 |  |  |
 |
 |
| SPOTLIGHT | | Sandy
beach, is great for diving, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. |
| |  |
 |  |  |
| | | |
Highlights
Boca Chica's beach is truly
unique. Its waters make up a cove approximately 1 mile wide. About 1/4 mile out,
there is a reef in the shape of a giant semi-circle that extends from end to end
and just protrudes out beyond the water's surface and completely surrounds the
cove, forming a giant natural salt-water swimming pool with depths averaging 3-4
feet. The reef acts as a natural break wall to the Caribbean Sea, so the cove
is usually glass calm.. Inside the reef, the water is crystal clear, continuously
filtered and fed by a series of natural underground springs. It is this "swimming
pool in the sea" that provides some very beautiful and distinct views because
you have the deep azure blue of the Caribbean beyond the reef, contrasting with
the shallow bay, which varies between a deep sky-blue and an intense blue-green,
depending on the angle of the sun.
The water starts at the beach about
ankle deep and reaches a depth of just few feet after about 100 yards out, with
nothing but smooth clean sand underfoot. As one approaches the middle, they may
encounter a short distance of 10 yards or so where the water depth reaches 6 feet
but it quickly returns to just a few feet in depth and slowly decreases until
it is again ankle deep as one approaches the natural reef.
This naturally
calm, clear, and shallow water makes it ideal for all sorts of water sports and
swimming. It is great for paddle boats, kayaks, water skiing, banana boat rides.
Jet skis are restricted to the far end of the beach, away from the hotels and
swimmers. It is especially good for small children. The sand along the shore varies
in appearance from a light colored tan to white, depending on the angle of the
sun. It is usually flat for easy walking and the beach varies from 40 to 100 yards
wide. One can easily find room on the beach to throw a Frisbee around any day
of the week, any time of the day. There is lots of open space.
On Sundays,
the beach gets very crowded, as many Dominicans families come in from Santo Domingo
to enjoy the beach, but by Monday morning the beach is empty and cleaned up of
any debris left from the Sunday crowds. The rest of the week is equally quiet
until Saturday, when the beach sees more visitors.
La Matica. Off
shore and inside the reef, there are two small islands. At about the center is
a mangrove named La Matica, or "Little Bush". There is very little firm ground
on this mangrove but it is home to thousands of birds called "garzas" (herons).
Many visitors enjoy wading out to the shore of the mangrove and just hanging out,
as the water off-shore is only a couple feet deep and it recedes gently up along
a soft and smooth sand bar. A narrow waterway cuts through the center of the mangrove
and curious visitors like to float through in a boat, just to see where it goes.
Los Pinos. On the very far west end of the cove lies the island
of Los Pinos, or "The Pines". This island is larger and has plenty of firm land.
It is somewhat polluted along the edges from all the visitors that throw trash
onto the ground but few venture beyond the first 20 yards once landing on this
island. This is partly because Hurricane Georges uprooted many trees and bushes
making navigation across the property difficult. Another reason is because most
people arrive with bare feet and swimsuit. An exploration of this little island
requires sturdy shoes and mosquito repellent.
Playa Andrés. Directly
across from this island towards the main shore is an old but still operating sugar
factory, a key source of employment for the town of Andrés, often called "Andrés
de Boca Chica". Also across the shore is a marina, home to many large yachts,
a Dominican Customs facility for use by the large freighters that arrive here
at the port of Andrés, and there is a good stretch of beach called Playa Andrés
that covers the distance between the marina and Boca Chica Beach. It is seldom
crowded and lined with natural palm-leaf beach umbrellas and wooden slat chairs.
One of the great mysteries of my travels is why more Americans don't
travel to the Dominican Republic. The Europeans have discovered this tropical
Caribbean island with its fantastic accommodations, cheap food, lush mountain
scenery, exciting music, Las Vegas type entertainment, and pristine beaches. Santo
Domingo International Airport is only an hour and a half from Miami and three
and a half from New York-- a short hop for the excitement potential of the Far
East! Good roads and simple directions make this an easy country to explore for
the solo male. And, oh, did I mention the women?--well, let me tell you about
Boca Chica! Sometimes, by accident, you stumble into something so special, lusty,
exotic, and totally unknown by the average traveller that it's simply hard to
believe the place existed without you knowing about it. Such a place is Boca Chica!
