Sosua – Travel Guide
Nestled along a crescent-shaped bay just twenty minutes east of Puerto Plata, Sosua is the quintessential beach town, with its vibrant sands lined with charming beach shacks. Undoubtedly, the crystal-clear waters, teeming with gorgeous coral reefs, make it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. Believe it or not, the unique Sosua gained fame as a tourist hotspot in the mid-1980s with the rise of all-inclusive resorts.
All about Sosua
Getting Around Sosua
By Walking
Sosua is relatively small, and many of the main areas, such as the beaches, restaurants, and bars, are within walking distance from the main parts of town.
By Motorbike Taxi (Motoconcho)
Motobikes “motoconchos” are quick and convenient to travel short distances and can be found everywhere in town, and they will actively solicit you for a ride. Simply tell the driver where you want to go, hop on, and hand the driver the exact fare when you arrive at your destination and walk away. They are very inexpensive, however, since these motorcycle drivers are a bit reckless, speeding through traffic, you may want to make the extra money to take a taxi.
By Taxi
Taxis are available throughout Sosua, and you can either hail one on the street or arrange for one through your hotel or a taxi service. Most of the taxis wait for passengers in the center of town at the intersection of called Pedro Clisante and Arzeno. Private taxis are more expensive than motoconchos or public taxis.
By Mini Buses (Guaguas)
Guaguas are minivans that serve as public transport between Sosua and other nearby towns like Puerto Plata or Cabarete. They are more affordable, however, they are very overcrowded and uncomfortable.
By Car
If you’re comfortable driving in a foreign country, renting a car can be a good option, as it gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Keep in mind that driving in the Dominican Republic may be a bit challenging due to aggressive driving habits and road conditions.
Sosua FAQ
Where is Sosua located and what is it known for?
Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Sosua combines beautiful scenery with a rich mix of culture. The town sits between the towering Cordillera Septentrional mountains and the clear turquoise Caribbean Sea. It’s a beautiful beach town known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
How do I get to Sosua?
Most visitors will fly into Puerto Plata airport, which is actually much closer to Sosua than it is to Puerto Plata, at about 4 miles away. A taxi fare from the airport is fixed at around $25 USD per car with little to no room for negotiation when coming from the airport. Some drivers will try to charge per person – we recommend walking on and looking for an honest driver. If you don’t have a lot of luggage, during the daytime, you can also walk outside the airport about a quarter mile and flag down a gua-gua (public mini-bus) or public taxi for much less than taking a private taxi from the airport.
Caribe Tours busses will take you from Sosua to Santa Domingo in about 5 hours. It stops along the way in all major cities and town (about 5 stops). Buses are comfortable, modern, air-conditioned with movies and a restroom. Sosua is the last stop on the Santo Domingo – Sosua route. The Caribe Tours bus station is along the main highway just at the entrance to the Charamicos section of town.
How do I get around?
The town is relatively small and walkable. The country runs a very good and low-priced public transportation network. Coach transportation lines cover the long routes between major cities while guaa-guas (mini-buses) and carro publicos (public taxis) go along the main roads into the city neighborhoods and from town to town. Motoconchos are motorbike-taxis are mainly used on short distances within the town and between villages. There are usually no specific carro/gua-gua stops. Just step aside the road in the direction you want to go and wave your hand. The next free carro/gua-gua will stop. When you want to get off the car, say to the driver “done pueda” and they will stop. Only take carros with a sign on top of the car roof.
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More About Sosua
What is the legal drinking age?
Alcohol is allowed to be consumed and purchased at the minimum age of 18 years old.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
The average temperature is 80°F which offers excellent conditions all year round. The country has different climatic and vegetation zones: a tropical, warm-humid climate at sea level, and a moderate climate in the mountains. The rainy season in the north is from November through January, in the south July through September. Short, heavy rainfalls are possible all year round, with tropical storms occasionally in August/September.
