You don’t hear about brothers visiting Sosua once. There’s always a follow on trip or twenty, the beautiful beaches, relaxed vibes and brotherhood keep people around the world coming back again and again.
There’s an energy in the air here and when you roll down Pedro Clisante….you feel it. I still feel it and I live here. When you pop into the world famous Flip Flop Sports Bar and hear that “Welcomeeee To Flip Flops” – You know you’re home.
There’s a lot of sides to Sosua, it’s your crazy ex that for some reason you can’t get over. But a lot of people visiting miss out on the hidden gems here, the fun experiences and the authenticity. The North Coast has a lot more to offer than you might think.
The best Sosua trip has a little bit of everything, from relaxation to thrills. Read on to get into this itinerary to maximize your time here and get some pro tips on where to go, where not to go and what to avoid.
Day 1: Beach Day
The first thing I tell brothers to do, even if you’re not the swimming type is get your ass in the ocean. It’s therapy, wash off that negativity, political division, and insanity from America. You’re here to enjoy yourself and leave the bullshit behind. Take a few deep breaths ands prepare to enjoy the hell out of your week if you stick to the script.
Kick back, enjoy the views of Sosua Bay or the other views you might see strolling on through. Grab yourself a fresh coconut, oysters to prime for your trip and if you’ve never tried them before some Spanish Limes. (Usually called Limoncillo here.)
When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, grab yourself a fried red snapper from one of the many restaurants on the beach. People always ask, “Yo Sarge, what’s the best restaurant on the beach?” There are so many to choose from and there are, everyone has a different spot they prefer.
Most people hang out towards the middle because it’s a good place to people watch, that’s also usually where you get bad service but if you’re just having a few beers and people watching you’re good there. If you want to get away from some of the hustle and bustle and enjoy the views, check out Fast Freddy’s at #164. If you look at all the businesses, they all have numbers coinciding with their location, 1 is at the entrance and Freddy’s is all the way down there at the end towards Los Charimicos which is where I lived when I first moved to Sosua. 39 Sosua is a good spot for frozen drinks.
Sgt Sosua Pro Tip: On your first night, don’t go crazy. I know that temptation is there to wild out because you’ve been stuck on the plantation. You might be a little jet lagged, I’ve seen brothers time and time again crash out their first day and never recover. That temptation to go had that first night is real and it’s tough to resist but don’t have too many Mamajuana’s or blow all your cash. Let’s face it, we ain’t as young as we used to be.
Day 2: ATV Tour
One thing you’ll see a lot of in the streets of Sosua are ATV’s. Which is how I get around, I have my own but you can rent them around $40-60 a day. I tell people I’d never drive in this country, I know a lot of people do but I’m not going to. But don’t only cruise the strip, do a jungle tour as well.
There are two tour options you can do for your ATV adventure. The first one is in Sosua and the second is in Puerto Plata. They both are seven days a week and there are two options, 9am and 1pm. The Sosua one will take about three hours and Puerto Plata around four to five. You can take a date with you for the same price.
One thing you’ll notice is everyone kind of sells the same tours and takes their cut. You can use Eddie at Make It Happen Tours. Text him on Whatsapp (849-354-9615) to get set up but it’s all about the same. They’ll handle transportation, bring a bandana to cover your face or buy one out there.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. You can bring a towel too if you want to hop in the river. The other recommendation is on the entrance to the beach, the shop that says Raul Rodriguez Tours. You can also do the buggy tours, although if you’re going to do one or the other, do the ATV’s.
Night #2
No trip to Sosua is complete without listening to International DJ Anthony Bad Habits at Rumba. He’s on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at Rumba. Anthony is an American Vet, artist and entrepreneur and you’re not going to come to Sosua and not drop in Rumba a time or two. Get the Sgt Sosua Special in there, a double Brugal Extra Viejo and Sprite.
After some people watching, drinking, or the game ends – head over to Playa Chiquita Casino. If you want to pop bottles, go for it but you don’t need to be flashy or be throwing money. Remember you’re still in a country with real poverty.
SGT Sosua Pro Tip: The drinks in the outside bar area are cheaper.
Day 3: Sante Fe or Restaurante Maria
If you’re looking to stay in Sosua but feel like your transported to Italy or Greece, take a trip down to Sante Fe in Ocean Village or check out the cheaper, more tranquil option right next door Restaurante Maria.
