Boca Chico Dominican Republic
Malua
Harry Watson Smith
Tue 26 Mar 2013 18:59
Boca Chico what at contrast from the plush resort of Casa de Compo. This place is a dump, poor with little to see as part of the Port of Andres. It is easy to follow the markers into the port then move NE towards the Marina Zarpar. You have to pass the Club Nautico and between the island. Keep VERY close to the end of their jetty because the shore of shallow water extends from the end of the island almost to their dock but once past the shallow pick up a mooring ball off the dock of Marina Zarpar. The fellow in charge of the dock Roul speaks good English and is very helpful. He took me on his moped into the village to an ATM in a chemist to try and draw cash from my Ozzie Viza and Mastercard but to no avail. His assistant Sonnie took my dispatchio and when I wanted to leave he got a new one for me for only $20. Good value and no direct dealings with the authorities who I understand are not very cooperative here.
One can walk to the actual town of Boca Chico along the beach, only during the day to see the locals and some second class US citizens having a good time in the shallow water behind the reef. The food at the restaurants is not good so dont waste your time. The banks also did not give me any cash so I used up some of my US dollars in this dump. I seemed to have walked a long way and only saw the back streets of a very poor suburb with every house guarded by high fence and burglar bars. People sit behind these looking out into the street on which mopeds and old cars rush up and down. There are many small bars with people drinking and playing chess or dominoes with a number of girls to serve.
I only spent two nights here because to get to Santo Domingo would have been very difficult especially not wanting to change my dollars into the local currency so I asked Sonny to get a dispatchio to leave at 8:00. After a number of phone calls and off he goes on the scooter he returns well after 9:00 but with the correct paperwork. I had indicated I would be going to Salimas a big bay more than 65 nm away so it would be tight if I was to get their in the light.
A magical moment on Malua