Sosúa: what to see and do
In the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata Province includes the beach town and municipality of Sosúa.
Things to do in Sosúa
Snorkelling and diving are among the water sports that bring visitors to Sosúa Bay.
The Dominican Republic tour with sun, sea and adventure lasts 12 days. It includes a professional guide throughout the tour and transport between all destinations on the itinerary. Also included are a guided excursion to Saona Island, a guided walk to El Limon Waterfall, a cable car ride at Mount Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata and a boat trip across Samana Bay. Meals specified in the daily itinerary are included.
Sosúa in the Dominican Republic
El Batey, east of Playa Sosúa, is the town’s main area for tourism. Los Charamicos, a densely populated neighbourhood, lies at the west end of Sosúa Beach. Sosúa's land was once a United Fruit Company banana plantation.
Sosúa beach
At Sosúa Beach, coral formations shelter a bay that curves into a crescent.
Jewish settlement and local history
Jewish refugees escaping Nazi Germany established the Sosúa settlement. The Evian Conference addressed the question of finding new countries for Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria. At the conference, Trujillo's government offered to receive Jewish refugees. Under Trujillo, the Dominican Republic alone expressed readiness to receive a substantial number of refugees.
Trujillo reached an agreement with the Dominican Republic Settlement Association (DORSA), founded by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. On 30 January 1940, DORSA officials signed a contract with the Trujillo regime. Jewish settlement in Sosúa began with arrivals in 1940. Fewer than 1,000 Jewish refugees reached Sosúa, and the community peaked at about 500 people.
The settlers brought dairy production and the meat industry to the area. They built a shared facility for processing meat and a factory producing butter and cheese. Productos Sosúa was the name they gave to the food company they established. The town’s synagogue has a museum beside it.
The Dominican Republic tour with cultural experiences lasts 7 days. It includes guided visits to landmarks in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, ground transport throughout the itinerary and a local dinner with a cultural experience in Santo Domingo.
Location and airport
Sosúa is about 210 km by road from Santo Domingo. Gregorio Luperón International Airport lies a few kilometres west of Sosúa.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sosúa in the Dominican Republic?
Sosúa is a beach town and municipality within Puerto Plata Province.
What water sports attract visitors to Sosúa Bay?
Visitors come to the bay for water sports including snorkelling and diving.
What is Sosúa Beach like?
Its bay forms a crescent sheltered by coral formations.
When did Jewish settlers arrive in Sosúa?
The first arrivals of Jewish settlers in Sosúa were in 1940.
Where is Gregorio Luperón International Airport?
The airport lies a few kilometres west of Sosúa.
