The marina is one of the major attractions to Cap Cana and our luxury condo has the advantage of overlooking the marina from two of the guest bedrooms.  Just a short 100 yards walk out of the apartment via attractive walkways either over the Bridge of Sighs or along the Paseo/promenade in front of the Aquamarina apartments along the shoreline brings you to the luxurious fashion boutiques, stunning art galleries, and exclusive international bars and restaurants.

The marina has a budget of $96.000.000 to be built over three stages.  The first is now fully operating with a total of 189 yacht berths of up to 200 feet in length.  Here you may choose to rent a speed boat, go on a deep sea fishing trip or hire a yacht and its captain for the day. 

Attractively designed by the same architect as Port Grimaud in south of France, colourful washed apartments surround the blue water of this inner lagoon.  The marina is a focal point that reunites residents and visitors in a relaxed international atmosphere. 

Free bus shuttle operates between the Marina to the beach clubs, the Punta Espalda Golf Course as well as the Alta Bella Hotel Sanctuary.

• Beach Polo Tournament – December 9-14, 2009
• David Ortega, Baseball Star, Charity Game – December 14, 2009
• Big Resort New Years Eve Party – December 31, 2009
• NFL Superbowl Football Party – February 7, 2010
• PGA Golf Tournament – March 23 – 26,  2010

Throughout the year there are various events such as special golf tournaments including the PGA tour this year at the end of March 2010.

Big Fishing Tournaments - tend to be around June & August, during fishing season, mid-June through mid-August.

Various Yacht & Boat regatta’s throughout the year.

Marina Cap Cana Offers:
• 89 wet slips to accommodate yachts 30’ in length to 130’ in length
• Depth at mean low water: 7.5’ in the main channel.
_Minimum depth in marina: 10’
• Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal slip rentals/leases and slip sales
• Fuel dock with gasoline and diesel and high-speed dispensing

Big Game Fishing at Cap Cana

From the early days of summer through to mid August there are regular fishing tournaments.  Early morning activity includes large fishing yachts driving out from Cap Cana to the clear water of Mona Passage.  This Passage is a body of water which borders the Dominican Republic on the south/east side, where the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean sea to the south creates a world class fishing ground for white an blue marlin.  Also sailfish, grouper, Dorado and snapper all add to the game fishing here.

This summer (2009) saw in June The White Marlin Invitational Fishing Tournament; Second Annual Cap Cana Classic Blue Marlin fishing tournament and the Anquelo Dorado.  All catch and release tournaments.  Please ask for more special details if this is an area of interest.

Hire available of Hobby Cats, wind surfers, kayak, motorised boats etc from either the marina or the beach club by Sanctuary Hotel.

Golf at Cap Cana

The first of 5 golf courses at Cap Cana was opened for play 2006 with the stunning PUNTA ESPALDA course.  This is the first Jack Nichlaus signature golf course to be built in the Caribbean and has already hosted two PGA tours.  Within a few months it appeared in the International Top 100 lists and is now ranked by Golfweek as the No 1 course in the Caribbean and Mexico.  The par 72 course incorporates the surrounding natural beauty of Cap Cana stretching along a coastline looking out across the blue sea.

The Cap Cana Championship is part of the Champions Tour’s “The road to the Charles Schwab Cub”, a season long points race that starts in Hawaii and culminates in Northern California at Sonoma Golf Club with a $ 2.100.000 payout to the top 5 leading performers.

Punta Espalda Golf Club house has all the facilities of the finest golf course in the Caribbean.  Excellent quality restaurant with fine and private dining facilities.  Members bar with outside terrace service overlooking the sea.  Cap Cana golf shop with pro’s office.  Driving range.  Fully caddy service and electric golf carts for hire.  The caddies are true professionals and ensure you make the very best of your ability when making a round. 

LAS IGUANAS is the second Jack Nichlaus course which is due to be open at the end of 2009/10.  In addition there will be the Mountain Golf Course, Marina Golf Course, Las Dolina Golf course  by Hanse Golf Course Design as will be the Farallon Golf Course in due course.

