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Post by RustyHalo on May 3, 2007 12:02:16 GMT -4
Many thanks to the wonderful folks on this board who take the time to write trip reports to help us first timers get the most out of our trip to Paradise.  Would love to hear from people who have taken the different tours available out of Sosua. What was your favorite excursion? Best experience? Worst experience? (not looking for whiny complaints, but just advice for a newbie - things to watch out for, or something you would do differently). Specifically interested in Mels' Puerto Plata City Tour; Tropical Sun Jeep Safari; Fun buggies; and Paradise Island, but excited to hear about any others I may not have considered yet. |
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Post by coppersun2001 on May 3, 2007 23:58:15 GMT -4
Wow I just love DR newbies, don't get me started on the tours. I think my hubby and I have done em all. Ok let me see: Best tour we have been on: Paradise Island; wonderful snorkling! but long day, about three hours by bus from Sosua. but worth it. Santo Domingo: we just went on this one this year. was worth the money. It was only about $70 us booked at MELs take a sweater for the bus trip as the air conditioning is chilly, the view and tour of the city is awesome, we learnt so much. Mels tours are the best. Right beside the Checkpoint is a Mel's location ( I think there are about three in Sosua but Linda is friendly and one of the best) The best think to do is talk to Mark and Colleen as they know which are worth it and which are not. It will depend on what you like to do and how long you are down there. We think, a trip about every three days is good. this gives you time to recoup after. My hubby loves the safari trips, monster truck one. A great way to see the country. Most all day trips include lunch and drinks. We really enjoyed the Puerto Plata day trip as well. For a newbie this is definately the way to go. After you get your feet wet you may want to just hire a cab ( Eric is great and you can reach him at the checkpoint) tell him where you want to go and he is great. But for the first time I highly recommend the bus trips as they have a guide along and you get to learn lots about the island!@ There are many topics on this forum with reviews about the trips. oh and don't forget to run the gauntlet!!! ask Colleen at the Checkpoint she will tell you all about it. andddddddddddd ( see told you not to get me started) you absolutely have got to eat at the Maui Moi. the best lobster thermador and baked cambert cheese you will ever have. I really hope you have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!!!! wish I could be there!  |
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Post by RustyHalo on May 4, 2007 20:57:51 GMT -4
Thanks so much for all the great info, Coppersun! I'll be there for a week, so I think I've decided on the Puerto Plata city tour and Paradise Island, for sure. If my daughter comes with me I'll let her choose between the Safari or the fun buggies. Hmmmm, so many tours, so little time...maybe we'll have to stay more than a week. ;D I've heard lots of good things about Linda at Mel's, so I'll definitely book my tours through her, and have heard so much about the Checkpoint on ALL of the D.R. boards. It seems like the place to go for good food and fun, for sure, looking forward to meeting fellow Canadians. Okay, you've got me in suspense...what is "running the gauntlet???" AND...my mouth has been watering since I read the words Lobster & Camembert in the same sentence!!  |
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Post by coppersun2001 on May 5, 2007 13:06:41 GMT -4
Running the guantlet is my way of saying "walking the beach market at Sosua Beach" Its a blast and good thing the Checkpoint is at the top of the hill, so you can have a cool one on the way down and you will definately need one coming back. The market is wonderful and you can bargain and barter lots! I love to watch newbies down there for the first time. Colleen has a selected few of vendors that you will want to check on, good and fair prices. Personnally I like number 96 and 98 for my shopping. I also like the little shop with the raw cotton dress' in it but can't remember the name. Ask coll she will know it. There are many other restaurants in Sosua, La finca is another great one. The best Lemon grass shrimp you will ever have. I also like the Britania for their chicken fingers and pizza. Its great. Liam is a wonderful host. Best Ceasar in Sosua is definately the Checkpoint. BUTTTT (no offense Coll) I love the Spanksters Ceasars!!! He is wonderful!!!! although I must say the view of Marks butt makes the drinks even better ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by RustyHalo on May 5, 2007 15:13:18 GMT -4
Sounds like my idea of the ideal vacation - lots of good food, good drinks and lots and lots of shopping! Oh, and a couple of tours...then more food, drinks and shopping... |
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Post by Spanky on May 5, 2007 18:15:25 GMT -4
Hi rustyhalo
sounds like you got the ideal recipe for a trip here. Am certain you will enjoy it.
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Post by RustyHalo on May 5, 2007 18:35:26 GMT -4
Thanks, Spankster! I'm planning on heading for the Checkpoint immediately upon my arrival in Paradise to test Coppersun's theory about the best Caesars (yours!) I'm assuming she meant the drink, not the salad.  |
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Post by Spanky on May 5, 2007 18:49:29 GMT -4
For a Brit making a ceasar [it's got to be a drink 'cos the only thing I know about food is to eat it] Copper sure is giving me a compliment - just hope I can come up to your expectations. Anyway, if it is not to your liking at the first attempt then there might have to be a lot of practice [hic hic ] ;D
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