Discovering Paradise
Sosúa
Experience Sosúa's multicultural heritage and excellent diving opportunities.
☀️February to April
🌡️28°C (82°F)
✈️Gregorio Luperón International (POP) — 15 min drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
28°C (82°F)
☀️
Best Months
February to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Gregorio Luperón International (POP) — 15 min drive
Sosúa has one of the most unusual histories in the Caribbean — in 1940, Dominican President Trujillo offered refuge to European Jews fleeing the Holocaust, and hundreds settled in this small coastal town. Their legacy lives on in the Jewish Museum, the original dairy cooperative (which still operates), and the distinctive architecture of the El Batey neighborhood.
Today, Sosúa is known for its stunning crescent-shaped beach — Playa Sosúa — a sheltered cove with calm, crystal-clear water and excellent snorkeling right from shore. The coral reef just offshore is alive with tropical fish, making it one of the best easy-access snorkeling spots on the North Coast.
The town has an international, slightly edgy character. El Batey (the former Jewish settlement) has evolved into a lively strip of restaurants, bars, and shops, while the Dominican neighborhood of Los Charamicos provides authentic local culture just minutes away.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
21° — 30°
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Aug
23° — 32°
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Dec
21° — 29°
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Feb
20° — 28°
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Jan
20° — 28°
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Jul
23° — 32°
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Jun
23° — 31°
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Mar
20° — 29°
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May
22° — 30°
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Nov
22° — 30°
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Oct
22° — 31°
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Sep
23° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Sosúa is on the North Coast, between Puerto Plata and Cabarete.
By Air
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata is just 15 minutes west. Direct flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, and European cities. A taxi from the airport costs about US$20-25.
From Santo Domingo
About 3.5 hours on the autopista through Santiago. Caribe Tours buses run directly to Sosúa (RD$500-550).
From Cabarete
Just 15 minutes east by guagua (RD$50) or motoconcho. The two towns are practically neighbors.
Getting Around
Sosúa is walkable between El Batey, Playa Sosúa, and Los Charamicos. Motoconchos cover longer distances for RD$50-100.
El Batey
The main tourist area has hotels, guesthouses, and apartment rentals within walking distance of the beach. Mid-range options from US$40-80/night offer good value with pools and breakfast included.
Beachside
A few properties sit directly above Playa Sosúa with stunning views. These are premium-priced but the location — steps from one of the best beaches on the North Coast — justifies the cost.
All-Inclusive
The Sosúa area has a few all-inclusive resorts, including the Sunscape Puerto Plata complex, which offers a resort experience with easy access to Sosúa's independent dining and nightlife.
Long-Term
Like Cabarete, Sosúa has a substantial expat community and good rental apartment options from US$400-800/month.
Playa Sosúa
The main beach is a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove with calm, clear water. The reef just offshore offers excellent snorkeling — rent gear on the beach for RD$300-500 and swim out to see parrotfish, sergeant majors, and sea fans. Beach chairs and shade run RD$200-300.
Jewish Museum
A small but moving museum documenting the story of the 600+ European Jews who found refuge in Sosúa during World War II. The original synagogue, cemetery, and dairy cooperative are also worth visiting. Free admission (donations welcome).
Diving
Northern Coast Aquasports and other dive operators offer reef dives, wreck dives, and PADI certification courses. The waters are calm and visibility is typically 20-30 meters. Two-tank dives from US$60-80.
Monkey Jungle
A primate sanctuary near Sosúa where rescued squirrel monkeys roam in semi-freedom. Interactive visits include monkey feeding — a hit with kids. Entrance RD$800.
Nightlife & Dining
El Batey comes alive at night with restaurants serving international cuisine — Italian, German, French, and Dominican. The bar scene is lively and attracts a mixed crowd of expats, tourists, and Dominicans.
Day Trips
Cabarete (15 min) for surfing and kiting, Puerto Plata (15 min) for the teleférico and Amber Museum, and the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (45 min) are all easy day trips from Sosúa.
- Snorkel at Playa Sosúa. The reef is just 20 meters from shore and accessible to anyone who can swim. Rent gear on the beach and look for the underwater statue.
- Visit the Jewish Museum. It's a unique and important piece of Dominican history that most visitors don't know about. The story of how Trujillo offered refuge to Jews is complex and fascinating.
- Eat at Los Charamicos for authentic Dominican food at local prices. The neighborhood on the east side of Playa Sosúa has excellent comedores and a genuine Dominican atmosphere.
- The beach gets crowded on weekends. Arrive by 9am on Sundays to get a good spot. Weekday mornings are the most peaceful.
- Combine with Cabarete. The two towns are 15 minutes apart and offer completely different vibes. Beach and culture in Sosúa, surf and nightlife in Cabarete.
- Be aware of the nightlife scene. Parts of El Batey have a party atmosphere that can be intense. If you're looking for quiet evenings, stay on the beach side rather than the main strip.
Sample Itineraries
Sosúa History & Beach Day
Snorkeling, history, and North Coast charm.
🌅 Morning2.5h
Playa Sosúa Snorkeling
Snorkel the reef right from the beach — colorful fish, sea fans, and calm water in the protected cove.
Playa Sosúa
Midday1.5h
Jewish Museum
Visit the museum documenting the Jewish refugee settlement during WWII. A unique and moving piece of Dominican history.
El Batey
☀️ Afternoon2h
Los Charamicos
Walk to the Dominican neighborhood for authentic local food at a fraction of tourist prices.
Los Charamicos
🌙 Evening2.5h
El Batey Evening
International restaurants and bars along the main strip. German, Italian, Dominican — the diversity reflects Sosúa's multicultural community.
El Batey
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Taxi from POP(US$15-25)
15-minute ride from POP airport.
Guagua(RD$50-100)
Frequent minibuses along the north coast road.
Motoconcho(RD$50-100)
Motorcycle taxis for short distances.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$35-55
Mid-rangeUS$70-130
LuxuryUS$180-350
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Sosúa Beach is safe during the day — watch belongings
- ✓Be cautious in the nightlife areas after dark
- ✓Use official taxis at night
- ✓Keep valuables in your hotel safe
📶 Connectivity
Good. 4G coverage. WiFi widely available in hotels and restaurants.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Jewish history of Sosúa?
In 1940, Dominican President Trujillo offered refuge to European Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Over 600 settled in Sosúa, establishing a dairy cooperative and community. The Jewish Museum documents this unique chapter of Caribbean history. The original synagogue and cemetery are also open to visitors.
Is the snorkeling really good at Playa Sosúa?
Yes — the reef is just 20 meters from shore and accessible to anyone who can swim. You'll see parrotfish, sergeant majors, sea fans, and various coral species in calm, clear water. Gear rental is available on the beach for RD$300-500.
How does Sosúa compare to Cabarete?
Sosúa is calmer and more about beach relaxation, snorkeling, and cultural history. Cabarete is more active and focused on water sports, nightlife, and an expat lifestyle. They're just 15 minutes apart, so you can easily enjoy both.
Where should I eat?
Los Charamicos (Dominican neighborhood) for authentic local food at local prices. El Batey for international restaurants — German, Italian, Dominican fusion. Beachfront restaurants at Playa Sosúa for seafood with a view.
Is Monkey Jungle worth visiting?
If you have kids, absolutely. The squirrel monkey sanctuary allows close interaction and feeding. Adults enjoy it too — the monkeys are entertaining. Located about 10 minutes from Sosúa, entrance RD$800.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Sosúa
Plan Your Sosúa Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Gregorio Luperón International (POP) — 15 min drive