One of the best parts of staying with Caribbean Breeze is that we live here. We know the people, the roads, and the hidden spots that make the North Coast special. Over the years, we've built relationships with local businesses that consistently deliver great experiences for our guests. Here are three we recommend without hesitation.
RAW — River And Woods
If you only do one excursion during your stay, make it this one. RAW River and Woods takes you deep into the mountains of Jamao al Norte for a river tubing adventure through untouched jungle along the Yásica River. You'll float through turquoise pools surrounded by towering tropical trees, with nothing but the sound of the river and birdsong around you.
What makes RAW stand out from the typical tourist excursions is the personal, authentic experience. The team picks you up from Sosua or Cabarete, drives you into the mountains, and sets you up with tubes and a floating cooler stocked with complimentary drinks. After the ride, you sit down to a traditional Dominican buffet cooked right there in the jungle — think fresh grilled chicken, rice and beans, tostones, and criolla sauce.
This isn't a mass-tourism operation. It's a real Dominican adventure run by people who genuinely love sharing their country. Our guests consistently rank it as the highlight of their entire trip.
- Location
- Jamao al Norte, Espaillat Province, DR
- Phone
- +1 (829) 370-7715
- Hours
- Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Getting There
- 30–40 min south of Cabarete (transport included)
- @RAWriverandwoodsexperiences
- TripAdvisor
- Read Reviews
Coconut Car Rentals
Having your own wheels on the North Coast opens up a completely different vacation. Day trips to the 27 Waterfalls, lunch at Wilson's La Boca, sunset drives to Puerto Plata — it all becomes effortless when you're not hunting for taxis. Coconut Car Rentals is our go-to recommendation, and for good reason.
Run by Canadians who've lived on the North Coast for over 15 years, Coconut specializes in weekly and monthly rentals at flat, transparent rates. No hidden fees, no surprise charges — the price they quote includes full insurance, unlimited mileage, and free airport pickup and drop-off. They accept US money transfers, Canadian e-transfers, and cash, making payment simple for North American visitors.
Their vehicles are well-maintained (think Nissan Rogues and sturdy jeeps perfect for Dominican roads), and their customer service is the kind of responsive, helpful experience you'd expect from fellow expats who understand what travelers need.
- Location
- Costa Azul, Puerto Plata (serves Cabarete & Sosua)
- Phone
- +1 (809) 729-3880
- Rates
- From $350/week or $900/month (all inclusive)
- Includes
- Insurance, unlimited mileage, airport pickup
- Website
- cococarrentals.com
- @coconutcarrentals
Wilson's La Boca Restaurant
Wilson's La Boca isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. Located where the Yásica River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the only way to reach it is by waving across the river and waiting for a small boat to come pick you up. That boat ride is the first hint that you're about to have a meal unlike any other on the island.
Owner Wilson personally greets every table, and his food speaks for itself. Everything is cooked over carbón y leña (charcoal and firewood) — no electricity, no gas, just open-flame cooking the way Dominicans have done it for generations. The lobster, fish, shrimp, and crab are all pulled fresh from the ocean that morning. Sides include fried plantains, zucchini, sweet potatoes, salad, and rice and beans.
You'll eat at rustic picnic tables under palm-thatched roofs with the ocean right in front of you. Drinks come in whole pineapples and coconuts. It's the kind of place where you go for lunch and end up staying until sunset.
- Location
- La Boca, Cabarete (21 min drive from Kite Beach)
- Phone
- +1 (829) 404-1224
- Hours
- Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price Range
- $$ – $$$ (expect $15–30 per person)
- Cuisine
- Caribbean, Seafood, Latin
- @wilsonslaboca
- TripAdvisor
- Read Reviews
- Good to Know
- Dog-friendly, outdoor seating, cash preferred
Why We Share These Recommendations
We don't earn commissions from these businesses. We recommend them because our guests love them and because they reflect the authentic North Coast experience we want every Caribbean Breeze guest to have. When you stay with us, our 24/7 AI Concierge can help you plan visits to all three — just tap the palm tree icon on our website and ask.
Have a local business you think we should feature? Let us know through the Guest Portal or send us a message on WhatsApp at +1 (829) 726-1083.