Tee times may be booked in advance although not usually necessary.  Golf cart and caddy are obligatory.  Special price for visitors staying at Cap Cana but also if planning to play most days during your stay speak with the Golf Pro for a special discount price.

Restaurants

There are currently 4 restaurants at the Marina (few minutes walk from the front door & more coming soon).

Mitre
Mixed menu with lobster, wraps, salads, steak and live music often

Vaporetto
pizzas, pastas and informal dining, also mini market.

Capachino
Fine dining, Italian style

Club Aqua Mare
Asian fusion and wonderful seafood

Plus:
Sanctuary Hotel has 4 more restaurants.
Farallon has a Japanese restaurant.

Every week at Cap Cana there is a cocktail party on a Thursday evening, called “WE LOVE CAP CANA” invitations are sent out or information available each week from the lobby at Aquamarina.  Live entertainment regularly (usually at least once a week) at one of the restaurants.

Airports

There are a total of 8 international airport in the Dominican Republic.  2 at Santo Domingo the capital.  Fortunately for visitors of Cap Cana there are many direct flights from Canada, USA, Europe and South America to the Punta Cana airport which is less than 10 minutes drive away.  La Romano also has some international connections but this is a 2 hour drive from Cap Cana.  Entry Visa is just $10 per person and must be bought at the time of arrival in either US$, £ or Euros (for exchange rate preferably US$).

Climate

A comfortable all year round temperature between 78 – 88 F or 25-30 C.  Sunny or cloudy and sunny.  Tropical storms or Hurricanes (not usually seen on this side of the island but more on the Haiti and northern side) June to September.  Average Rainfall driest in December and January with approx 2” rising to May and June 6-7”.  Sea temperature usually between 26-28C.

Currency

The local currency is Pesos but even the art peddlers will take your dollars.  Be careful of the exchange rates when using other currencies.  This is where you get true peace of mind being in Cap Cana.  You can pay for everything using your credit cards.  There is a good bank in the marina or you may pay with cash using any currency.  Suggest you do have either a few $1 or 100 pesos notes to use for tipping at the airport.

Electricity

Throughout the DR the electricity is the same as in the USA with the same 3 flat pin plugs.  We do have international adaptors in the apartment and would be grateful if rentors would respectfully leave them there for the next occupiers.  We also have an old style Nokia phone charger for general use.  Cap Cana has its own electrical supply and therefore is much more reliable than is generally present on the island.

Water

Again Cap Cana has its own water supply and water purifying unit.  We have also placed an extra purifying filter on the fridge freezer water supply.

Driving

Car hire is available from the airport.  Limousine pick up service can be provided by Cap Cana at the airport (charge is $80 one way).  Car hire only available upon producing full clean driving licence and generally over 25 years of age.

Concierge

AQUAMARINA has its own concierge service with Coral Hospitality providing full back up service of all that you may require whilst on holiday.  You will find the staff speak good English and can help you with leisure activities, night life, supermarkets, hospital and medical care etc.

Tipping

As a European writing this I can say (with humour) that the American tourist is expected to tip rather more than we Europeans.  So for us its around ten per cent and for the Americans they will be well treated when tipping 20% but don’t ruin them too much for the rest of us!

Entertainment

The concierge will be able to help you with any “events” during your stay.  There is always something happening at Cap Cana whether it be an informal beach volley ball game at Calleton Beach Club or Beach Polo Tournement as at the beginning of December.   You will receive your invitation to cocktails at one of the clubs, beach barbecue or champagne party.  We will inform you of anything definite we know before your arrival but do check with the concierge for all local arrangments.

Casino

At Sanctuary Hotel the casino will remind you of the tables on Cote d’Azur with a Caribbean twist.  Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Caribbean Poker, Baccarat, slots and electronic games. 

SPA and Fitness Gym

Just between the concierge and apartment 5012 lies the fully equipped air conditioned gym with some exercises taken outside.  Daily coaching available from resident personal trainer.  Next to the gym lies the hairdressers and beauticians offering a wide range of special treatments.