Get a day pass, take some pictures for Instagram and enjoy the views. This is also a great place to take a date, or reserve a VIP section with some friends. The food there isn’t great but you’re not there for the food. The day pass is 2500 pesos weekdays and 3500 weekends and holidays and then you get some of the money consumable for food and drinks.
For a more exclusive, pricier alternative to Sante Fe and Restaurante Maria you can go to the Ocean Club, a luxury Marriott in Sosua. This is down the road from Margot Restaurant and the day pass here is $150 per person and that’s in dollars. This is the place to take someone you really want to impress, they have ocean kayaks, a private beach and world class food.
Day 3: Close Excursion Day
Sgt Sosua Pro Tip: Don’t spend your entire trip in the confines of Sosua proper. A lot of brothers come here and they only three spots: The villa, Rumba’s and the casino. It’s a beautiful country with a lot to offer.
Monkey Jungle: This is a combination, monkey experience and zipline. It’s 20-25 minutes from downtown Sosua and a quick escape. If you’re out of shape you’re going to be sucking wind a little bit walking between the zip lines. At the end there’s a cool descent you do where you step off a platform and go into a little cave. The monkeys and the zipline are separate, you can pay for both together and they will jump all over you and you can take some photos.
The Caves of Cabarete: This is right down the road in the surf town of Cabarete and the whole experience is done in about an hour. The cost is only $20 so this is your cheapest and easiest excursion option. There’s one natural pool there that they will tell you ages you backwards ten years if you jump in. Sorry to disappoint but it doesn’t work, otherwise they could probably charge a lot more than $20.
Castle Mundo King- It was built by a German artist and has a lot of exotic Haitian and alien themed art. If you want some cool pictures this is a good place to go, although at no point will you understand what the hell is going on or what the deal is with this place. It’s literally right in Sosua and you can take a cheap taxi or even a moto there.
Night Trip
Ground Zero is a good stop right outside Sosua on a weekend or themed night. Bottle service here is more affordable than the Playa Chiquita Casino and the girls put on a show if you buy a bottle. The party doesn’t get going until late so you won’t see my old ass there very much unless it’s for a Paradyse Life Event on Halloween, that was the last time I was there.
Day 4: Puerto Plata Tour
Your first stop on your Puerto Plata day tour is the Christ the Redeemer statue. To get there you need to take the Telefrico Cable Car to the top of the mountain Isabel De Torres. There’s a park and some trails up top, it’s a fun spot to take some pictures and see the views. The cable car is currently closed but you can still drive up.
After the cable car head down to the Pink Street and Umbrella Street in Puerto Plata, they’re right next to each other and don’t bother with the Amber Museum. If it’s a hot day, check out Drips Water Ice, right downtown which the owner, an American brother calls “A Fiesta En Tu Boca.” It’s a must stop to check out and they have a lot of great flavors.
After pink street go through Fort San Felipe, it’s only 100 Pesos to get in and takes fifteen minutes. It’s one of the oldest structures in the Caribbean and built in the 1500’s. As a Veteran, I’m always interested in military history, the United States even occupied the Dominican Republic from 1926-1924. This fort was built to defend the North Coast against the British, Dutch, and pirates. It’s also been used as a prison, at one time even holding Juan Pablo Duarte, considered a founding father of the Dominican Republic.
SGT Sosua Pro Tip: Don’t get people started here talking about Haiti and the Dominican Republic, leave all the political BS at home and enjoy your time.
Before you head back to THE SU, stop over at Wings and Waffles in Puerto Plata on the Malecon or hit up the famous Wings and Waffles in Sosua on your return. The owner, a brother and a friend Cardell Beasley aka the original WESTERN UNION PAPI is a great person here to talk to if you’re interested in investing in Real Estate.
If you’re on a date or with your family, stop by Ocean World and catch a dolphin or a sea lion show. They have some cool stuff there and it’s a fun stop for a few hours especially for kids. They have a tank you can snorkel in as well and you can pay to swim and take pictures with the dolphins.
Day 5: Chill and Cabarete Dinner
I told you at the beginning of this article to not go too hard but you didn’t listen did you??? A few days in Sosua have drained the best of men and I’ve seen it all here. One of the things I love about being here is I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to. In the states it’s like your to-do list never ends, bills pile up and so does the bullshit. Here you’re on your own time and your own dime and you can do what you want.
