CABARETE

Photo courtesy of TrekEarth

Cabarete has always been an undiscovered treasure in the Dominican Republic. Quietly, it is also becoming a place where Gay tourists are starting to venture in increasing numbers.

Why?

The young vibe is a draw. The different water activities are luring many people from around the world. It also has a great nightlife. The beach becomes an outdoor club at night with all the bars and music. The possibilities for excursions are endless. You are close to Puerto Plata, Sosua, Rio San Juan and the Samana region.

Cabarete is less than a half-hour from Puerto Plata airport. It is a 4 hour drive from Santo Domingo, and about 1 1/2 hours fromn Santiago.

On your next visit to the Dominican Republic, consider stopping by Cabarete.

Hola!

How was your weekend?

Semana Santa (Easter Week) in Latin America is a very big deal. It is a time when everyone goes to resorts, visits family, and generally try and have a good time. It seemed as if the whole of Dominican Republic went on vacation at the same time.

Nice & quiet.

Here are some photos from this past Saturday on the beach in Cabarete.

Here is a link to a great article about the state of the Dominican Republic Gay scene. Yours truly is quoted.

Curfew Changing?

Could it be?

Maybe.

A pilot program is now in effect in Cabarete to allow businesses that sell alcohol to close at 1am during the week, and 3am on weekends. If it is successful then the program will be implemented in other areas of the country.

We'll see ...

Update (8/9/07): Now, I don't want to get to hopeful, but this is the brightest news I've seen about the curfew. I don't think it has to be lifted everywhere, but it just makes economic sense to lift it where significant tourists gather. And in Santo Domingo, that would be the Colonial Zone. Huge amounts of Dominicans party in the Zone, too.

Surveillance cameras for tourism areas?
Tourism Minister Felix Jimenez has called for the installation of surveillance cameras in parts of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, the Malecon seafront avenue and tourist areas in Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, Juan Dolio and Punta Cana. He said that surveillance cameras would enhance security in these areas, and then the time limits for the sale of alcoholic beverages could be lifted. He proposed that the Ministry would pay for half of the cost, and local businesses would cover the other half. Speaking during an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Puerto Plata, he said that if tourists want to drink all night long, they should be allowed to do so. (Source: DR1 Travel News)