Everything Sailors Need To Know and Contact Numbers You'll Need When Anchoring In Luperon, Dominican Republic
There is probably no safer place in the Caribbean for sailors than The Best Hurricane Hole in the Caribbean: Luperon in the Dominican Republic. For 4 days, we crossed from Turks & Caicos to Luperon.
We were based here for a couple of months as we waited for our weather window for a safe passage to Puerto Rico. Initially, we planned on staying at the country for 1 month but time flew so fast we ended up staying for 7 months in total. Here’s what we learned during our entire stay which would benefit all sailors planning to dock in this beautiful town! :)
WHY IS LUPERON IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CONSIDERED AS HAVEN FOR SAILORS?
1. It is the safest place to be at during the hurricane season. Secured mangroves and vast rolling hills surround it thereby making it an ideal shelter in case of a storm. In fact, Puerto Blanco Bay has never had a direct hit from a hurricane. The reason is that the mountains to the south of the Bay is so huge they tend to break up hurricanes.
2. Construction cost is cheap. Waiting for a weather window is a good time to fix things in the sailboat and this is what’s great about Luperon. Construction and labor costs are cheap!
3. There’s a nice community of locals and sailors. The sailing community in Luperon is amazing!! Not only is everyone very friendly, but everyone is also willing to lend a hand when necessary. I can’t even count the number of times how people have helped us during our entire stay here.
4. You can rent a house for cheap. In case you miss the luxuries of living inland, you can always rent an affordable apartment without losing view of the ocean.
5. There’s always something to do. You’ll never get bored here as there is always something fun to do (aside from boat repairs). You can always go to Playa Grande, Isabela, or Cambiaso Beach. You can also visit the 27 Waterfalls, Cigar Factory, Soapstone Factory and Coffee Plantation. You can also go horseback riding any time you want. There are also softball games between us cruisers and the locals which you can watch. It’s such a sight! If you want to party, then the Space Club Disco is the place to be. Here’s a 10-Day Travel Guide in the Dominican Republic if you want to know more.
SAILOR-APPROVED BAR & RESTAURANTS IN LUPERON
1. Las Velas
2. Putulas. This is a 2-min walk up the hill. They serve breakfast & lunch and afternoons are saved for the happy hour.
3. Wendy’s. This is a cruiser friendly bar in town just South of public dinghy dock. You can also order food here for take-away.
4. Liche Seafood. This is a new spot across Wendy’s and has a dining space behind home plate at a baseball field.
5. Casablanca. They are popular for their excellent cuisine and killer view of the harbour.
6. La France. If you want a cheap beer, then head on to this bar right at the crossroads in the center of the town.
7. The Chicken Shack. Their fried chicken is to die for!!
8. Arespas Venuzuelanas
9. Yola
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AND CONTACT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO HAVE WHEN ANCHORING IN LUPERON, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Thanks to Cliff Lyon for gathering these information!
For Radio Communication
Sailors use VHF radio Channel 68 and Channel 72 to communicate for the Wednesday and Sunday Cruisers net at 8:00 AM local time.
The Comandante is Patrick Hernandez and he speaks good English. You may contact him at 849.750.7770.
To Get Your Bearings, Do Some Laundry, Take A Shower, Grab Some Snack Or Some Beer
All you need to do is get your dingy and head on to Puerto Blanco Marina. All you’ll ever need is there! If you have any questions or if you need any assistance, you can contact Ana Travieso of Puerto Blanco Marina at 809.608.3085.
For On-anchor Services, Water, Fuel, Moorings Etc.
You may call Handy Andy at 829.820.7461 or Domingo at 809.849.7701. You can also easily communicate at VHF Channel 68 for this.
For Repairs/Marine Services
You water/fuel supply, cleaning, waxing and basic services, you may call Handy Andy at 829.820.7461. Elizabeth is an expert in boat housekeeping, electrical, plumbing needs. For haul-out yard across the harbour, the best is Tropical Marina. For other Marine Services, contact Blade & Sabrina at 809.460.4084. There’s also a sail repair shop in Flaco Town.
