The ~700–900 nm crossing from Florida (Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Keys) to the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Cap Cana) offers several vessel choices:
| Vessel Type | Time | Cost | Experience Needed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sailboat (30–50 ft) | 3–7 days | Low (fuel) | High (coastal/offshore certs) | Adventure, flexibility, low cost |
| Motor Yacht (40–80+ ft) | 1.5–3 days | High (fuel, dockage) | High (offshore license) | Speed, comfort, privacy |
| Cruise Ship | 2–3 nights (itinerary) | $$$ (all-inclusive) | None | Luxury, amenities, multiple stops |
| Ferry | 2–3 days | $ (economy) | None | Budget, vehicles, foot passengers |
| Private Yacht Charter | Custom | $$$$ | None (crew provided) | Ultimate luxury, custom itinerary |
Currently no scheduled passenger ferry operates FL↔DR. Past attempts (FerryXpress, Baleària) ceased. Private charter or cruise only.
Recommendation: For most, fly (2.5h) and charter a boat in DR. For sailors, the crossing is a classic bluewater passage.