Dominican Rural Safari with Higüey and Tastings

Activities

Saona Island highlights boat tour with buffet lunch

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting.

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Activities

Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach area and lunch

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. If you're looking for that perfect Insta-ready escapade, you've found it. Saona is a textbook tropical daydream of an island, swathed in exotic flora and fringed with swaying palm trees, powder white sands and endless blue-green waters. You'll reach the island in a combination of catamaran and fast boat, with an outbound snorkel stop.Ramon, one of our expert guides, says "we work hard to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make it so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on Saona, too." The island and surrounding sea are of such importance for their biodiversity that they're protected as a national park.You'll set sail from Bayahibe into the sun-splashed seas surrounding Cotubanama National Park. Along the way, you'll stop to swim or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish at a shallow pool formed by sandbanks in the middle of the sea. Once you arrive at Saona, you'll have plenty of time to soak up those dazzling vistas and snap lots of photos. Perhaps you'll take a barefoot stroll along the one-kilometre-long private beach, or maybe you'd prefer simply relaxing with a cocktail. Although Saona is one of the country's most-visited areas, there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you. Another highlight is the surf'n'turf lunch at a beachfront restaurant. And don't worry about getting thirsty – all your drinks are included.

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Activities

Punta Cana evening buggy tour with Dominican dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

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Activities

Punta Cana coral reef restoration and snorkelling experience

Dive into a world of difference with this eco-conscious tour in Punta Cana – a perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on action to help save our seas. Not only will you get to snorkel through the colourful underwater world, but you'll also play a pivotal role in coral restoration efforts, making every moment of your adventure count towards marine preservation. Maria, one of our local guides, says, 'You're not just a tourist here; you're part of the solution. Under the guidance of our expert team, you'll learn about and participate in cutting-edge techniques aimed at rehabilitating and restoring coral reefs'.Kick off your experience by joining our experts at the Scientific Interpretation Centre and Coral Lab, where you'll learn about coral gardening through methods like microfragmentation. This hands-on activity guided by our knowledgeable guides will help you to discover the intricate beauty and vital importance of these ecosystems. It's an eye-opening experience that highlights the urgency of protecting these underwater treasures.After doing your part for the planet, strap on your snorkel gear and plunge into two distinct coral gardens on a guided snorkelling tour, filled with tropical fish and sea creatures. Wind down your impactful day with some chill time at Coco beach, where refreshments like the ‘coco loco' – an ice-cold coconut drink – are as cool as the ocean breeze.

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Excursions & day trips

Higuey and River Yuma full-day tour with lunch and Voodoo show

Sugarcane, sacred shrines, a riverboat trip and even a voodoo show. This exclusive excursion has a bit of everything that makes the Dominican Republic so fascinating. Expect to meet plenty of locals and explore inland around the River. Get off the beaten track for a true flavour of Dominican culture and society when you visit a fruit farm, a fishing village and a market. Luis, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Higuey is where most of the local resort staff live, and it's an enriching experience to see daily life in full swing. At the market, you can buy all sorts, from a bottle of rum to a live chicken.'You'll get a real taste for the country straight away with a visit to a plantation. Savour tropical fruits such as papaya and pineapple as well as coffee and cocoa. Up next is Higuey, the provincial capital, where you'll get to poke around for spices in the market and see locals stocking up on fresh produce. You'll also pass by the lamdark modern basilica – an important shrine.Next, we head south through tropical countryside to the little fishing village of Boca de Yuma. After a leisurely lunch of Caribbean dishes prepared with local ingredients, you'll set off on a boat ride on the River Yuma. Afterwards, discover the complicated history of Dominican sugarcane plantations at a ‘batey'. These plantation camps are home to communities of sugarcane-harvesting Haitians. Meet and chat with the community, and then watch as they put on a voodoo show.

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Excursions & day trips

Santo Domingo city tour from Punta Cana with Dominican lunch

Santo Domingo is brimming with architectural and historical gems. It's a city that tells a fascinating story, as it was the first city established in the ‘New World' by Europeans. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We like to say we were the first – we had the first church in the Americas, the first hospital, first monastery and first university. All here, in Santo Domingo.' You'll discover the major sights as well as the secrets of the colonial past by coach, train and foot on this sightseeing tour.Kick off at Independence Park before heading into the warren of cobbled streets that is the old town – known as the Zona Colonial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see sites dating back to the 15th century and visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Alcazar de Colon, which belonged to Christopher Columbus's family. You'll find out more about the complex history of the island with a 4D cinema experience recounting the storming of the city on New Year's Day in 1586 by English privateers led by Francis Drake.Next, hop aboard a mini-train for a tour of the colonial zone before stopping for lunch. You'll savour traditional Dominican dishes in a family-owned restaurant. It's a showstopping location in a 16th century colonial building full of character and charm. Round off the day with a stroll along Calle de las Damas – site of the Pantheon and Ozama Fort, then enjoy free time to shop or explore. The colonial zone is dotted with cosy, tree-shaded squares and historic churches.

