The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is located in the Caribbean, southeast of Cuba, on the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the country of Haiti. Hispaniola was originally named La Isla Española by Christopher Columbus. The border between the two countries was established through a series of treaties, the most recent of which was completed in 1936. The shape of the country is akin to an irregular triangle covering the eastern 2/3 of the island.

The country borders the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Mona Passage between itself and Puerto Rico. The total area of the country is approximately 48,000 square kilometers and it has the highest elevations in the Greater Antilles but still has a seawater lake below sea level. Given the height of the mountains within the Dominican Republic, in excess of 3,000 meters high, the north coast of the island is well protected from severe weather such as hurricanes.

The north coast of the Dominican Republic, often referred to as the Costa Verde ("green coast") remains today as an unspoiled, pristine land lush with tropical forests and sweeping beaches. The north coast has something to offer everyone; from exciting metropolitan towns to quaint country villages but remains one of the few undiscovered gems of the Caribbean. The north shore offers vacationers the opportunity to enjoy virtually any sport, adventure or water, while enjoying the soothing trade winds which keep the coast comfortable.

The north coast is also home to the rapidly growing tourist mecca of Cabarete, home of world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Cabrera is the home of North Coast Management and many of the most luxurious private villas designed by adventerous souls hoping to escape the hard packed beaches filled with tourists. Cabrera is an oasis along the coast with unspoiled beauty, extraodinarily friendly Dominicans, crystal clear waters and one of the most famous golf courses in the world just 10 minutes away, the Playa Grande Golf Course by Rio San Juan.

Rio San Juan & Playa Grande offer stunning views, excellent tourist shopping and some of the most splendid beaches in the Caribbean. The dark mangroves of the Gri Gri Lagoon will hold you spellbound. The beaches will relax you and the Dominicans of the area will warm you with their "10,000 watt smiles" and friendly ways. The area also boasts the crowning jewel of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the Playa Grande Golf Course; 18-holes of heaven hugging the coastline. Las Terrenas is a small, out of the way area with exceptionally lush vegetation and spectacular white sand beaches. Largely undeveloped, this area is similar to Cabrera as an unblemished representative of the Dominican life. However, it also has a few very well designed resorts for those getting away from it all.

Samana, just about an hour away from Cabrera, is famous for Samana Bay where the humpback whales come year after year from throughout the Altantic. They come here to mate and have their babies in the safe waters of Samana Bay. Last year it was estimated that something like 8000 whales made the trek. From Cabrera you can watch the whales glide down the coast or return with their happy baby whales in tow. This last year it was reported that well over 60 of them cruised past the town between January and March.