Sosúa Beach

About this place

Sosúa Beach is a crescent-shaped beach in a bay protected by coral, in the town of Sosúa on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Its calm clear blue water draws snorkellers and divers, it lies not far from Puerto Plata's airport, and a row of parasols, stalls and trees lines it. The town has an unexpected history, as Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany founded it. After the 1939 Evian Conference about 800 German and Austrian refugees received visas between 1940 and 1945 and settled here, creating a food company called Productos Sosúa. Their descendants still keep a synagogue and a museum in town that tells this story. Golden sand runs between two small green headlands, facing water that shades from turquoise to deep blue. Shady trees and stalls of fabrics and art line the back of the beach. Glass-bottom boats leave from here, and winter may bring whale-watching trips. Nearby Playa Alicia formed recently, after a storm around 2002, below rocky cliffs. It is 18 km in a straight line from Puerto Plata, easily reached by minibus or car. The beach is busy with many vendors, so decline politely if you are not interested. Agree prices before using chairs or boats, and keep your things safe. Do not touch the coral when snorkelling, and bring sunscreen.