Sosúa lies around 25 km east of Puerto Plata, a few minutes past the airport, on a deep horseshoe bay sheltered by headlands. Its main beach, Playa Sosúa, is a kilometre of soft sand under almond trees, backed by a continuous lane of shacks selling grilled fish, cold beer, paintings and snorkel hire. The water is the calmest and clearest within easy reach of the port.
The town has an unusual past. In 1940 the Dominican government offered refuge here to Jews fleeing Nazi Europe; several hundred came, founded a farming cooperative and started the dairy and meat business that still carries the name Productos Sosúa. Their wooden synagogue and a small museum survive in the El Batey district. Modern Sosúa is a lively, somewhat rough-edged resort with a loud nightlife scene — by day, and on the beach, it is relaxed.
Top things to do at Sosúa
Snorkel in the bay
The reef begins close to shore. Glass-bottom boats and small launches run from the beach to the best patches, and catamaran cruises with open bar and lunch sail the bay — the most popular way for visitors from Puerto Plata to see it.
Dive
Sosúa is the dive centre of the north coast, with walls, coral gardens and a couple of small wrecks a short boat ride out. Several long-established schools run courses and fun dives.
Playa Alicia and the clifftop walk
North of the main beach, a newer strip of sand called Playa Alicia sits below a clifftop promenade with cafés — the place for sunset.
The Jewish museum and synagogue
A single-room museum beside the little synagogue tells the story of the 1940 settlers with photographs and documents. Opening hours are limited and irregular; check locally.
How to get to Sosúa
- From Taino Bay: about 35–45 minutes by taxi or tour bus, depending on traffic through Puerto Plata.
- From POP airport: about 10 minutes — Sosúa is the closest town to the airport.
- By public transport: shared minibuses (guaguas) and shared taxis run constantly along the coast road between Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete. They are cheap and crowded; fine for stay-over visitors, not ideal when you have a ship to catch.
Insider tips
- On the beach, agree prices for chairs, food and boat trips before you sit down or set off.
- Vendors are persistent but good-humoured. A clear "no, gracias" is respected.
- After dark the main street is given over to bars and sex tourism; families staying overnight may prefer the quieter end of town or Cabarete.
- Cruise passengers: leave Sosúa at least two hours before all-aboard.
Best tours for Sosúa
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Sosúa:
Boat trip from US$88 Puerto Plata: Catamaran Snorkeling Trip with Buffet & Open Bar
A relaxed day on the water from Sosúa, east of Puerto Plata: two snorkelling stops in the bay, an open bar and a freshly prepared buffet lunch, with a professional crew looking after you. Check the pickup options for your port or hotel when booking.
- Sail Sosúa Bay on a spacious catamaran
- Two snorkelling stops
- Open bar and freshly prepared lunch on board
Day trip from US$55 27 Waterfalls Tour with Entrance Fee & Lunch
A guided visit to the Damajagua falls with the park entrance and lunch included, and a duration that stretches from four to seven hours. The longer versions suit stay-over visitors better than cruise passengers on a short call.
- Guided visit to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
- Hike, then jump into deep blue pools
- Entrance fee and lunch included
