Seaworthy.com

Ocean World Marina, Cofresi

The chart and following text is from The Puerto Rico Guide,
and The Turks and Caicos Guide by Stephen J. Pavlidis

Approximately seven miles east of Luperón, and two miles west of Puerto Plata, is the entrance for a top notch, world class marina, Ocean World Marina, located at Playa Cofresi.

Navigational Information
A waypoint at 19º 50.05’, 70º 43.65’, will place you approximately ½ mile northeast of the entrance channel into Ocean World Marina as shown on Chart DR-2 (you will see the yellow sea buoy located at 19º50.095’ N, 070º 43.535’ W).  The entrance channel offers no problems in normal to moderate weather, however, in heavy northerly swells the entrance may break all the way across making entrance dangerous if not impossible.  Once inside you will be as snug as a bug in a rug, as long as you don’t mind some surge when those northerly swells are running.

From the waypoint it’s a straight shot down the channel keeping between the red and green buoys.  Bear in mind that the marina frequently loses buoys during winter storms so the actual configuration you see may differ from what is on the chart in this guide.  You can stray south of the green buoys and still be in nearly 20’ of water all the way to the breakwater, but by no means stray outside the red buoy line which mark a shallow, breaking reef (Palometa Reef - you’ll see it to starboard upon entry).  Favor the green markers upon entry.  

If you need assistance in entering the marina, give Ocean World Marina a hail on the VHF and the Dockmaster, Randall, will talk you in. 

What You Will Find Ashore
The 35-acre Ocean World Marina complex is truly a class establishment with a very friendly and helpful staff.  The marina has 104 slips and can accommodate vessels to 250’ in length with drafts of just under 12’.  If you need to clear in or clear out, Customs is located on site and will come out to your boat to assist you in the process. 

In 2008, the government of the Dominican Republic passed a new law concerning the boarding of foreign vessels seeking clearance.  At this time that law pertains only to vessels cleaering in at marinas such as Ocean World or Cap Cana.  The law states that only two officlals may board your boat and they are not permitted to ask for “donations.”  It will be wonderful when the officals in Luperón will be required to abide by such regulations.

Also on site you’ll find a fuel dock, a pump-out station, quality electrical service (30-400 amp, single and three-phase), RO water at the dock, 24-hour security, personal concierge service, car rentals, mail and package delivery, weather and fax services in the marina office, the Poseidon Restaurant, the Octopus Bar and Grill, a pool with a swim-up bar, a laundry (dry-cleaning is available), Wifi at your boat or internet access at the office, dockside telephone and cable TV, a casino, and by the time this guide is published there will also be a marine store (with fishing supplies) and a small grocery for you.  There is a haul-out for small vessels and repair services as well.  Ocean World Marina can be reached by phone at 809-970-3373, or you can contact them through their website at www.oceanworldmarina.com.

While staying at the marina you will receive complimentary admission to the Ocean World Adventure Park located next door.  The park offers intimate dolphin, sea lion, and shark interaction programs; the dolphin habitat is the largest in the world with 12 million gallons of seawater in the main pool.  There are several nearby restaurants to pique your culinary interests.