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Great topic! Kayaking isn't huge here honey, ocean isn't overly conducive I assume. I don't actually know, I am guessing.

Honey go see all of these places!  Find what works for you. But, while in SD let me know, we can meet for coffee or Cuba libre!

That would be super!

I got "hooked" on kayaking when I lived in Florida, where there are a zillion kayaking concessions. But it seems to be more rare elsewhere, even in the US, and even when there's a great kayaking environment and strong tourism industry.

Well I foresee a fun first few months, even if I have to wait and wait for the paperwork

PS It's a very beginner-friendly sport, if anyone gets the urge to try something new.

Here's a few inputs for you, FWIW.  FYI, we are snowbirds, spending 1-3 months here each winter since 2018.  Not experts, but no longer novices, either

La Romana -- Casa de Campo development  is a gated GORGEOUS place, though muy expensivo; but if we had the bucks would be out #1 choice in all of DR.    Rest of La Romana seemed trashy & crowded, and judging by the industrial sized bars on EVERY window and door, crime is an issue if you're not in a gated community.  There are a couple of less-expensive gated communities to the East of La Romana property we haven't visited -- those may be nice.

To West of La Romana, there's a newer luxury development (sorry, can't remember the name) -- I'd be careful, as their bay is shared with an oil transfer terminal of some type.  One spill could wipe out values.

Bayahibe -- Gorgeous, but most shopping and business is done in La Romana.  Most beaches are private (resorts), but Bayahibe has a lovely & well-organized public beach, too. 

Samaná (city) -- Not been.  I'm told the whales winter there for calving.  Many residents report loving it, but I've read a few got tired of it.  Also, a little out of the way geographically. 

Las Terrenas -- Love it, but can't stand it.

1.  BEAUTIFUL, GORGEOUS beaches.  Truly top-notch. 

2.  LT has outgrown its roads and infrastructure.  Traffic is HORRID. Motos are everywhere, noisy (they remove mufflers to get more power) and obey ZERO traffic laws -- in LT, the motos are downright dangerous.

3. They keep building ever-more condos & villas, but don't seem to be matching growth with road improvements.  Traffic and congestion are already horrid: will only get worse for foreseeable future.

4. DON'T BUY IN LT TILL YOUVE SPENT AN ENTIRE HOLIDAY WEEK THERE. Bad normal traffic becomes GRIDLOCK during Semana (Easter), for instance.  Much patience required.  HOUSING IS CROWDED.

5. LT real estate is extremely expensive for what you get. Parking comes at a premium -- I wouldn't buy anything in LT without assigned, gated parking, which adds mucho dinero.probably wanted covered parking, of possible.

6. If you have serious health issues, LT is far from specialists and the better hospitals.  We crossed Lt off our list for all these reasons.  However, the McGhees live there, they have a more positive view.  Contact them if youd like another perspective.

Cabarete -- nice place, we'd be willing to live there. On our short list.

Sosua -- Bustling, heavy traffic.  Some lovely developments, but you will deal with traffic outside the gates.  OTOH, exquisite beaches and malecon.  Many love it there. 

Puerto Plata -- probably the kite surfing capital of the world -- even if you don't yourself, spend an afternoon at a beachside Cafe watching these folks FLY! Lovely area, excellent beaches.  Still on our short list.  Not as crowded as most other tourist areas.  Still on our maybe list.  Nearby is Lifestyles Resort, which is world class resort living for average folks.  LIfestyles is the only DR resort we would consider living in -- housing is of course expensive, but in line with other resorts.  Lifestyles has the BEST staff we've experienced in the DR, bar none -- even better than Casa de Campo.

Monte Cristi -- not been, but heard nice things.  Far from hospitals, I believe. 

You didn't mention Punta Cana.  We've found ourselves returning here quite often. We find the housing costs more reasonable, the traffic lighter in general, and there is LOTS to do.  Rush hour gets congested -- so you learn ro work around it. Excellent restaurante scene.  Partial to Punta Cana Village, which is very like a nice California suburb -- we might buy there.  Major airport with excellent service and reasonable airfare prices.

OTOH, some expats can't stand Punta Cana -- too touristy, too many gringos they report.  But I think they stayed mostly in resorts, or in the most-touristy areas, and that's what those locations deliver. 

>> We stay instead in majority-Dominican, white collar working class neighborhoods away from the beaches, such as Serena Village in Veron.  Not luxury, but reasonably nice plus very quiet & peaceful, lots of housing with modest prices. 

I pray you find this info useful.  As noted by others, Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV].  Research may eliminate a few places, but i

personal visits are the way to go.  Also, be careful not to catch "condo fever" during a sales pitch.   

>> If you're looking for a permanent resort experience, that's fine -- you can find it.   

>> If your budget is more limited (like ours) then areas a little away from the beaches will yield a less expensive quieter, less-touristy and more Dominican experience.   

>> KNOW where you'll shop for groceries, get medical care. have your car serviced, go to the bank, eat at restaurants, , etc. 

I agree with most of what @ExpatRusher says about Las Terrenas. Prices are starting to come down, both for sales and rentals. We're at a point where supply exceeds demand, so the market is reacting to that.

Also, while Semana Santa is referred to locally as "Unholy Week", it can be avoided! We hunker down and don't leave home from Wednesday to Tuesday when most people are here.

We do have a little different perspective than many here because we live up in the hills, away from the noise and chaos of town. We have to have a car, but to us, it is well worth it for the peace and quiet on our hill. And the view!

Semana santa is brutal in most tourist areas.  Best places to spend Easter are Santo Domingo and Santiago!  Many many people leave the big cities for all or part of that week!