Dinner Cabarete Options
Ojos/LAX is a solid dinner on the beach option. You can put your feet in the sand and watch people surf and take in the views. They’ll also have events and dance nights. Sunset is a great time to go and afterwards it turns into a nightclub.
Cabarete Food Truck Park: This is a fun little food truck park if you want an outside meal and a fun experience. Take a seat at a picnic table, my recommendation is to try out Arepa World there.
Alis Restaurant: This is really a hidden gem that is more frequented by the locals. The atmosphere is amazing and one of the dining areas as you can see pictured below is built out onto water. Go before it gets dark and you can see turtles and some cool birds and wildlife.
The Best of Sosua
Best Day Trip: It’s gotta be Fricolandia at just under two hours from Sosua but if you drive like a Dominican it might be ninety minutes. You can go back and forth in a day, it’s set up to be an Instagram type place and it’s a fun day to go with a group or a date.
Best Wings: I gotta shout out the GOAT, the OG FLIP FLOP on having my favorite food spot in town and where we host our Veterans in Paradise events. Check him out on YouTube if you’re not already subscribed.
Best Weekend Trip: The best weekend trip I’ve had from Sosua is to Jarabacoa. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive, mountain views, nature, rivers, tours and restaurants. Check out this IG Reel of my black ass Paragliding with the Veterans In Paradise crew. While you’re there check out Jamaca de Dios Restaurant (The Hammock of God).
YouTuber: If you want real info on the Dominican Republic, check out my brother Ronin The Traveler who puts out solid info on life abroad, dating and living in this island paradise.
1 Bedroom Airbnb: Check out the Nipsey Hustle over at the Pyramid Plaza for a unique and fun stay, an apartment honoring the late musician. If you want something centrally located, this is a good look.
Best Pizza: Sliced. Great view, great bar and great pizza located across from Rumba.
Best Date Night Restaurants: Margot is my go-to. They’ve also got good sushi, consistent service and an air conditioned area. Waterfront is great if you’re looking for a dinner with a view, on Thursdays and Fridays they have live music but it’s a little overpriced for the quality of the food. Another great, quiet duck off out of the way perfect option is the Hispaniola Diners Club.
Note: Best Date Night Restaurant just outside Sosua is within the SeaHorse Ranch called The Beach Club and in Puerto Plata it’s Rancho La Catalina.
Top Dive Shop: Superior Dive is the best place to get certified in Sosua. You can do the full certification in 3-4 days and it’ll cost you just under 500 all in. I don’t scuba dive, that’s white people shit but my battle buddy John The Writer does and this is where he goes.
Top Dominican Spot: My favorite spot to pick up a lot of food for a little money is La Nortena on Pedro Clisante right before Hotel Europa. I’ll grab some dinner from there twice a week and have never had an issue.
Best Place For Exchanging Cash: Around Sosua you’ll have a lot of guys yelling “Change, Change” And I’m sure you’re aware you don’t get very good rates exchanging at the airport so never exchange cash there. Check the current rates, they fluctuate and there are lots of places.
Best Way To Send Yourself Money: Don’t be out here sending anyone besides YOURSELF money but the best way to do it is not Western Union, it’s using Remitley and picking it up at Caribe Express. There is one Caribe Express next to La Sirena grocery store and one underneath Caribe tours at the bus station in Sosua.
SGT Sosua Pro Tip: At the ATM’s in Sosua, because I know your ass is probably going to be going to one – let’s face it you spent more than you wanted to make sure you DECLINE the conversion. If you accept the conversion it’s going to charge you like $30 to take out $200. If you’re using a card somewhere, make sure you have a credit card with no international fees. It’s always better to choose PESOS when you’re at a store or somewhere.
Wrap-up
People think I chose Sosua for one thing, but the reality is there’s everything I need right here. I traded in my Cadillac for an ATV and I’m living the good life. Sign up for my Veterans in Paradise Free Newsletter and membership, whether you’re a Vet or a supporter to find out about our Veteran events and get plugged into the expat community here.
Subscribe to my YouTube: SGT Sosua where I’m going to be continuing to put out good information. I appreciate you subscribing and following me on Instagram and TikTok. On the Veterans in Paradise website we have more info, Veteran friendly businesses and resources.
