Playa Ensenada

Back to the beach! After a month back in the country, I'd say its about time I found my way back to one of the D.R.'s most precious resources, and this time around I even made it to a beach I haven't been to before, Playa Ensenada. Although it's a bit of a hike, about 2 and a half hours on a one-stop bus from Santiago, this little treasure was worth every bit of car-sickness I got from sitting in the very back seat (bad decision. will remember this for future bus trips.)

A little background info: Playa Ensenada is a 1-kilometer stretch of golden sand and shallow waters hugged by a nearby mountain range. Off-shore coral reefs keep the waves small and the waters very calm here. 

A small dirt road, lined with an array of colorfully run-down shacks and shanty's offering the day's catch, runs along the stretch of the beach. 

But if you haven't quite worked up an appetite yet, no worries, just sit back, relax and soak up the sun. 
Or cool off wading around in the shallow waters. 

Or take a little walk to admire the stunning views. 

Until the smell of fried fish and tostones wafting through the air makes your tummy grumble, that is. Then its time to choose your shack and eat up! (Best to go for one with a couple good fires going :)

After a hearty lunch it was time for a little adventuring. A small "island," Cayo Arena, lays just off the coast of Playa Ensenada. And with just 500 pesos (13 dollars), you can catch a sweet little 20 min yola (the name for the boats pictured) out and back. 

But make sure to reapply sunscreen! The Dominican sun is unforgiving. 

A study in blue.
See that, that's where we are going! Out into the wild blue yonder!!

After a bit of a choppy ride, and some spashes to the face, the island finally appeared on the horizon.

So I suppose I should tell you that the real reason everyone heads out to Cayo Arena is for the snorkeling. The whole island is surrounded by a coral reef...and not just any coral reef...one of the best snorkeling reefs EVER. Since I don´t have a waterproof camera, I can´t show you the amazing-ness hiding just beneath the water´s surface, but we are talking Finding Nemo stuff here: Beautiful coral in odd shapes. Big blue fish, zippy little silver ones, and oodles more darting to and fro.  Gentle, lapping ocean currents causing everything to sway back and forth as in dream. And then all of the sudden, the whole scene drops off and there is nothing but deep, endless ocean stretching for miles. 
Breathtaking. 
That's the only word I have to describe the experience. 
And well, I also have this picture from Finding Nemo below to help you visualize, but believe it or not, the picture isn't far off from the actual thing. 

After snorkeling, it was back to the beach to let the sun and the wind dry us off. 

The colors! Oh the colors!

After a little over an hour on the island, our captain rallied the crew and we all hopped in the yolas once more to take us back to the mainland. All good things must come to an end I suppose. But not before a little detour through the manglares (mangroves). 
Mangroves are pretty much the coolest trees ever with an amazing underwater root network that is vital to the ecosystem in the area. Not to mention, they have roots that drop down from their branches! Crazy-cool looking. 

With a pretty decent sun-burn and a smile on my face, it was finally time to head back to the bus (front seat this time!), for a good long nap where I could dream about planning my next trip back.