Playa Diamante, Cabrera A newly asphalted road from Sosua towards Rio San Juan led us to Playa el Diamante. It was a wonderful sunny day and we were anticipating a nice picnic. About 15 minute drive after Rio San Juan, past Cabrera, there is a sharp right curve, where we slowed down by a big sign Pescaderia on the left and a pointer to Playa el Diamante. We continued down the small street to the ocean, which opened a beautiful scenery we were not expecting so soon. It is a spectacular view: the lagoon in the form of a circle with fine white sand and turquoise water, blending smoothly into the blue of the deep ocean. Two low rock formations with wind shaped trees frame around Playa el Diamante, the precious diamond of Dominican Republic. In addition to the wondrous landscape of this lagoon, there are unique small freshwater streams struggling out from the sand at the edge of the sea water, covering the surface which resembles a giant mirror. Playa el Diamante is the most shallow beach you have ever seen. First, you walk on a thin layer of fresh water, massaging your foot palms, 20 meters later, the water reaches your ankles, 40 meters further up to the knee. If you want to swim, it would take you some time and around 70 meters of walking deep into the lagoon. This is the best place for families with children and couples who like privacy. Playa el Diamante is completely deserted on weekdays, but we came on the election day, and this is a big holiday in Dominican Republic, which lasts for two days. These funny Dominicans were already here in the shadow of a huge tree near a closed restaurant, dancing around two cars with deafening Latin melodies coming out of wheezing speakers. In this atmosphere of a party ran splashing in the shallows with our fifteen month old daughter. Half an hour later, the loud Dominicans finally left and the diamond beach was just ours. The beach fascinates you and not only by its splendid beauty, but also what seemed to be against all laws of physics, the cold spring water is on top, and a warm sea water near the bottom. This happens because the fresh cold water is lighter than the salty ocean. It feels incredibly nice and very relaxing by every cell of the body. The sand beneath is caressing your feet with the smallest white sand, so pleasant. one step and your foot hits the cool little stream, another step and you feel the warm, thick ocean waters. Its a great natural SPA, where the tiny geysers on the bank gush out from under the sand, turning into a mere trickle of spring water, flowing into the ocean. The day comes to the end and its time to leave. It is impossible not to look back at this fascinating landscape: a striking harmony of colors - bright green around the lagoon, rolling from azure to deep-blue in the center and white on the shore. Almost an imperceptible horizon and only fluffy cumulus clouds can distinguish the sky from water. In front to the right, there is Cape Verde, cutting into the ocean, where someone built the deck and decorative mast of a ship waiving good bye to us, inviting to come back again.
