Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Family Vacation

Steps Away from a Lovely Beach

Playa Cofresi, with its lovely picturesque beach has long been referred to as the "Jewel of the North Coast" by those in the know. In fact the Puerto Plata area and the entire 75- mile Amber Coast (northern coastline) boast the finest beaches and coral reefs in the Caribbean, stunningly bordered by majestic mountains. Ocean breezes provide constant, cool comfort. Air and water temperature are divine year round.

Ocean is calm at Cofresi Beach

Playa Cofresi beach is a short 5 minute walk from the villa. From point to point, the crescent shaped beach stretches just under a mile and is lined with palm and sea grape trees offering both sun and shade. The cove, protected by a reef, ensures there are no problems with jelly fish, red tide or sharks. Nor is there any fear of an undertow or strong tides. In fact the surf is gentle with soothing bay-like water at one end, perfect for small children; and with gentle rolling waves at the other end, perfect for body surfing and swimming.

Cofresi Beach

Enjoyable Neighborhood

On the west side of our charming seaside community there are two new popular attractions; Ocean World Dolphin Park and Ocean World Marina & Casino. Ocean World Dolphin Park is an interactive aquatic adventure park where visitors may swim and play with dolphins or sea lions; snorkel in a massive coral reef aquarium alongside exotic tropical fish; pet and feed sting rays or sharks; or watch a variety of live aquatic performances. There is also a tropical bird free-flight aviary, a reptile center, a tropical rain forest with a tiger grotto, private beach, restaurant and gift shops.

Ocean World Marina is a 35 acre complex abutting Ocean World Park which includes a casino, full scale marina, an entertainment club house with fabulous Las Vegas style shows, and a 5 star restaurant. Both complexes are situated on the western border of Playa Cofresi, an easy 10 minute walk from our villa along mostly dirt roads.

Marina and Casino at Playa Cofresi

The Sun Village and Hacienda resorts anchor our eastern border. The main entrance coming into Playa Cofresi and leading to Ocean World is paved, but our side streets are not paved. There are no sidewalks, no street signs, and relatively little traffic. The Playa Cofresi community is a rustic parcel of unspoiled paradise.

Hammock at Playa Cofresi beach

Close to Town

Playa Cofresi is about 3 miles west of the colorful, historic city of Puerto Plata where you will find modern supermarkets and a fabulous farmers market with abundant fresh produce. We are about 8 miles west of the Playa Dorada Resort with its Robert Trent Jones golf course, casinos, restaurants and shopping plaza. And we are about 15 miles west of the Puerto Plata International Airport (POP), a 25 minute drive, and about 60 miles north of the Santiago Airport (STI), a 75-90 minute drive.

Central Plaza in downtown Puerto Plata

The country's climate is tropical and breezy, and nearly constant year-round. In fact, the Dominican Republic shares the same latitude as Hawaii. The average annual temperature ranges from the low 80's in the winter, to the high 80's in the summer. The night time temperature can drop to the upper 60's in the winter, while the summer night temps tend to stay in the 80's.

If you rent a car or van or take a guided tour during your stay, you'll find plenty of beautiful beaches and colorful places to visit and explore -- all within 1/2 to 2 hours' drive. The North Coast's major highways are paved, and shared by all means of transport including autos, trucks, buses, motorcycles, horse-drawn carts, cargo-laden burros, riders on horseback, and walkers on foot!

Burro wandering the beach