Golf Courses

While there are other 9-hole and 18- hole golf courses within a 40-mile radius of our area, the following are the only ones we feel are worthy of consideration when time is limited and cost is a factor.

Costambar, the community next door to Playa Cofresi, has a nine-hole golf course called “Los Mangos”.  It is approximately 2,500 yards long, par 32.  In the past it has not been well maintained.  It is a narrow golf course built on gently rolling terrain.  Caddies are available.  Nice course to take the kids if they’re learning the game but we’re inclined to say experienced players should pass on this one.  In December 2004 the course was in poor condition, so check before planning to play there.

Playa Dorado Scenes

Playa Dorado, about 6 miles from Playa Cofresi, has a Robert Trent Jones golf course, pro shop, club house with bar and limited menu, and driving range that is lit for evening practice.

The golf course measures 6,300 yards for men and 5,400 yards for women.  It is kept in fair condition and while it is wide open, there are enough water holes and doglegs to keep it interesting.  Tourists are welcome and tee-off times are not necessary.

 Greens fees are about $65 US. An electric cart costs $15 US, but each cart must take a caddie.  If you are going to walk you must play in the afternoon and you are required to have your own caddie.  Caddies do not carry double unless no other caddies are available.  The caddie fee is about $10 US excluding any tip. Most caddies speak enough English to communicate. Golf clubs are available to rent. Tee off times start around 7 AM and end around 3-4 PM depending upon the season..

Scenes from Playa Grande

Playa Grande, about 40 miles away, has what those in the know consider the Caribbean’s best golf course, surpassing the well-known “Teeth of the Dog” course at La Romana. It is said that Robert Trent Jones cried when he was awarded the job of designing Playa Grande.  You may, too. With 11 dramatic ocean-side holes and incredible views of the azure sea from the rest, if the scenery doesn’t get you, your ball replacement costs will.

Opened in 1997, it was one of Trent Jones last designs.  Though he never saw the exquisite result, his signature is everywhere, from the sprawling tee boxes to the large, sloping greens.  From the tips the course plays 6,852 yards and requires intimidating carries over craggy gulches on six holes.  Perched on 100-foot cliffs on the island’s north coast, this course is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret and will be an unforgettable experience.  Fees are higher here than at Playa Dorado. But it is worth it. Reservations can be made by calling 582-0860, ext. 27 or 582-3302, but often you don’t get off at the reserved time.

Matt and Eric Spencer's Golf Report

"Golf in the Dominican Republic is a must.  We have had the great pleasure to play two courses here, both of which were outstanding.  Below describes our experiences with the two courses:

Playa Grande – If you are a golfer, you must play this course!  It is an hour and 45 min drive from the villa, but well worth the trip.  The course is situated all along the ocean cliffs. (Vistas from Pebble Beach come to mind when you see it.)  Take your camera, because the views are truly amazing.  Seventeen of eighteen holes had gorgeous ocean vistas, like you’ve never seen.  Sometimes you forget that you are playing golf, and just marvel at the natural beauty of it all.  The course itself is a very fair and challenging one, yet not overly difficult.  The service may not be the best you have ever had, but we played in the off season when they had minimal staff.  Also, the pro shop was small and poorly stocked.  You must take a cart if you play before 1:00pm.  If you tee off after this, you can walk.  Either way you will take a caddy with you. (1 per player if you walk, 1 per cart if you ride)  The caddies are very knowledgeable about the course and the breaks in the greens. (most are great golfers in their own right.)  Plus, you’ll get the equivalent of free golf lessons! The cost per caddie is $20, and then you must tip them.  A $40 tip per caddie in addition to the $20 cost is the average rate. (the caddies work solely for tips, and this is their only job)  Green fees plus cart are $105 per person.  With the caddy’s fee and tip, the total per golfer is $165.00 US. (if you ride in a cart and split a caddie, then this cost will be a little lower)  Transportation to the course is not included in this price.   This may seem expensive, but it is worth the cost.  We enjoyed it so much that we went back and played a second time the following day.

