Mayaguez Santo Domingo ferry

Mayaguez Guide

Mayaguez Ferry Port

The eight largest municipality in Puerto Rico, Mayaguez is found on the west coast of the island. The only weekly ferry route departing from the port of Mayaguez is to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, and typically lasts around 12 hours. The city of Mayaguez is usually served as a stop off point for visitors travelling to more sought after areas of Puerto Rico, however, taking the time to explore the vibrant charm of the city makes it all the more worthwhile. Some impressive restoration projects have fuelled life back into the once downtrodden city; the casinos lined around the streets planted an all-night party atmosphere that now embodies Mayaguez. For those hoping to escape the bouncing student population, the zoo is a quiet spot, especially for a family day out. Solo travellers or couples may prefer the historical museum found relatively close to the centre, providing an insight into the history of the region. Obviously in the summer months, not much sightseeing or culture intake occurs when the sun is shining on the luxurious beaches and crystal waters. Mayaguez Port is the third busiest in Puerto Rico, so there is often a lot of traffic around the area. There are no buses or trains going to the port, so the best way to get there is by a car or taxi, though it is advised to negotiate a price before entry. For transport around the city, it is possible to walk most of the city centre or hop on the free shuttle bus that runs to the popular areas.

Santo Domingo Guide

What is there to do in Santo Domingo?

If you were to wake up in the heart of Santo Domingo, you could be forgiven for thinking you were nowhere near the Caribbean; business complexes and media centres dominate the skyline, though it’s not too difficult to discover the underlying vitality of the country. Vibrant bars and decadent clubs reveal the Caribbean heritage, and the relaxed vibe is unashamedly Dominican. The colonial zone is the standout feature, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the city. The government has strived to improve the infrastructure to appeal to the tourism industry, however, the authentic feel of the architecture is engraved into Santo Domingo’s DNA. The metropolis area symbolises a much more modern outlook for Santo Domingo, showcasing the myriad of art galleries, excellent restaurants and trendy bars. Come nightfall the city comes alive in a wave of vigour and colour; locals and tourists mix effortlessly between the cool clubs, enjoying the cheap alcohol, intense dance music and scintillating atmosphere. After an exhausting night amidst the mayhem of the city centre, the National Botanical Gardens are a refreshing change of pace - the verdant grass areas and serene pathways are the perfect place to bask in tranquillity.