Sosúa is small but VERY lively! There is always something to do (if you know where to look). There is something for everyone regardless of what you are into.
If you are not sure where to start or who to contact for ANY tours below, then I recommend my guy Elvis Tours! He will take great care of you and pretty much anything you need, as well as answer all your questions: 1(809)838-9165 / 829-799-3532, you can pre-book your tour in advance by Facebook, add or send him a message: https://www.facebook.com/elvistoursgranventana or WhatsApp.
TOURS IN AND AROUND SOSÚA
OTHER THINGS TO DO
Okay, ladies and gentlemen, I know some of you do not care to learn since you are only going there to have fun for a short while, but Spanish is worth learning, seriously.
There are simply way too many benefits to learn the language. At least learn the basics, the day to day words that people use to communicate, some of which I will include in the dictionaries below.
SOME BENEFITS FOR LEARNING SPANISH
HOW HAVE I LEARNED WHAT I KNOW?
I am not a fluent Spanish speaker myself, but I have learned a lot now. I have spent a lot of time in the Dominican Republic and have spent months learning on my own via the Duolingo App (available on both Android and the iPhone (IOS) devices), YouTube, books and Netflix shows/movies.
This will be short and sweet… but deserves its own page due to its importance. Whenever you are in Sosúa or the Dominican Republic, do NOT… I repeat do NOT drink the tap water. It is almost certainly going to make you sick if you drink it, so always… ALWAYS drink bottled water. Bottled is cheap and is sold everywhere.
Only Use TAP water for the following:
People ask this question all the time. Well, I am happy to answer this question here and now with a resounding yes! Obviously, it is safer during the day than at night (same is true for anywhere in the world), but yes Sosúa is safe. Like anywhere in the world, just exercise caution, and even more so in different countries for obvious reasons – you don’t live there!
Do not let the resorts and hotels hold you hostage. Get out there and walk around… there is the National Policia patrolling the streets of downtown Sosúa constantly, even at night.
Just listen to your intuition, be smart, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.
Now… the only destinations you need to worry about is the urban areas or suburbs of Sosúa where it’s mostly locals or a lack of a police presence. There it is better to go if you are either fluent in Spanish or have a trusted local Dominican friend with you.
Unless you own or rent a car, the best way to move around is either by Motochancho (Motor Bike) or Taxi. But even though Sosúa may look big on maps and images, it’s still small enough to walk almost everywhere on foot, especially when you get downtown. But you should know… Sosúa’s streets are busy, fast-paced and kind of crazy. There are only about 2 traffic lights in the entire town.
I personally would not recommend you drive or own your very own Motor Bike.
MOTOCONCHO/MOTO BIKES
But for your inconvenience, if you don’t feel like walking, just jump on a motorbike or better known as a “Motoconcho”. They literally all over the place, looking for customers. But beware… even though they are the most convenient way of getting around in Sosúa, it is easy to get into accidents. Anywhere in the tourist areas of Sosúa, a ride costs 50 pesos (about $1 USD) during the day and 100 pesos at night, do NOT pay more than this unless you want to tip.
If you are going to other towns or suburbs, then it’s cost you slightly more, but no more than 400 pesos.
TAXI
But if moto-bikes are not your cup of tea… then you can always take a taxi.
Again, they are literally all over downtown and costs no more than 600 pesos (about $12 USD) for a round trip. There is a taxi stand on Pedro Clisante, main downtown core, across the Premium Disco Bar & Cafe.
Renting a car: you can also rent a car if you are tired of calling taxi drivers but beware of driving in Sosúa. Because of your gringo/foreigner status, it is almost always your fault even though you were clearly not at fault in the case of an accident. Just walk around downtown and you will find several places renting cars or selling. Bring a Dominican friend if you don’t speak Spanish for better rates.
Renting a motorbike: you can also buy or rent/lease a moto-bike at several places in Sosúa. To buy – prices range from anyway from 4000 all the way to 60,000+ pesos. The cool and new ones of course will cost you more. But if you want to buy something inexpensive, just buy a USED one… but make sure it works. You do not need a license to operate a motorbike in Sosúa.
Pappaterra – Rent bikes, buy furniture, dishwasher, microwaves, and many other appliances.
I personally don’t do hotels or resorts (I prefer Airbnb, click here for more info) but for hotel and resort lovers… here are some options and recommendations for you in no order. I should also note that most hotels in Sosúa are 3 stars hotels.
ANHVEE SPORTS & RESORTS
CASA VEINTIUNO BOUTIQUE HOTEL RESTAURANT
NEW GARDEN HOTEL
TERRA LINDA SPA & RESORT
HOTEL PLAZA EUROPA
HOTEL DON ANDRES
CASA MARINA BEACH RESORT
HOTEL EL RANCHO
PIERGIO PALACE HOTEL
CASA VALERIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
For those of you who don’t want to stay at resorts, hotels or even Airbnb, then I have another suggestion for you… villas! You’ve got two great options: Residencial Casa Linda and Residencial Hispaniola. I have never stayed at Hispaniola, but I was blessed enough to spend 3 days at the Residencial Casa Linda. I could not believe how beautiful those villas were, it was an experience I will never forget! I was blown away.
The perfect solution for a group or a large family is a villa. For only $100 – $300+ a day, you can enjoy paradise like the rich and famous.
Honestly, it didn’t feel like I was in a third world country at all so for those of you who only think about beaches and poverty when you think of the Dominican Republic, think again! If you have money, not even a lot, but a nice steady income coming in, you can live like a king here.
Anyway… secluded about 15 minutes away by car from downtown Sosúa, this beautiful 24/7 security gated community is a tropical oasis full of gorgeous villas with swimming pools, maids, gardeners, etc. Just watch out for bugs, insects and spiders when it rains… they like to get into the house. But do not be alarmed, they are harmless – it’s the tropics after all. Click here to find beautiful villas on Airbnb.
As the saying goes “you don’t know what you don’t know”, so this section will prepare you on what to expect, especially if this is your first time in Sosúa.
Remember the Golden Rule: Learn the ART of saying no. ALWAYS say no… and if you have to say yes, only say yes to what you need/want. Don’t just say yes to everyone because you are “nice” or to please them.
AT THE BEACH (SOSÚA BEACH)
Being the biggest tourist attraction, expect to pay everything at “gringo prices”. Everything here costs more than elsewhere in town.
DOWNTOWN SOSÚA – PEDRO CLISANTE
OTHER THINGS TO EXPECT
Last, but not least… expect the unexpected. You are in a foreign country, so be smart and vigilant. Exercise a high degree of caution.
These are not really rules, but “guidelines”, so please read them carefully.