Playa Dorada – This is a very nice course which is only about 20 minutes from the villa.  The course is in nice condition, the staff is very friendly, and the pro shop was well equipped.  The caddies, which are mandatory, were top notch at the course and provide great information and advice.  The course was moderately challenging, but still fun to play.  While this course does not have the amazing vistas of Playa Grande, it is still a beautiful golf course and well worth the cost.  The greens fees were around $65 without a cart.  You must also pay a $15 caddie fee (whether you walk or ride).  In addition to this, you must tip your caddie.  A $40 tip per caddie in addition to the $15 cost is the average rate. (the caddies work solely for tips, and this is their only job)  Again, you’ll get the equivalent of free golf lessons from well-qualified teachers!  The course is very walkable, though it can be hot in the summer months.  Total cost per golfer for green fees and caddy, if you walk, is around $120.00.  An electric cart costs an additional $15.00.  These rates do not include the taxi ride to the course.  "

Snorkeling off the beaches

When the Atlantic swell is calm, snorkeling off the far end of Cofresi, aound the rocks, can be interesting. There are usually lots of fish to see.

Although everyone talks about snorkeling at Sosua Bay, we have found that the area is heavily silted and not very good. A closer and better trip would be to take the family and head to our neighboring community, Costambar, for shelling and snorkeling off the beach.  Theirs is a wide beach with lots of coral reefs; one about midway is considered the best spot for snorkeling.  Chaise lounges can be rented and there are several beach shacks where you can enjoy a delicious light lunch. The favorite place to eat on the beach is Thon’s.  It’s a blue shack near the mid point of the beach.

SNORKELING AT PUNTA RUSIA

Fun City Action Park

Hours of fun for young and old alike. This popular Go-Kart racing park is about 7 miles east from Playa Cofresi, and less than a mile east of the entrance to Playa Dorado. Visitors can test their driving skills on 4 different tracks. The fastest, “The Cyclone”, is 325 meters long. A popular attraction for the experienced  drivers is “The Sprint” with cars on a smooth, oval 500m track. With 450 meters, “The Grand Prix” is the longest track geared toward family racing. Children from approximately 5 years of age can drive themselves and gain driving experience.  The “bumper” cars are fun for all ages.

The big favorite of the children is “Kiddieland”, one of the biggest playgrounds in Puerto Plata.  Refreshment stands sell ice cream and beverages.  Modern rest rooms, and comfortable benches for relaxing add to a pleasant outing while the kids are having a ball.  The entrance for Fun City is free.

Motor Bike Rentals

Your teenagers will probably be chomping to get on these motorbikes that are for rent at Playa Cofresi. We have strong words of caution; think twice before you agree to rent a motorbike.  These are the reasons why;

1.   If there is any damage at all, you will have to pay $1,000 US.

2.   If the bike is stolen, you must pay $4,000 US.   Motorbike theft is a big problem in the Dominican Republic and there is no insurance to cover it.

3.   In order to rent the bike, you must give the agent your passport or birth certificate that you needed to get into the country.  And which you will need to leave the country.

4.   You will have to sign a form (written in Spanish), of course that will prohibit you from leaving the country in case of damage or loss of the bike which was not paid for by you. A lawyer will be contacted and with this form he will be able to prevent you from leaving the country.

5.      Driver education in the DR is non-existent.  Those wonderful Dominicans who are noted for their gentle, gracious manners in person turn into fiends behind the wheel of their vehicles.  Driving in this country is very dangerous. Many of the roads are not maintained and have deep potholes that add to the danger.

So please, do yourselves a big favor and forget about renting motorbikes!     Don’t allow your vacation trip to turn into a nightmare. 

 Take the gang to Fun City instead.

Discos and Night life

There are numerous discos and night clubs in the Puerto Plata area where you can dance the night away and enjoy a social evening. Rancho Tipico is a very popular disco, on the highway less than a mile from Cofresi, that has been popular with our guests.  Other discos are located in Puerto Plata and in the Playa Dorado resort.  Check with Gabino Binet, our assistant manager or with Rochelle’s assistant Gustavo for  updates on the most popular night spots.