THE TOP SIX: Tours. The Dominican Republic offers a wide selection of activities and tours for visitors, and this is the reason why more than 2.7 million visitors visit the island each year. Some of the tours are water sports, such as sailing, fishing, diving, kite surfing, jet skis and even paddle surfing. Other tours are geared towards eco friendly activities such as trekking, dirt buggies, mountain climbing, cave exploration and zip lining. Most of these tours are found in the North coast of the island, in the regions of Puerto Plata and Cabrera, that includes Sosua and Cabarete.

Our top ten list starts at number 1, Fishing in Puerto Plata. Fishing is done in every coastal town of the Dominican Republic, east, south or North. Some say that the best fishing areas are around Puerto Plata, because of the Atlantic Ocean.

The variety of fishing game in the area also influences its good ratings: Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Yellow Fin Tuna, Red Snapper, Yellow Tail Snapper, Grouper, Tarpon, Bone Fish, and Permit are available all year round. December until April is the main season for Dorado and Wahoo. November to January is the prime time for Sailfish. Blue Marlin and Sailfish are available from October until February. Boats depart from Playa Dorada, Sosua and the Ocean World Marina in Cofresi. Julie II is a famous fishing boat we recommend, docked in Sosua beach.

Number 2 in our top ten is zip lining, which draws people from both local and international cities. There`s 2 major zip lines in the area, one is Yasika Adventures and the other one is the Monkey Jungle in Sosua. Yasika is located in the tourist highway that connects Sosua and Santiago, and is highly recommended. The Monkey Jungle now offers one week lodging in a very exotic setting of lush natural surroundings, and lots of monkeys.

Our number 3 requires a PADI certification, because diving in Sosua is a serious business. There`s a large variety of walls, rocks and caves to explore, such as the Three Rocks, which are three giant coral heads that span for 45 meters (150 ft.), hosting an incredible mix of tropical fish and plant life. Paradise Reef offers beginners a chance to explore the inner ocean at a maximum depth of 12 m/ 40 ft. along a colorful reef wall. The Canyon (max. depth 18 m/ 60 ft.) is a reef wall that has split, forming an underwater avenue ideal for a relaxed, colorful cruise. The wall begins at 4 m/12 ft and is full of spectacular sponge life. A lot of other spots such as La Puntilla, Airport Wall, Pyramids and the airport wall are also of great interest to new divers and certified ones. Northern Coast Diving is one of the top providers of diving in the Sosua area.

Number 4 in the list requires a life vest and a good camera with telephoto lens, so you can catch close ups of the whales in Samana. These large cetaceans visit the island each year in March, to breed and give birth to their offspring in warmer waters. Many travel agencies offer all-inclusive trips for those who want a close look at the big humpback ( Megaptera novaengliae ), and to their delight the whales play, sing and jump allowing tourists to snap pictures and film videos. Three of the tour operators that offer whale watching tours in Samana are Whale Samana and Colonial Tours.

Our number 5 goes to Ocean World, the marine park in Cofresi that has become a sensation since its opening in March 2004. Centrally located in the Caribbean on the North Shore of the Dominican Republic, just three miles west of Puerto Plata, Ocean World Adventure Park Marina & Casino is an extraordinary entertainment complex dedicated to offering visitors a once in a lifetime experience that cannot be duplicated anywhere in the world. Guests of Ocean World Adventure Park have the opportunity to touch, pet and feed dolphins, sea lions, sharks, stingrays, exotic tropical birds, meet tigers, walk through a tropical rain forest and much more.

The top 6 tour in the North coast brings the visitor to an adventurous land of back roads, farms, river crossings and much more. It`s called the Outback Safari. Oversized trucks fitted with seats and protective metal frames carry visitors to see native Dominicans in the country side, cooking, farming, and sharing daily life. The outback safari offers a Visit a typical Dominican home, meet the family that lives there & enjoy a drink of freshly made coffee with them. Beverages, food and cultural guidance is provided throughout the tours, a very enriching experience.

Other tours in the North Coast worth visiting are the Damajagua falls, caves of El Choco, the kite surfing and board surfing beach in Cabarete, and ever present golf courses in Playa Grande and Playa Dorada. Horseback riding in the beach is a must to some, so don`t miss it. Villa rental clients in Sosua or Cabarete can call Golden Treasures Concierge Services and get more information and booking services.

