AIRPORTS
The Dominican Republic has several international airports.  East of Santo Domingo is Las Americas International and in the city is La Isabela.

For destinations on the North coast, people generally fly into PUERTO PLATA Airport named Gregorio Luperon which is located just 11 miles East of Puerto Plata.  Punta Cana.  Another popular connection for U.S. travelers is to the international airport Santiago de los Caballeros, however some of those flights arrive in the middle of the night to early mornings.  Since the beginning of  2007 the international airport EL CATEY in Samana has opened but not operating to its full capacity yet.  As of 2008 there will be more airlines flying to El Catey which will make it so nice for arrivals going to Samana and Cabrera.  El Catey is close to one hour East of Cabrera and the roads are narrow but in pretty good condition.  All of these airport locations help facilitate and ease your traveling plans weather you visit to investigate investment possibilities or wanting to vacation on one of the North coast of the Dominican Republics beautiful sandy beaches. 

BRUGAL, BARCELO AND BERMUDEZ
These are the three biggest RUM factories in the Dominican Republic. Rum is the national drink of the Dominican Republic. The most known drink is the "Cuba Libre".  This is rum, coca cola and a slice of lemon. 

BEACHES
The Dominican Republic's beaches are widely celebrated as being among the world's best, and for good reason. Here, more than 1,000 miles of golden sugar-colored sand is gently lapped by warm waters so clear and blue one has to see to believe. Depending on location, the beaches offer a gentle lullaby for an oceanside nap or enough wind to keep a Technicolor kiteboard adrift.
Our favorites for a relaxing beach holiday are Playa Grande, El Caleton, La Entrada and Diamante Beach.  Property and beautiful tropical caribbean homes available for rent and for sale in the area.
All 4 are just minutes from Cabrera.

Super fine white sand sprinkled with coconut palm trees line the coast while golden sand defines the beaches of the north coast. Some of these areas are populated with resorts featuring a full array of watersports, food vendors, people watching and other activities. While others take visitors to another world of pristine tranquility with peaceful, uninhabited beaches, here, the only intrusions are a towering coconut palm and the swaying breeze.  Great opportunities for investments are still available at very reasonable prices.

CLOTHING
Light weight sports clothing and casual dress is recommended unless you are going to the mountain regions. (Bring a sweater)

COFFEE
Coffee is grown in the Bani and Cibao Altura area of the Dominican Republic, and is known for its full body, low acidity and rich flavor. The economical price of coffee makes it an ideal gift/souvenir to bring home. The most popular brand is the white bagged Santo Domingo brand.  Can you picture yourself sitting on your terrace of your beach home sipping on a fresh cup while the sun comes up....

CURRENCY
The national currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso. In the tourist areas you can also pay with American Dollars as well as travelers checks. The ex-change rate at this moment is 33 pesos for 1 US$. (Jan. 2008)
Credit cards like MasterCard, VISA and Eurocard are accepted in most mid-sized businesses nationwide or go to about any bank and use the ATM machine.

CLIMATE
The Dominican Republic, also know as Hispanola is hot and tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperatures, which average about 80°F (27°C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall, with November to January being the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month in the south of the country.  From Sosua to Cabrera we are surrounded by mountain ranges and we receive the trade winds from the East for a perfect climate.  

DIVING
Whether you're an experienced diver, or just beginning, you're bound to enjoy underwater exploration, either snorkeling or diving in the reef areas found off the north coast of the Dominican Republic.  Prestine diving in Rio San Juan just a short distance by boat thru Gri Gri Lagoon and out the mouth of the ocean.  You can see a spectacular array of colorful marine life in these incredibly clear waters. In some areas, you can dive to underwater caves or shipwrecks that have been at the bottom of the sea for hundreds of years.
How about a tropical vacation home here where you can go out and enjoy some of lifes' pleasures.

ELECTRICITY
Generally the electricity operates at 110 Volts/60 Hertz (like in North America) but voltage irregularities can be quite common in the Dominican Republic - sometimes providing less, sometimes providing surges of far more. For this reason, expensive appliances and computers should have surge protection if they are going to be used here. Appliances from countries that use more voltage, for example, 220 volts, will require converters or adapters.
This is something to think about and plan for when building your dream home on this tropical island and not to fear most home rentals and hotels have surge protectors to protect your computers.

FRUITS
Cultivated by the Taino before the European arrived were pineapples, papaya, tobacco and peppers. Mango's, bananas, coffee and sugar cane arrived after the arrival of the Spaniards. The different climate zones are responsible for the variety of local fruits.  In the Cabrera area you can go to the little fruit stands on the road and buy fresh everyday!

GOLF
The Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful golf courses in the Dominican Republic. Located in Rio San Juan on the north coast, also called the "Amber Coast" of the Dominican Republic, Playa Grande Golf Course is a Robert Trent Jones 18-hole golf course that some say is the class of the Dominican Republic. It has ocean views on every hole and 10 holes run along the shore.   Soon you will be able to invest on an exclusive leisure intergrated residential resort on 790 hectares along one of the most spectacular beaches in the Dominican Republic

JEWELRY
The most popular pieces are the ones that incorporate either Larimar or Amber , both of which are mined in the Dominican Republic. Larimar, unique to the Dominican Republic, is mined in a volcanic mountain range in the south of the country and is polished to bring out its varied shades of turquoise blue and green, beautifully matching the colours of the sea. Amber is the bronzy, orange-hued resin that has hardened after millions of years. Amber is quite prevalent in the Dominican Republic. The most prized, and therefore costly pieces, incorporate fossils of small plants or insects that collected in the resin before it hardened, called 'inclusions'. Pricing of jewelry items incorporating Larimar or Amber varies depending on the type/quality/size of the piece, the type of metal used, and the design.  The specialty jewelry and gift shops offer more high quality products, incorporating the real gems/stones, silver or gold, at accordingly higher prices.  A great gift to remind you of the piece of tropical paradise you left behind till your next stay.

PASSPORT/VISA REQUIREMENTS
These requirements are subject to change. Check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you depart.
Canadian citizens: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure, a return or onward ticket, and a tourist card are required for visits of up to 60 days.
EU citizens: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure, a return or onward ticket, and a tourist card are required for visits of up to 60 or 90 days.
U.S. citizens: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure, a return or onward ticket, and a tourist card are required for visits of up to 60 days.
Others: Nationals of countries not listed above may or may not require a visa; check with the nearest Dominican Republic embassy or consulate for further details about entry requirements.
Note: Tourist cards may be purchased upon arrival or from a Dominican Republic consulate in one's home country.  Some airlines include the tourist card in the price of their tickets.


RELIGION
Catholicism is the official religion of the country, however, the Dominican Constitution provides for freedom of creed. Other religions actively worshiped are the Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, and Mormon.

TREES
Mahogany, Dominican Magnolia, Bija, Mammon tree.Tree ferns, bromeliad, orchids, creolear pine trees, cacti, flamboyant, royal, cane, guano, cocopalms and yarey palms.  All or some of these are standing on properties everywhere in the Cabrera area.
Swamp areas such as Gri Gri Lagoon, near Bahia Blanca in Rio San Juan are dominated with mangroves.

WEDDINGS
The Dominican Republic is the ideal place to celebrate your wedding. Surrounded by palm trees, sunshine, warm turquoise ocean and tropical flowers, live music, you will find the perfect balance between privacy and a friendly atmosphere.
You will need two witnesses holding valid passports who can be travelling with you or you can ask local hotel staff to witness your wedding.
The following documents are required to get married in the Dominican Republic. Note that legal transcripts of birth certificates, single status affidavits and divorce certificates need to be prepared in the country where the documents were issued.