Boca Chica Background
Boca Chica lies on the south coast of the Dominican Republic just 30 minutes to the east of the capital city Santo Domingo and furthermore a mere 10 minutes to the east of Santo Domingo's principal airport, Las Americas International Airport.
Going back in time it was home to the Indian Taino people who inhabited the island before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. During the time of the country’s notorious dictator Trujillo(1931-1961) Boca Chica became a popular resort destination for wealthy Dominicans due to the proximity of Santo Domingo. In the 1970's tourism arrived for the first time from overseas and the town and surrounding area have grown accordingly since then.
Boca Chica is best known for its beautiful white sand beach located in a small cove protected by a protruding natural coral reef surrounding the cove. These geographical features create what has been described as a great big swimming pool, probably the largest “heated” swimming pool in the world. The shallow depth of the cove and the outside reef keep the waters within crystal clear and calm making it especially safe for children and water sports such as snorkeling, waterskiing, paddle boating, kayaking, windsurfing and jet skiing.
At night the town comes alive with numerous dining and nightlife options and even a thriving casino in the town’s largest hotel: The Oasis Hamaca.
The future
Considering the town’s natural advantages it has developed relatively slowly and due to concentration of administrative efforts to develop all-inclusive tourism in other parts of the country Boca Chica has received less than its fair share of governmental attention over the years. However, the current administration of Leonel Fernandez and his Ministry of Tourism has officially announced plans for major renovation and the implementation of various works programs. It would seem as though the private sector is anticipating great things for Boca Chica because there is an unparalleled amount of new construction activity underway.