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Activities

Half-day small group walking tour in the Anamuya Mountains

Take a walk on the wild side with a tour of the Dominican Republic's rugged Anamuya Mountains. See a snapshot of rural life as shown to you by an in-the-know local. Alex, one of our expert guides, says, ‘I'm a native and have been guiding tours here for more than 10 years. You'll learn about local history, plants and crops, and get to try home-grown coffee and fruit, too.'Fun facts, exotic wildlife and the chance to take a river swim – this tour has it all. After pick-up from your hotel, we'll head deep into the Dominican outback. And because we'll visit the less-travelled parts of the country, it helps support areas that don't usually benefit from tourism. What's more, you'll be part of a small group of just 16 guests, minimising our carbon footprint. ‘It's a great way to get in touch with nature and give back to the rural community,' says Alex. Rolling through the forest-carpeted countryside, we'll arrive at a ranch, where we begin with complimentary drinks and the lowdown on the day ahead.Set off trekking through luxuriant, peaked landscapes as your friendly guide shows you around. You'll meet the locals and taste locally grown seasonal products – from farm to fork, it doesn't get much fresher. Be sure to keep an eye out for rare plants, birds and wildlife, too. Being part of this experience is a boost to wildlife conservation efforts in the region. Finally, we'll head to the River Anamuya, where you can cool off with a well-earned swim and a thirst-quenching coconut water.

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Activities

Half-day buggie prime regular tour of the countryside from Punta Cana

There are few better ways to see the unspoilt Dominican countryside than a Terracross safari. You'll drive through winding rural dirt tracks through plantations all the way to the famous Domitai Cave Park and a replica Taino village. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We are the world's largest producer of organic, fair trade cocoa. Around half of our cocoa is made into the finest chocolate you can buy. So, trying traditional cocoa products in a Dominican farm is a real treat, even if you don't have a sweet tooth.'Kick off with some mud-splattered, high-octane fun as you ride cross-country to a cenote cave for a swim in the Domitai Cave Park. These sinkholes with clear, fresh water are perfect for a cooling dip. As it's a private venue, there are fewer crowds and vendors than at other cenotes. You'll also get to savour some local specialities such as empanadas and pineapple wine. Next, drop by a recreated Taino village – they were the aborigines who lived on the island before Columbus arrived – where you'll observe a folkloric show.Plus, you'll learn all about the production of local crops which are so critical to the local economy – coconut oil, sugarcane, coffee and chocolate as well as the unique Dominican chocolate tea. During your visit you'll have the chance to try some of these local products, along with the national tipple, mamajuana. Overall, a great close-up view of the Dominican countryside and local culture – on a thrilling Terracross safari.

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Activities

Los Haitises National Park full-day tour with beachside lunch

If dreamy islands and pristine nature are your thing, then this three-in-one tour is a must-do. It's a perfect mix of landscapes and seascapes, action and relaxation. You'll explore mountains, caves and beaches at Cayo Levantado, Los Haitises National Park and Encantada Mountain – a 100% Dominican experience. Ramon, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Los Haitises is a haven for birds. You'll likely spot the endemic and endangered Ridgway's hawk, the Hispaniolan piculet, the Hispaniolan woodpecker, the Hispaniolan emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons and many more birds in flight.'From Punta Cana, you'll set off through the Anamuya mountain range en route to the top of Montaña Encantada. Drink in the epic views of the tropical landscape rippling down to the coast, or relax on one of the swings and hammocks. Then it's off to Canitas, where you'll hop aboard a speedboat and zoom across Samana Bay to Cayo Levantado. This little island out in the bay is known for its blissful beaches. After time to swim, snorkel or sunbathe here, you'll enjoy a tasty lunch of fresh local fish, beachside.But there's more. You'll also discover abundant natural beauty in Los Haitises National Park. Weave through the rocky islets by boat and look out for wildlife in the thick vegetation. Visiting a cave once inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, you'll see their ancient petroglyphs and pictographs – cave art – before passing through a natural mangrove on your return.

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Activities

Half-day spa cruise with massage and lunch from Punta Cana

Turn the pampering up to maximum when you step on board this indulgent spa cruise. Watch the Punta Cana coastline slip by as you enjoy massage and detox treatments on deck. What finer way to unwind and de-stress than with an energising wellness programme surrounded by the colours of the Caribbean? Agnes, one of our local guides, says, ‘There's lots of scientific proof that being by the ocean reduces stress, improves sleep and encourages the release of happy hormones. Swimming in the sea is great for your skin, too.'The relaxation begins the moment you board our swish double-decker catamaran and embark on a spa experience like no other. As we cruise along the shoreline, you'll revitalise body and soul with a variety of gentle spa treatments suitable for everyone. Start with an exfoliation treatment to boost the skin, followed by an individual massage in a private cubicle. Next, it's time for a detox with the ionisation machine.Finally, stretch and strengthen the body with Pilates and yoga sessions on the top deck – all served with a generous helping of beautiful Caribbean scenery. After the spa treatments are complete, give into the temptation to dive into the sea. You'll leave the boat for some in-water relaxation time on a floating mattress. Following an opportunity to meet sharks and stingrays, we'll round off the morning with a light lunch. It's pure holiday bliss from start to finish.

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