I had heard about Boca Chica's beautiful beaches, but when none of my female friends
in Santo Domingo would accompany me there, I became suspicious. This tipped me
off, since the typical Dominican woman is always ready to go anyplace at anytime
for fun, partying, and beach exploring. So of course I decided to go alone, and
now I know the reason. For every male there are 10 girls waiting to please you!
ARRIVAL
Getting to the Dominican Republic and Boca Chica
is quite easy. American Airlines has the best connections from the U.S.to Dominican
Republic. The international airport, Las Americas, is close to both Boca Chica
and Santo Domingo -- about a 25 minute ride to the beach resort and 30 minutes
to the capital. If you're planning to rent a car, do it at the airport where every
local and world-wide agency is represented! In Boca Chica only McDeals rent a
car is available and it is double the price of the airport!
Hotels
The best hotel for the single male in Boca Chica is currently the Don Juan
Resort, and once you're there, you'll understand the name. Located on the west
end of the beach, here you'll find 124 hotel units and mini-suites for under $100.00
and a resort that guarantees non-stop entertainment, from in- house disco orgies
to afternoon model fashion shows. This hotel is right on the beach with pools,
bikes, snorkeling, and wind-surf rentals. You can direct dial from the U.S. by
simply calling 1- 809-523-4511. There was a unique problem with this hotel and
I should warn you about it. At night, you may be tempted to walk into Boca Chica
for dinner but, since the shortest route from this hotel is to walk along the
beach, you'll find out as I did that trouble lies in wait. The problem is that
this trouble comes from young girls who wait on the beach hoping you'll take this
scenic short cut at night. When they see their prey, they expose themselves to
you. Their goal is to entice you before you hit the discos and bars where you
might find another female companion! You see, a single male is a hot commodity
on this island. The evening I tried to walk the beach route to town, a young girl
approached, pulled down her halter top, and revealed some of God's finest work
in duplicate. Then realizing my interest was piqued she tried to show me more.
Saying I only wanted dinner, she offered herself as the appetizer as long as she
could join me. I said "no" that night, but it was certainly tempting. While recouping
from my unexpected fleshly encounter, I wondered what awaited me in town. I still
hadn't had dinner. Truth be told, no matter where you go in Boca Chica, beach
or town, some girl will be there to make you an irresistible offer, be it a massage
- dinner companion - guide - dance instruct or sex instructions :-). Sometimes
it's impossible to get rid of them in a polite manner! Only the young or the not-so
attractive become so overly aggressive as the girl I met on the beach, but I'm
sure you'll concur you've never gotten so much attention -- and when you finally
meet a girl who just wants to dance or make new friends, you'll be relieved. Yes,
men, this is paradise.
Nightlife
As for other night life,
there are plenty of discos. I recommend El Partaiso, on the East side of town,
which is the first to open. Here you'll see quite a bevy of Dominican girls all
dressed to the hilt, hoping you'll dance with them as they wiggle on the dance
floor...striving for your attention. A common tactic is to bend over, expose a
little panty and give you a wink. If you smile back, she'll casually pass your
table and ask if she can be seated. Many of these girls are willing to please,
and their reward can be anything from a nice place to sleep & dine, a trip to
the North Coast, or some clothes and jewelry. Remember, once you buy a girl a
drink, you are hers and she won't allow any other female intrusion. Once, I tried
to take a picture of the attractive female bartender, and my girl jumped over
the counter and started to rip at her clothes! I just watched with horror and
amusement! If any one interests you though, your biggest problem will be where
to take her. Since the hotels don't allow a disco or beach girl into the rooms,
you have to be creative. I don't recommend the beach at night as some girls will
suggest -- they're trying to save you some money (maybe an extra tip for them).
The best alternative is the beach bungalows that surround the discos and are perfect
for that first encounter -- they can be rented by the hour, day, or week and usually
are under $20.00 per day. Even if you just want to dance and have no intentions
of carnivorous activities, the girls are overly attentive and curious about you!
Here are mostly European men and you'll be one of the few Americans! In case you
want to lessen the attention, just tell them your wife is waiting for you at the
hotel and you just stopped in for a quick drink. Once when I used this technique
the girl said, " no problem, she can watch." Yes, this is an marvelous place!
Late night action
Around 12.30 PM,a the dance action moves over to the
"Main Girl Disco". Here you'll find hundreds of tourists from the surrounding
hotels, along with local and vacationing Dominicans. Even if you've had a mid-evening
quickie, your date will ask you to take her here for dancing & to meet her friends!