For Your Safety/In Case Of Emergency
In case of an emergency, you have to coordinate with Cestur, Marine de Guerre Coast Guard, or the National Police 911. Bribes are always being asked so I suggest that you always keep a receipt of all your transactions. Also, avoid any prostitutes as most of them steal. In case of theft, report it to the Office of Tourism in Sobeda.
For Provisioning Of Vegetables and Groceries
The vegetable truck comes every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 10AM with fresh and locally grown vegetables and fruits (and it’s really cheap). You can also shop for groceries at Maria’s located at the edge of the town and Payero Supermarket.
For Internet Connection
You can always get it from Altice (formerly Orange) for more or less 40 Cents per GB. Note that you will need to present your passport to buy a new sim card for $100RD. There’s another one company called Claro but it’s not very strong in the anchorage.. there’s also a wifi in the anchorage that you can pay on a monthly basis but it’s not that fast!
For Free Yoga
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, there’s a free yoga class right at the Luperon Yacht Club (specifically on the abandoned marina on the North Hill). Classes start at exactly 8:30 A.M.
Banks and ATMS
BanReservas is nearby. They also have an ATM which you can use. There are 3 more ATMs around the area located at the Pajeros Supermarket, Popular Bank, and Banco Reserve.
Remember, if you need teller assistance or if you’ll withdraw large amounts, then you’ll need to have your passport with you.
Motorcycle Rental
For motorcycle Rentals, the best ones are Bob and Sue (849.208.0352), Handy Andy (829.820.7461), and Wendy’s Bar.
Taxis
Contact Juan of Moto Taxi at 829.789.1420. He charges $200RD for a return trip to town and his taxi could fit up to 4 people. (RT to town $200RD up to 4 people). You can also contact Nino Taxi 809.493.6950 if you need an English speaking driver. He’s the best airport transfer taxi driver too!
Horseback Riding
Yes you can definitely go horseback riding anytime if you feel like it! Contact Mario at 829.667.5185.
Laundry Services
You may call Handy Andy or Domingo and you may also go to Lydia’s which is next to Wendy’s.
Medical/Dental Services
2 blocks from the park is a 24/7 Clinic which offers their services for free. There are also 2 dentists in Luperon which you can go to.
For shipping to the Marina or check BoxPaq for your Amazon package
You can always rely on FedEx and DHL. You can also order from amazon and send it to BoxPaq, you can easily open an account for free with them and just have to pay depending on the weight of the package. For bigger packages like dinghy, anchor etc then you need to check with Carmen Cargo.
Other Important Numbers You Need To Keep:
Tours & Real Estate Translation: Jose Olvidio (809.232.4624). He speaks both English and French.
Free Spirit Marine Services: Blade & Sabrina (809.460.4084)
Canvas work: Juan Ventura (829.981.3926)
Marine Refrigeration: Kico (809.917.4470)
Diesel Mechanic: Michael Castillo (829.819.4376). He speaks good English!
German-trained Chiropractor: Hanns (849.816.9649). He’s very good in this field.
Massage: Anita (829.281.2752) or Luisa (809.571.8336)
Fresh Milk, Wendy’s Bar, Luperon Sailors & Cruisers Association: Norm Whitzell (829.771.8618)
Petula’s Restaurant and Dock: Kat & Johnny (829.398.4647)
Abels Grocery Beer & Liquor Free Delivery: 829.514.1315
El Caminante Beer & Liquor: 849.630.5800
Cestur (Tourist Police): Freddy Clase (809.607.4452)
Luperon Sailors & Cruisers Association Cliff Lyon (435.901.8127)
Super Fresco: 809.571.8010
MS Super: 809.571.8061
Pollos Ruth: 809.571.9817
**All numbers posted here are active on WhatsApp. If you have any questions or if you need assistance, join Luperon Sailors and Cruisers on Facebook. Everyone in that group is very friendly and eager to help! :)