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MTV`s reality show, Battle of the Exes just finished a six month production filming in the Dominican Republic, at one of the villa rentals we list in El Choco, Sosua. The program also staged the games at the local beaches and at the Ocean World Marine Park. The villa is now back in the market in much better shape, as seen in the show including the extra bunk beds ( now there`s 10 beds ), the gymnasium, custom designed furniture and new decorative lighting with exciting effects. This is exciting dr news for travelers who enjoy visiting Sosua.

Sosua and Cabarete are home to some of the nicest luxury villa rentals in the Dominican Republic, no wonder MTV ( owned by Viacom ) chose this area for their 2012 edition of the Battle of the Exes. It was a pleasure to have the MTV folks in the North coast of the Dominican Republic, and specially at one of the villas for rent in Sosua. <--( this link shows the villa ).

Here`s the video preview:

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Buying a house in Puerto Plata within the $200,000 range usually ends in simple 3 bedroom homes in standard residential communities, and deals are mostly old, foreclosed or fixer upper houses. This phenomenal exception is a fantastic country home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, master suite as a mezzanine with ensuite bathroom and a panoramic verandah in the second level. This house price was US$300,000.00 and went down to US$195,000.00 on December 25th, a xmas gift to its new owner.

A swimming pool and BBQ grill in the right side complement the Orchid garden in the front, with ornamental country-like wooden fences and bamboo trees in the left perimeter wall. The flooring of the house is a specially polished cement with decorative tiles and small sized stone beads, creating a perfect Mediterranean touch to the entire house, and matching the stucco walls and French-inspired porch and garden at the entrance.Click the photo to see it, this is close to the Playa Dorada Golf Course and its great beaches. Reference # SPC0794

          809-377-2038 / 829-477-2038

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Getting a long term rental is becoming a top priority for many local and foreigners who find their home in the North coast of the Dominican Republic. Since we work with a large number of properties and constantly get new listings for long term rentals, we will be posting the updates in this blog, twitter and Google Plus. Some of the homes have 4 bedrooms, and most 3 or 2. Sosua has the most homes for long term rental with fewers bedrooms, since it is more a vacation destination. 95% of rentals for long term require that renters pay power costs, and some will include pool cleaning and security watchmen. Since this post is of a dynamic nature, we will update it as much as we need to.

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LIST OF AVAILABLE RENTALS:

This is a lovely home for long term rent in Cabarete. Set in one of the nicest beachfront gated communities of Cabarete, this beautiful 4,304 sq. ft. 4- bedroom, 3.5 bathroom 2 level house stands in a privileged spot surrounded by green gardens:

The long term rental rate is US$2,500.00 per month but it can be negotiated, never be afraid to ask or make an offer. We`ve seen many owners who refused to lower rates but also others that will consider a good tenant that will take good care of the property. Status: Available from February 5th, 2012.

This ocean view, mountain top villa can also be rented in Puerto Plata:

It has 5 air conditioned bedrooms, four bathrooms ( three ensuite ),  a fully stocked gourmet kitchen with three wine fridges, a cigar humidor, ice cream machine and first class appliances. The villa has many more features that will appeal to the most demanding of travelers, such as the disco area with true disco lighting effects, a TIKI hut with a pool table, a 28-meter infinity pool overlooking the horizon, private bar, back up power generator and private security. Long term rental for such a villa ranges between US$4,500-5,000 per month +utilities depending on lenght of rental. Status: available starting January 15th, 2012.

 Another ocean view vista rental in Puerto Plata ( Cofresi ):

Magnificent, very private retreat for rent long term It has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms,  swimming pool with cascading tanning pool, terrace, patio, balcony and studio room. Cofresi beach can be reached in less than 5 minutes, can even be walked to. This villa can be rented long term for about $4,000.00 per month, plus utilities. Status: available starting February 1st, 2012.