You can dance the night away or you might even spot a new love! Watching these
gyrating girls dance in their mini-skirts and purposely bending over in their
lace panties just to arouse you is enough to make you feel youthful again. Even
the bar hostesses and female musicians are available for your pleasure. Just make
sure your past date doesn't spot you on the prowl and making a new arrangement!
Possibilities never end in BOCA CHICA.
Besides women?
In
case you're wondering, there are many other things to do at this beach resort
besides the search and conquest of the young and the beautiful! One of the best
beaches in the Caribbean is here, with two islands in the bay, to swim, sail board,
or boat. The water is as clear as the Bahamas and the climate is perfect. Nearby
is also La Romana, an international city with a great sports resort, Casa de Campo.
A little farther east is Bayahibe Beach, one of the five most beautiful beaches
in the world, mainly known only to Dominican locals. This is a great place to
take your new female companion, as directions are tricky and a guide is preferred!
Of course, Santo Domingo, the islands capital, is only 30 minutes to the west.
Many tourists use Boca Chica as their base, due to its gorgeous beach and laid
back atmosphere, to explore this colonial city. Santo Domingo, one of the oldest
cities in the western hemisphere, has beautiful colonial ruins, great shopping,
Las Vegas type entertainment and casinos, and the Malecon (boardwalk) on the weekends
is an all night party. My choice of hotels here is the Jaragua Hotel, which has
a perfect location on the boardwalk, the best casino and shows, a New York Deli,
tennis club, Olympic pool. Now a Ramada's Renaissance affiliate, you can reach
them by calling 1-800-331-3542. Oh, behind this hotel is the Lappis bar, where
all your dreams can come true for a price. Unlike the Boca amateurs, these girls
are on a take out basis after you pay a hefty bar charge.
Inside tips
Here are a few special tips to make your trip more fun with less hassles!
First, if you want to save a great deal of money, go after April 15, when
the low season starts and hotels drop rates 50%. The weather is the same, just
a little more rain in the evening!
Second, when you change money upon arrival
at the airport, keep the receipt, since when you want to change back to dollars
at the airport before leaving, you must show your receipt. If you lose it, ask
a luggage handler or cab driver for dollars--although you'll get an awful exchange
rate from them. It's better than having worthless Dominican pesos in the U.S.
In my opinion, the Dominican Republic is the best and most under-rated island
in the Caribbean. It has everything a single male traveller could want or even
dream of! | |
 |
Top Beaches |  |
| |
Carmel Beach | | Carmel Beach, for one,
is a tranquil cove of blue water bordered by soft white sand and cypress-covered
cliffs (the tides are deceptively strong and dangerous, so be careful if you chance
a swim). | | |
| Hermosa
Beach | | Have fun with volleyball, paddleball
or beach ball, while creating a golden tan or toning up. Surfboarding, skateboarding
or boogey boarding are all here. | | |
| Long
Beach | | As you drive along the coast
of Long Beach, don't be fooled by the sight of the bright pastel islands just
off shore; far from natural, they're actually oil-drilling platforms in disguise. |
| |
| Surfrider
Beach | | Surfrider Beach here was the
surfing capital of the world in the 1950s and early 1960s, as seen in the Beach
Blanket Bingo movies of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon (the surf is at its
best in late summer). | | |
|
Malibu | | Malibu, at the top of the bay
twenty miles north of Santa Monica, is a whole other world, its beach-colony houses
owned by those famous enough to need privacy and rich enough to afford it. |
| |
|
Zuma Beach | | Five miles along the coast
from Malibu Pier, Zuma Beach is the largest and most crowded of the Los Angeles
County beaches. | | |
|
Point Dume State Beach | | Adjacent Point
Dume State Beach, below the imposing promontory of Point Dume, is a lot more relaxed. |
| |
| Pismo
Beach | | Just outside San Luis Obispo,
on Pismo's 23-mile stretch of prime beachfront, flip-flops are the shoes of choice
and surf wear is the dominant fashion. It's all about beach life here, so bring
your bathing suit, your board, and a good book. | |
|
|
Ocean Beach | | Ocean Beach, six miles
northwest of downtown, rivals Pacific Beach in its surfing and party atmosphere,
although Ocean Beach has a more down-to-earth, bohemian feel, and is replete with
excellent secondhand music shops. | | |
|
La Jolla | | A more pretentious air prevails
in La Jolla, an elegant beach community just to the north that mystery writer
Raymond Chandler once described as "a nice place - for old people and their
parents." | | | |
| | | |
