Thinking about Luperon
The north coast of the Dominican Republic, along the Thorny Path south, has very few protected anchorages. One of the most talked about places amongst cruisers is Luperon, due in no small part by Van Sant’s book The Gentleman’s Guide to Passages South. I have read that Luperon was cut out of the mangroves, creating a virtual hurricane hole. In spite of that great protection, people’s opinions on the place vary widely. Van Sant speaks well of Luperon where as I have heard multiple people recommend avoiding the place at all costs. The challenge with that advice is that the prevailing easterly winds may make that nearly impossible. We’ll see what happens. We’ve been sitting in Georgetown now for 3 weeks, the longest of any anchorage since our Canada departure, and we’re itching to get moving again.
Beautiful picture! We’ve heard good things about Luperon, but they were actually about the place, not so much about anchorages. While you’re waiting around, might as well enjoy volleyball and your kiteboarding lessons (poor things)! We look forward to hearing more about it.
Hi. Thought this website was very informative…
http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/DominicanRepublic/Luperon –
Capt Rich
I have an old friend who sailed his 47 Vagabond there which he then sold and built himself a house in Luperon. Haven’t been in contact for a couple of years but will send out an email to see if he is still there. Now you’re getting to my stomping grounds; the Latin speaking countries. The DR, Cuba etc. Good times!!
ok i curious… why are people saying to avoid it?
Why move?
You are in Paradise…
We spent a very great 3 weeks in Luperon. Awesome anchorage (with a couple of shoals to avoid once inside), the town is friendly, although not touristy. We stopped here on our trip from St. Martin to Florida, due to weather … glad we did.
I think that if you are comfortable only in nice marinas, then this isn’t the place for you. It isn’t a US marina, or for that matter a Bahamian marina … it isn’t developed (which we liked, but scared many).
I stayed with the boat for 1 week, while my father (70) stayed for all 3. We had a blast, and he more than me. While there is a cruising community in there, the town, surprisingly isn’t for yachties … at least it never felt that way.
There are “buses” to explore the DR and a place to rent a car … we rented one for 4 days, and used it to provision in the main cities (nothing much beyond essentials in Luperon). We actually found a great deal on batteries there, and used the opportunity to refresh and upgrades the banks on Maestro (our sloop).
Fuel, water and “everything” can be brought to you … there is a guy who is the unofficial “yachty helper” (can’t remember name) … has a large panga, can arrange anything. Very friendly and helpful.
The port captain had no boat, so we headed ashore to meet them, then shuttle them to us to clear us in (they did an inspection). Speaking Spanish is a huge plus.
There are a couple of restaurants run ex-yachties … catering to the community and offering WiFi … decent food, good prices … they can direct you to everything else … local bakery (awesome cookies), vegetables, etc … don’t expect supermarkets … so if buying meat from someone without a refrigerator worries you … rent the car (or take the bus) into the bigger cities.
I wouldn’t miss Luperon! For that matter anywhere in the DR. Our previous port of call was Samana … also great experience, very different, much more “western”, cruise ships call in there, so not the same vibe.
Get out of GT! You are 18 miles from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Go to Calabash Bay and have lunch at the Canadian resort Cape Santa Maria. Rent a car and explore Long Island, the people are some of the nicest anywhere. Or another day, sail to Water Key where you can feed yourself from the sea. After sailing across the entire Pacific I have not seen more beauty in the sea anywhere. If you head south stop in Clarence Town, a wonderful clean harbor. Lots to do right next door while your waiting for charts.
If it’s the anchoring, the beautiful pic shows boats nestled up against the shore. Looks like paradise to me! Unless it’s dangerous, the two of you are great at exploring and finding fun things to do. Take care – let us know what oyu think!!
Just go make it happen, follow your own course. You be your own judge of Luperon after you get there. I’ve only heard good myself.
From Samana I tried to get there in a day but ran out of daylight and tucked into a tiny steep with cliffs little cove that was so deep and skinny I had to put an anchor almost on shore and stretch out a stern anchor into more than 50 ft of perfectly clear water. I could see every coral head even at that depth. The weather was good, I stayed there for 3 days and then made my way to South Caicos.
Remember, it’s “your” trip down island!
I wondered how long it would be before wanderlust would strike again! Continue to enjoy, and up anchor when you get your charts and chips!
Have some Presidente on board to hand out to those locals that help. And keep some for yourself. One of my top 5 favorites. Natty Boh it aint!
Well, from all that info. regarding Luperon we will stop there when we head that way thats for sure, it all sounds great & at the end of the day if you don’t like it “move on” there is no rush you are there to explore
BTW – you are SO close to Cuba. Don’t miss it!
Have to agree with Dave – get out of Chicken Harbour before you’re sucked in and co-opted into the GT-view of cruising.
Long Island! Yes! Cat Cay! Yes! WiFi at the Island HoppInn in lovely Fernandez Bay.
Concepcion (this could be the place where Columbus actually first landed)! San Salvador, etc, etc. These last two may be difficult to get to if the wind isn’t right, but there’s some good sailing and nice islands to visit.
Go!
Mike