 Vintage Style Country Villa for rent  in Puerto Plata close to Playa Dorada:

Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, master suite as a mezzanine with ensuite bathroom and a panoramic verandah in the second level. Swimming pool and BBQ grill in the right side complement the Orchid garden in the front, with ornamental country-like wooden fences and bamboo trees in the left perimeter wall. This house is set in a quiet area, excellent for nature lovers. Rents for US$1750.00 per month. Status: available starting January 10th, 2012.

3 bedroom villa for rent in Sosua:

This house is set on a gated community near the best schools of Sosua, close to a church and less than a 5 minute drive to the beach in Sosua. With 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, mahogany wood in the doors, kitchen , closets and cabinets. Sliding European windows, Spanish floor tiles, 32mt swimming pool, window frame moldings, 3,000 gls cistern, parking space, and high ceilings. This house rents for US$1300.00 per month and includes gardening and security. Status: Available starting January 8th, 2012 ( unfurnished ).

 Beautiful house in Puerto Plata, for long term rental only:

This house for rent has 3 1/2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, living room, dining area, full kitchen with mahogany wood, terrace, patio, laundry area and swimming pool in the back of the house with a tree-shaded area for sitting and barbecuing. This house rents for about US$1500.00 plus power usage. Status: Available starting January 15th, 2012.

Lovely home with swimming pool in Sosua:

featuring 3 well appointed bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, swimming pool, covered terrace and laundry area. Furnished, This house has many extras such as power generator, electric backup inverter, alarm system, air conditioning, cable TV, satellite TV, and Internet. Rental is US$1600.00 x month plus power bill and cleaning. Status: Available starting January 10th, 2012.

Elegant house for rent in Puerto Plata

This home has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms; The house has the master bedroom with ensuite bathroom including Jacuzzi and walk in closet in the second level, and two other bedrooms that share a J&J bathroom. Rental is US$1,350.00 per month plus utilities. Call 829-477-2038 for long term rentals as these in the North coast of Dominican Republic. Status: Available starting January 12th, 2012 partially furnished.

3 bedroom home in Puerto Plata:

This house is located in a gated community of Puerto Plata with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms ( 1 ensuite ), living room, dining room, ample kitchen in mahogany wood and black granite countertop. A very quiet neighborhoood with paved streets, gated entrance, security and good neighbors. Just a 3 minute drive to the main highway. This house rents for US$1200.00 plus electrical, non furnished. Status: Available starting December 28th, 2011.

4 Bedroom Rental in gated community of Sosua:

This long term rental offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms Dominican Republic villa rental in Sosua, set on two floors with ocean view. Upstairs; two bedrooms (queen size bed) with A/C, 1 bathroom, dining-living room, full equipped kitchen, TV cable and Internet wireless. Nice terrace overlooking the swimming pool. Downstairs; two bedrooms (queen size bed) with A/C, 2 bathrooms with sitting area at the entrance. Rents for long term at US$2350.00 per month + power. Status: Available starting January 10th, 2012.

The Ultimate Caribbean Beach villa: between Sosua and Cabarete:

Set right on the beach, this rental can be a long term home, rates range from $5500-6000 plus utilities. It is fully furnished with 5 bedrooms, 7 1/2 bathrooms, entertainment center with wide screen TV, a fine gourmet kitchen, BBQ, DVD/VCR, Stereo player and wireless DSL. Gated community with guarded entrance, good neighbors.

NOTICE: the listings shown here are actual short term and real estate for sale properties in the Dominican Republic, so when you click the links you`ll see daily rates and sale prices.Contact us for further details regarding long term rentals for any of these and other properties. Call Edward Rivas at 809-377-2038 / 829-477-2038.

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Ocean One is known to be the nicest luxury apartment complex in Cabarete, in a privileged location where kite beach begins. Golden Treasures Vacation Rentals just introduced a first floor condo unit for rent with 2 well appointed bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in Ocean One, right by the fantastic swimming pool. The unit is finely decorated by a well known Spanish interior decorator, with contemporary furniture including a beautiful black leather sofa.

This vacation rental in Cabarete Ocean one is mostly aimed at those romantic couples or small families who treat rentals with the utmost respect, due to the cost of the furnishings and the select neighborhood. You can see the Cabarete condo for rent listing at the Golden Treasures website.

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