February is one of the best months to visit Sosua. The temperature during the day is typically around 80°F to 85°F. The temperature of the sea will be around 78 °F. At night, temperatures hover around a pleasant 67°F.
What is the nightlife like?
One of the main attractions in Sosua is its nightlife. The center of town is bustling at the local bars, clubs, and restaurants, each providing a unique experience. The town’s upbeat and festive mood is everywhere, from local clubs with salsa-filled dance floors to relaxed beach bars serving up cool cocktails. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy music, dancing, and hanging out with the friendly locals.
When is hurricane season?
The hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being September and October.
I don’t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
You won’t have any problems communicating in the Dominican Republic. Dominicans are very friendly; even if they do not speak your language, they will help you find someone who can or can find a way to communicate. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish. We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Does Sosua have a casino?
The Coral Reef Casino in Sosua is the main night entertainment spot for gamblers, offering slot machines, Poker, Black Jack, Craps, Roulette and other top games for enthusiasts.
Is Sosua a safe place to visit?
Sosua is considered safe. As always, travelers should follow the common rules for being in a foreign country like being aware of your environment, not carrying valuables or wearing expensive jewelry. We recommend going out in groups and avoiding lonely, dark streets and certain districts (in Sosua: La Piedra). Avoid long walks at night and use a reliable source of transportation.
Is it safe to drink water?
No, we do not recommend drinking the tap water in the Dominican Republic. This is because your body is not accustomed to the microbes in the Dominican Republic’s water. Drinking tap water increases your chances of contracting an upset tummy.
What is the local time zone?
The Dominican Republic observes Atlantic Standard Time year-round. The country does not adjust to daylight saving time.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (RD$). US-Dollars are accepted in tourist areas and bigger cities. In some places, you can also pay with your credit card. The most convenient currency to take with you is US dollars, which you can change to pesos once you arrive. There are plenty of money exchange or banks with ATMs in the area.
What is the food like?
Sosua offers plenty of restaurants. The best place for local food can be found in the Dominican comedor (typical eating places), for example, the one inside “Captain Bailee” – a restaurant close to Banco Popular in El Batey. You can have lunch at a very inexpensive price. You’ll also find fine dining, excellent seafood, and international restaurants.
The Dominican Republic as a whole is known for its coffee bean production, and you can expect your Sosua cup of joe to taste fresh and flavorful. Delicious tropical fruit juices are plentiful, often made into fruit milkshakes or batidas, and include passion fruit, guava, pineapple, orange, strawberry, mango, mandarin, and papaya.
What are the best things to shop for?
Several shops in and around Sosua sell the many famous items the Dominican Republic is renowned for: great rum, cigars, jewelry made of larimar and amber, paintings in the Taino style. For clothes and shoes at low prices, shop “MUN2” in Sosua or “Tienda Jimenez” in Puerto Plata.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
In an emergency, dial 911.
Sosua has several private clinics and medical centers that offer general medical services, such as Centro Médico Cabarete and Servi-Med Sosúa. These can be a good first point of contact for non-emergencies.
For more serious conditions, you can visit Centro Médico Bournigal in nearby Puerto Plata, which is about a 25-minute drive from Sosua. It’s a full-service hospital known for quality care.
Top Attractions
Sosua Beach
It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, beach volleyball, or simply taking in the picturesque view of the bay.
Mundo King Art Museum
Five floors filled with pieces of surreal art, including a collection of sculptures made by Haitian and Dominican artists.
Encuentro Beach
This stylish beach is particularly famous for being a popular destination for surfing.
Alicia Beach
Also known as the “miracle beach,” its blond stretch sits below a couple of restaurants and cafés, but there are no other developments on the beach.
Unique Experiences
Snorkeling at Sosua Beach.
Explore the vibrant underwater world of Sosua Beach, where crystal-clear waters reveal colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Explore El Choco National Park.
Hike through the park’s diverse ecosystems, with its lush jungle, caves, and fresh-water lagoons, ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
What to expect while traveling
