa Obear. If you do not wish to walk, local taxis are available for a nominal price. If you want to have a real experience, locals travel around Costambar on Motoconchos (Motorcycle Taxis) For less than $1, they will take you anywhere you want to go in Costambar.

CASINOS

There are two excellent casinos in the area. The newest casin is located at Ocean World, located at Cofresi Beach about 10 minutes from the villa. In addition to regular casino facilities, they also have a weekly Texas Holdem Tournament. They have an excellent show and one of the best restaurants on the North Coast featuring an all you can eat prime rib and lobster dinner. The second recommended casino is located in the Playa Dorada complex and is about 15 minutes away.

CURRENCY

The Internet provides current exchange rates for the Dominican peso. It is a stable economy with reasonable prices. US or Canadian dollars can b exchanged at Jenny’s Supermarket which is about a 5 minute walk from Casa Obear.

DISCOS

Puerto Plata offers a widely varied and exciting nightlife. Mangu (an American style disco) is located in the Playa Dorada Complex about 15 minutes from the Villa. There are also several great Dominican Discos that should not be missed. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the true Dominican culture. Gringos are always welcome at these local discos.

CLIMATE

Referred to as the “Caribbean’s best kept secret” sharing the same latitude as Hawaii and many of the attributes, 80 degree (27C) temperatures throughout the winter on the Dominican Republic scenic North Coast – & ocean breezes in summer – contribute to a year round attractive vacation destination.

COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone and wireless internet are available at Casa Obear and there also is a convenient cybercafe located nearby. Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, and we do have English/Spanish dictionaries.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

As of January, US and Canadian Citizens require a passport to enter the country. Visas are not required. Citizens from other countries should contact their local Dominican Embassy for entry requirements. All tourists are requires to purchase a Tourist Card. This is available as you enter the airport. The cost is $10 and must be paid in US funds.

FLYING TIMES

From New York – little more than 3 hours; Miami less than 2 hours; San Juan 45 min.; Toronto 4 hours and from most European cities 8 to 10 hours.

FOOD / RESTAURANTS

Casa Obear is walking distance to convenience shopping and restaurants. Modern supermarkets in historic Puerto Plata, a bustling seaport city with its own economy – not tourist driven – are a 10 minute drive.

FISHING

Deep sea charters leave Puerto Plata harbor every morning for half days. Small boats with guide can be rented at Sosua beach, a 30 min. drive. Luperon is another place where fishermen can be hired.

GETTING HERE

Tickets can be purchased through:

The airport code for Puerto Plata is POP

GOLF

Costambar has a challenging 9 hole executive course that is scenic and fun to play for approx. $10. A Robt. Trent Jones course is 15 min. drive to the Playa Dorada hotel complex; and the serious golfer also definitely will want to play the RTJ course at Playa Grande where 10 holes border the ocean cliffs. The apt reference “Caribbean Pebble Beach” says it all.

HORSEBACK RIDING / TOURS

Easily arranged by phone. All kinds include jeep ours, white water rafting, mountain bikes.

MUSEUMS / SIGHTSEEING / SHOPPING

40 million year old specimens encased in tree sap are displayed at the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata. See the old fort at the harbor and visit the place where Columbus landed to establish the first settlement – a beautiful 1 1/2 hr. drive. Consider a “Metro” bus trip to the Santo Doming capital where Columbus era buildings are toured in the Colonial Zone. The surprisingly comfortable 4 hour trip will occupy your every moment as you get a close look at a beautiful land and villages that dot the way. Make it an overnight. A must for most shoppers is a ring, necklace or bracelet of larimar, a lovely blue stone found only in the DR. Also a favorite is the yellow DR stone, amber, set in gold or silver.

SNORKELING / SCUBA

Sosua is the place for this. You can take a catamaran excursion or drive directly to the beach or we can arrange everything for you including a bilingual dive master.