The Dominican Republic occupies the Eastern two-thirds of the island Hispaniola and is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, bordering east Haiti. The capital Santo Domingo is the New World's oldest capital and contains many colonial buildings which have been carefully restored to retain their original charm. There are many fine examples of 16th century Spanish architecture and many fascinating structures that have survived for over 500 years. The Dominican Republic has undergone a huge reform process and the island is currently undergoing government investment in infrastructure which has provided an excellent climate for investment.

The Amber Coast, along the northern coast of the island is named for the rich deposits of amber found in the hills near the 75 mile stretch of beautiful beaches east of Puerto Plata. The white-sandy beaches, impressive mountain ranges, spectacular rivers, waterfalls and exotic wildlife are just the beginning of the Dominican Republic's exotic beauty.

Puerto Plata is the largest city of the Northern region and a tourism Mecca of the Dominican Republic; 80% European and 20% North American. It's a popular destination for tourists who are seeking a relaxing, affordable holiday with the option of a lot of places to visit in the vicinity. 3 miles west of Puerto Plata, a new full service marina is under construction with berthing up to 250 ft (LOA), WI-FI, 24 hour security, customs and immigration on-site and a fuel dock.

Ocean World Marina is adjacent to the famous Ocean World Adventure Park, the newest and largest marine park attraction in the Caribbean. The Marinas Grand Opening will be April 2007. By March 2006, about 20 slips would have opened with electricity, water, and pumped fuel. Puerto Plata is known for its glimmering beaches and entertaining resorts. However, straying away from the water for a day can yield a breathtaking experience.

Blanketed in tropical flora, the 2,600 foot high Mount Isabel de Torres offers a splendorous adventure. To reach the peak, you can drive, hike or take the scenic Teleferico (cable car). At the top of the mountain are lush botanical gardens, a souvenir shop, café and a 52 foot statue of an open armed Cristo Redentor overlooking Puerto Plata and surrounding area. Along with some of the most splendid views of the Puerto Plata bay. The mountain is one of four protected scientific reserves in the country and home to the highest altitude botanical gardens in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic is a paradise for the sports lovers offering the biggest variety of sports in the Caribbean. A boom in adventure sports has made the Dominican Republic a major hot spot. Forests, mountains and miles of golden beach provide a playground for adventure sports seekers with activities such as mountain biking and horse-riding, as well as a host of water sports including diving, windsurfing, kite surfing and white water rafting.

The beaches of Puerto Plata are known also for their exciting opportunities for scuba diving. With many shops and dive companies offering equipment and training, both beginners and expert divers alike can enjoy the wonders of the undersea world surrounding Puerto Plata. From shallow reefs and shipwrecks to deep water diving and freshwater cave diving, Puerto Plata’s diving scene is rife with electrifying sights. You may even come into contact with humpback whales or other large sea creatures.

In recent years the number of tourists has risen to such an extent that the country is now seen as a major tourist attraction in the Caribbean. Tourism accounts for more than 1 billion US $ in annual earnings. Free Trade Zone earnings and tourism are the fastest growing export sectors.

The establishment of free zones has succeeded in attracting much foreign investment, creating employment and spurring growth. President Leonel Fernandez presented a decree (2543-45) in 1998 eliminating restrictions to real estate ownership by foreigners, thus recognizing that the former law was a barrier for foreign investment. Prior to this new decree, a real estate purchase by a foreigner was a lengthy procedure, had to be processed by local attorneys and required the special authorization. Under Decree 2543-45, real estate investors will enjoy the same rights as Dominicans.

Property in the Dominican Republic is very reasonably priced and proving popular with buyers for various reasons. Some look to purchase a piece of paradise for their retirement years and with Dominican Republic property prices more favourable than almost all other similar destinations it is an obvious first choice. With prices so competitive and the perpetual increase in the areas popularity with tourists, investors see property in the Dominican Republic as a safe investment with prices only set to rise and rental potential drastically increasing inline with its popularity.

Sporting & Recreational Facilities in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a paradise for the sports lovers offering the biggest variety of sports in the Caribbean. A boom in adventure sports has made the Dominican Republic a major hot spot. Forests, mountains and miles of golden beach provide a playground for adventure sports seekers with activities such as mountain biking and horse riding, as well as a host of water sports including diving, windsurfing, kite surfing and white water rafting.

The beaches of Puerto Plata are known also for their exciting opportunities for scuba diving. With many shops and dive companies offering equipment and training, both beginners and expert divers alike can enjoy the wonders of the undersea world surrounding Puerto Plata. From shallow reefs and shipwrecks to deep water diving and freshwater cave diving, Puerto Plata’s diving scene is rife with electrifying sights. You may even come into contact with humpback whales or other large sea creatures. The Dominican Republic is a renowned golf destination and Puerto Plata is home to some excellent courses. The 18 hole Playa Dorada golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., at Victoria Resort Golf and Beach is listed as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world. The nine hole Los Mangos golf course is located within the tropical fruit trees of Costambar village, just outside of Puerto Plata city. Serious golfers may want to make a trip outside of Puerto Plata to another Robert Trent Jones creation, Playa Grande, considered to be one of the best courses in the Caribbean. 2006 is expected to be the most exciting year yet for the islands designer golf course scene. In the lineup this year is are courses by Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus.