Dominican Republic: Harbours, bridges and formalities for sailors
44 harbours
Dominican Republic: 44 harbours, clearing in, papers and fees. Plan your trip with weather, tides and route.
Formalities
outside the EU customs unionCurrency: Dominican peso
Clearing in: Independent state, outside the EU and Schengen. Clear in only at a port with clearance facilities (puerto habilitado): in the north Manzanillo, Luperón and Puerto Plata (Ocean World), in the east Samaná (Puerto Bahía), Punta Cana and Cap Cana, in the south Casa de Campo (La Romana), Boca Chica and Santo Domingo, plus Barahona. The Navy (Armada), immigration, customs, the port authority and often the Ministry of Agriculture are involved. For every passage between two ports the Navy issues a sailing permit (despacho), free of charge; a tip is customary. Before entry, fill in the online e-Ticket form for every person.
Ausreise: Clear out at a port of entry before departure (port clearance): the next state asks for the certificate on clearing in.
Documents: Passport valid for the length of stay; Germans visa-free up to 30 days, the tourist card is included in the departure fee, longer with an extension. Boat papers, insurance, crew list.
Fees: Fees for customs, the port, clearance and immigration, according to sailors' reports around 140 USD in total for a small boat with one person, in Luperón around 68 USD plus 10 USD per person; after arrival the Navy grants 60 days of cruising.
Fairway: Buoyage follows IALA system B: red to starboard when entering from seaward, the reverse of Europe. The north coast is exposed to the trade wind; Luperón is a sheltered lagoon with a narrow entrance. Reefs off Monte Cristi and in the east; avoid the Mona Passage with Hourglass Shoal and the edge of the continental slope in a strong trade wind.
Nature: National parks Jaragua (with Isla Beata and Bahía de las Águilas), Del Este (with Isla Saona) and Los Haitises (Bahía de Samaná): follow the park authority's rules; humpback whales in Samaná Bay from January to March.
Tropical storm season: 1 June to 30 November, peak August to October. Shelter according to sailors: the Luperón lagoon (mangroves); marinas at Puerto Bahía, Ocean World, Casa de Campo and Cap Cana. Insurers usually restrict cover: check your policy.
Emergency: 911; Armada de República Dominicana on VHF channel 16.
Sources: Go Dominican Republic: Air and Sea Travel, Cruisers Wiki: Dominican Republic, Ocean Posse: Dominican Republic, Noonsite: Dominican Republic, Auswärtiges Amt: Dominican Republic, travel and safety advice (as of 2026-10-20)
Harbours by cruising area
Dominican Republic: east (Punta Cana, Cap Cana, La Romana)
- Adamanay
- Bayahibe
- Boca de Yuma
- Bávaro
- Caleta
- Catuano
- Dominicus
- La Marina Casa de Campo
- La Romana
- Laguna Bávaro
- Marina Cap Cana
- Muelle
Dominican Republic: north coast (Luperón, Puerto Plata, Monte Cristi)
- La Isabela
- Maimón
- Ocean World Marina (Cofresí)
- Pepillo Salcedo
- Puerto Blanco Marina
- Puerto Plata
- Río San Juan
- San Fernando de Monte Cristi
- Sosúa
Dominican Republic: Samaná (Puerto Bahía, Las Terrenas, Cabrera)
Dominican Republic: south coast (Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Barahona)
Frequently asked questions
Dominican Republic: Do I need to clear in?
Independent state, outside the EU and Schengen. Clear in only at a port with clearance facilities (puerto habilitado): in the north Manzanillo, Luperón and Puerto Plata (Ocean World), in the east Samaná (Puerto Bahía), Punta Cana and Cap Cana, in the south Casa de Campo (La Romana), Boca Chica and Santo Domingo, plus Barahona. The Navy (Armada), immigration, customs, the port authority and often the Ministry of Agriculture are involved. For every passage between two ports the Navy issues a sailing permit (despacho), free of charge; a tip is customary. Before entry, fill in the online e-Ticket form for every person.
Dominican Republic: Which documents do I need on board?
Passport valid for the length of stay; Germans visa-free up to 30 days, the tourist card is included in the departure fee, longer with an extension. Boat papers, insurance, crew list.
Dominican Republic: What fees apply?
Fees for customs, the port, clearance and immigration, according to sailors' reports around 140 USD in total for a small boat with one person, in Luperón around 68 USD plus 10 USD per person; after arrival the Navy grants 60 days of cruising.
Dominican Republic: What is the emergency number at sea?
911; Armada de República Dominicana on VHF channel 16.
Dominican Republic: How many harbours does Sailseer cover?
Sailseer covers 44 harbours with harbour info, weather and route planning.