Getting around the north coast without a car

Renting a car on the north coast is possible but not always relaxing. Here are the alternatives. Guaguas are the shared minibuses that run the coastal road between Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete and Río San Juan. They are cheap, frequent and full. Wave at one from the roadside, pay the cobrador and squeeze in. Motoconchos are motorcycle taxis, fast and everywhere. They are also the most common cause of tourist injuries on the island, so use them only for short distances, agree a price first and insist on a helmet. Regular taxis wait at hotels and in town squares. Always agree the fare before you get in, since meters are rare. Private transfers are the simplest option for airport runs, day trips and anything with luggage or children. You get a fixed price, an assigned driver, air conditioning and door to door service, which for a family often works out cheaper than several taxis.