Ocean World Marina

Smack dab in the middle of the Caribbean on the northern shore of the Dominican Republic awaits a must-visit destination. Ocean World Marina is more than just a pretty port to dock your boat. The island retreat is packed with enough amenities and activities to make you want to return over and over again.

Our location allows visitors to get a perfect rest stop for coming or going straight to Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Puerto Rico and more, says Roberto Tejada, operations assistant at Ocean World Marina. Boats of every shape and size are welcome, as the full-service marina can accommodate catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats and vessels up to 250 feet in overall length.

You find plenty of dockage at its 354 slips (104 wet and 250 land storage). It has concrete docks, and the controlling depth in the basin is 12 feet in mean low water. New to the marina is a Travelift that can handle boats up to 70 feet long, 16 feet wide and 35 tons, and they're working on a higher lift capacity for 2019.

Life essentials are also covered: high-speed fuel station dispensers, pump out service, boat repair and Wi-Fi. Transportation to the grocery store is free, and on the grounds are a liquor store, restaurants, barbecue area and beach to keep your crew well fed and happy. Safety commands a high priority with 24/7 security staff, Navy officers on-site, and a customs and immigration office.

Ocean World Marina staff likes to delight guests by pointing them toward attractions in their quaint town of Puerto Plata. Ocean World Adventure Park, where you can experience everything from swimming with dolphins to gaming at casinos, is next door to the docks. Also near the marina: two major resorts (Lifestyle Hacienda Resort and Riu Hotel) and a pair of first-rate golf courses (Los Mangos and Playa Dorada). In town you find a kite surfing spot, a baseball stadium and a multi-sport complex that showcases soccer, volleyball, basketball, boxing and more.

Shopping at the Puerto Plata shopping center presents treasures from the islands and beyond. The Amber Museum holds the world's largest collection of creatures eternally trapped in golden stones, while San Felipe Fort and Gregorio Luperón Museum detail the island's history. The icing on the cake for cultural fun is a tour (with samples!) of the local rum and cigar factory.

Nature lovers enjoy nearby outdoor adventures such as Damajagua, with its 27 waterfalls for hiking and swimming, and Monumento Natural Loma Isabel de Torres, the Caribbean's second-tallest mountain, with trails to discover indigenous plants and wildlife. Sosúa Beach is a favorite for snorkeling, and Cabaret Beach is ideal for surfing.