Boca Chica

Boca Chica is an intriguing municipality situated in the Santo Domingo province of the Dominican Republic. According to the 2022 census, the population is 167,040, comprising 104,951 individuals in the city and 62,089 in the rural areas. This dynamic village serves as a center of activity and culture, while also being rich in history and natural beauty.

Boca Chica was established in 1779 as San José de los Llanos under the administration of Brigadier Don Isidro Peralta y Rojas. The region experienced considerable change in the early 1900s when Dominican entrepreneur and politician Juan Bautista Vicini Burgos founded sugar estates. Vicini’s affection for the region established the foundation for its subsequent growth; however, it was not until the 1950s that Boca Chica genuinely flourished. This illustrious period was characterized by the establishment of the renowned Hotel Hamaca, commissioned by dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. The hotel attained global notoriety, especially after Trujillo granted political refuge to Cuban tyrant Fulgencio Batista subsequent to the Cuban Revolution.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Boca Chica emerged as a haven for the Dominican elite, as distinguished families constructed vacation residences along the unspoiled shoreline. Nonetheless, this exclusivity started to diminish in the 1970s as public transit enhanced accessibility, converting the region into a vibrant attraction for everyone.

The cessation of operations at the Hamaca Hotel following Hurricane David in 1979 signified a phase of economic deterioration for Boca Chica. The once prosperous region encountered difficulties due to the prolonged abandonment of the hotel. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Boca Chica’s appeal remained undiminished. The beach, located near Santo Domingo, with its crystalline blue waves and pristine white sands, consistently attracted visitors. The restoration of the Hamaca Hotel and the sustained popularity of the public beach have rejuvenated the region, rendering it one of the most frequented beaches in the Dominican Republic, particularly on weekends and holidays.

The natural beauty of Boca Chica is one of its most captivating attributes. The beach is known for its pristine fine sand and shallow seas, enabling tourists to wade deep into the sea with minimal variation in depth. This distinctive feature renders it an optimal location for families and individuals desiring a tranquil day by the ocean.

The region also has two little islands, Los Pinos and La Matica. Los Pinos was formed using sand from the dredging of Andrés port in the 1950s, whilst La Matica is a mangrove cay that provides a home for several avian species. The islands, in conjunction with the natural breakwater and the freshwater spring from the Brujuelas subterranean river, enhance the biological diversity of Boca Chica.

In addition to its natural beauty, Boca Chica serves as a vibrant cultural center. The beach features an array of bars, restaurants, pizza vendors, and souvenir shops, fostering a lively ambiance throughout the day. As dusk descends, Boca Chica metamorphoses into a vibrant hub of nightlife, including an array of party establishments that allure both residents and visitors.