If any part of the Dominican Republic can be considered “off the beaten track” it is the northern quadrant. Yes there are resorts and beach towns along the northern coast of the DR but the area has a very distinct feel to the tourist hotspots like Punta Cana. The hour voyage from Luperon airport to Cofresi is a chance to see the real face of the country with messy hair and no makeup.

Puerto Plata itself certainly has the potential to be overwhelming for package tourists unfamiliar with travel in Latin American countries, with even surviving the town’s main traffic circle on the back of a heart-pounding mototaxi seem like an accomplishment. Prepare yourself for the Dominican Republic, a place the locals refer to as a “really free country” and free it is.

Cofresi, which lies on the same highway as Sámana but in the opposite direction offers some of the comforts of home but without the artificial sheen many of the more famous resort areas have. If you have ever had a desire to visit a marine park Ocean World will absolutely not disappoint in terms of quality or value. Jokes aside about the driving be extra mindful especially if you are unused to driving in the Caribbean. In the DR, drunk driving is essentially legal, lanes are merely a suggestion, and you definitely DON’T need headlights to drive at night!