It was a day well spent playing at La Boca. Just a few kilometers east of Cabarete we used the sandy shores as diving boards into the mouth of the river. Shells and sand dollars presented themselves on the quiet beach and we worked up an appetite. After the sun and waves had taken all of our energy, we walked to where we could see Wilson's across the river.
We flagged down the rowboat to pick us up and from there enjoyed the simple flavours of Wilson's.
What's on the menu?
Fresh caught crab, fish, shrimp, langostino (little/squat lobster), rice, plantain, salad.
Beer, cocktails.
Expect to pay USD $10-15 per person.
From central Cabarete (Cabarete Beach):
PRIVATE TAXI: USD $
TAXI: USD $
MOTO: USD $
GUAGUA: USD $
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 21, 2016 *we're doing a price check, updating soon!
We rely on community: if you go, share your tips below in the comments
We arrived at the pop-up clinic in Callejon that we couldn't have fathomed would spay/neuter over 330 animals (and perform surgery on a goat) over the span of a mere 5 days. The clinic took place inside a temporary donated space, which the members of Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic (DCDR) went to great lengths to ready for the onslaught of animals.
Running such a successful clinic is not out of the ordinary for DCDR; they are a trusted grass roots organization with the ability to organize and mobilize clinics on the North Coast of D.R efficiently and effectively. It’s no wonder they’ve partnered with so many international organizations - Pets Without Vets, World Vets and Caribbean Spay Neuter to name a few - that leverage DCDR’s strong community ties and expertise to maximize the efforts of their volunteer veterinarians. To date, DCDR has spayed/neutered 1,000 animals and counting. They have also found loving homes for over 500 and orchestrated the long journeys for many of the adopted. These are massive accomplishments considering the history of the area just a short time ago:
"Only eight or nine years ago, the streets of Sosúa were populated by animals in varying degrees of neglect, injury and starvation. Both residents and tourists were exposed to animals that they viewed as diseased, dying or potentially dangerous. Mass poisonings of dogs on the streets and beaches was a common occurrence. Fear of zoonotic diseases, especially rabies and mange, as well as dog bites and cat scratches fueled these attitudes and reactions. (Zoonotic diseases are those which can be transmitted from animals to humans.)"
“Since the Community Outreach program came into effect, the overall health of the animal population has improved by leaps and bounds. Volunteer veterinarians, who have returned annually to the Dominican Republic, as well as resident expatriates and regular visitors to the area, have commented on the marked improvements in the health of dogs and cats in terms of reduced anemia, weight gain, and fewer skin and parasite issues. The locals have gained a high degree of trust in our volunteers and increased pride in their pets. No longer are female animals discarded or killed in a desire to prevent future offspring. Dogs and cats are less likely to be shunned or chased off due to skin issues. Starving dogs no longer roam the streets. Both Sosúa and Cabarete are now safer places for the community animals that socialize in the streets and on the beaches. Many local businesses ensure there is always fresh water on the streets and bowls of food.”
Ahhh, our paradise.
Playa El Valle, Samana, Dominican Republic
I've known that I've wanted to move to D.R. since I was 16, 7 whole years ago, when I was just a babe and made my first trek there in 2009. This country has enthralled me ever since, for reasons far beyond its international all-inclusive resort reputation. Yes, the food and booze and people and beaches are beautiful. But if you haven't stepped foot off of your resort, you have so much left to discover. Leave the desire for 'luxury' at the door and you will find an island so rich in experience you will dream of never having to leave. You will find views and beaches and people that will enrich your life more than any stay at a resort would. Explore!
As for Kate, after our first trip together to D.R. in April 2015, she was absolutely sold.
Put us together, mix in a few hurdles to overcome (like financing our move and obtaining residency and figuring out how to travel with a dog, and, and, and...)
and you've got us trading in Canada for one hell of an adventure; we’re opening a Backpackers Hostel in Dominican Republic.
And yes, you can absolutely book a stay with us (we'll let you know when).
We're working hard on our website & blog to bring you something that we can keep connected on, and to share the things we wish we knew when first travelling Hispaniola. We hope that this website will one day turn into a great resource for anyone backpacking Hispaniola, and especially those staying with us.
Our journey begins now from our one bedroom apartment in Ottawa. Dreaming, planning, saving, overcoming hurdles together.
If this sounds neat to you and you'd like to stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram at @trekhispaniola, and bookmark our website: www.trekhispaniola.com. You can also 'like' us on facebook.
We’ve got 15 months in Canada and counting until we open Trek Hispaniola. Or less, you know Kate...
Love,
Miranda, Kate & Eddie