SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Dominican culture by experiencing the local cuisine, spirits and dances firsthand. While pausing for photos along the seaside boulevard El Malecon, you will discover a bit about the local history, which you will delve into more deeply at the engaging Confluence Ethnographic Gallery. Besides browsing the museum’s exhibits – which cover topics ranging from piracy to Carnival celebrations – you will enjoy a tasting of premium Dominican rum, most likely a selection from Ron Barceló, a brand made with 100% sugarcane juice. The restaurant La Catalina will serve as the venue for the remaining festivities, which begin with a performance of merengue, a lively dance so emblematic of the national identity that UNESCO recognized it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. You will be encouraged to join the costumed dancers, who will be happy to show you the steps. A delightful lunch of traditional Dominican stew known as sancocho follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the Dominican culture and history through immersive experiences.
• Browse an ethnographic museum and sample a popular premium Dominican rum.
• Watch costumed dancers perform the merengue and join in the fun if you wish.
• Dine on a traditional Dominican stew at the atmospheric restaurant La Catalina.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Race through the countryside in an all-terrain vehicle and enjoy a cool mountain stream and its tumbling cascades. The Damajagua River is the waterfalls’ source and the setting couldn’t be more beautiful. After hiking through the jungle, you will arrive at a series of cascades that comprise this natural wonder. You will be free to swim in the numerous mountain pools, slide down cascades with slick rock chutes and even jump off some of the waterfalls into the refreshing water below. This area is only accessible on foot, which limits the number of other adventurers. The adrenaline rush will continue once you ease into an ATV and tear off into jungle. You can take the wheel or ride in the passenger seat. Either way, it will be exhilarating, especially if it’s been raining because the mud will be flying. Although you will be mostly off road, you will stop in a village to interact with the locals.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls
• Slide down the slick chutes that the cascades have carved into the rocks.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.
• Race through the countryside in an open-air ATV built for adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Motor over to the idyllic island of Cayo Arena on a power catamaran and enjoy free time there and back on the mainland in La Isabela. The island may be a speck in the middle of the sea, but there is plenty to keep you entertained. No wonder Cayo Arena is also known as Paradise Island. You might swim in the crystal-clear waters, wade out onto the gently sloping sand just offshore, bask in the sun, relax in the shade of a thatched hut and take in the surrounding natural beauty. The island is a wonderful setting to unplug, relax and watch the natural world unfold. Similarly, after a buffet lunch in La Isabela, you will be free to explore this first Spanish settlement in the Americas. If you browse the museum, you will find intriguing exhibits regarding its founding in 1493 and the indigenous Taino people that lived there at the time.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the gorgeous views while cruising to the island of Cayo Arena on a power catamaran.
• Spend your time on the island doing whatever you please, whether swimming or just relaxing.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch and free time in the village of La Isabela, which was founded in 1493.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable water shoes.

OVERVIEW
Prepare for three times the fun on this ultimate adventure by zip line, ATV and by following a jungle trail to the gorgeous Damajagua waterfalls. The leisurely hike through the unspoiled wilds will introduce the natural beauty that you will experience three ways. You will first race through the tree canopy on a series of five ziplines, each uniquely exhilarating. Negotiating two suspension bridges between the ziplines will add to the thrills. Upon reaching the waterfalls, you might swim in the pools at the bottom of the many cascades or simply enjoy the serenity of the surrounding forest. Few places are quite so breathtaking. You will see this natural wonderland from yet another perspective by riding off-road in an open-air vehicle built to handle even the toughest terrain. The experience will deliver one thrill after another as you tear across a river, through the mud and into a small village for a cultural encounter.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Fly high above the jungle floor on five ziplines and walk across two suspension bridges.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls.
• Race through the countryside in an open-air ATV built for adventure.
• Marvel at the gorgeous countryside, which you will explore three thrilling ways.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights, and you will reach about a dozen of them. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy beach time at Ocean Breeze Beach on Playa Dorada, one of the area’s serene stretches of sand. It won’t take long to reach Ocean Breeze Beach, which will give you all the more time to bask in the sun. With a welcome drink in hand, pick your spot to relax. During the next four hours, you might lay back in a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a leisurely stroll along the shore or ease into the water for a refreshing swim. Around midday, a buffet lunch will be served.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Boasting one of the largest man-made dolphin habitats in the world, Ocean World is a must-see attraction for everyone cruising Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Day Pass visitors have the opportunity to snorkel in a Tropical Reef Aquarium (Minimum height 115 cm/ 45”), learn about marine mammals, feed exotic tropical birds, walk through a tropical rain forest, and observe dolphin, sea lion and tropical bird shows. Guests will also have a free access to the dolphin beach and the fresh water oasis located at the Pirate’s Pool! This tour also includes a hearty Dominican lunch and allow to Immerse in the rich Dominican culture tasting handmade chocolate and observing skill woodcarving artisans on the go. Appreciate the expertise involved in cigar rolling and learn a few steps of Merengue and Bachata or sit back and admire a professional presentation with our folkloric ballet. Before you go, visit the Dominican Corner, the ideal spot for shopping local souvenirs. Photos, videos and drinks are available at an additional cost. At an additional fee get an unlimited water park pass to use the Water Slides in the beach area (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48”).

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a nature walk along the river to a series of waterfalls for a refreshing swim and then experience the local culture by shopping for handicrafts and dining on characteristic Dominican cuisine. The source of the cascades is the Damajagua River, a cool crystal-clear stream that tumbles through the mountains forming waterfalls of varying heights. You will have time to time swim in the placid pools below the cascades and admire the natural setting before continuing on to a typical country market. A sampling of fresh-brewed coffee and a chocolate sweet will serve to whet your appetite for the sumptuous buffet lunch that follows at the nearby hacienda La Huerta. Most of the ingredients for your lunch will have been grown in the gardens that surround this former sugar plantation. To enhance the dining experience, you will be offered a tasting of Brugal Rum, which has been distilled in Puerto Plata since 1888.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through a serene tropical jungle where the only sounds are those of nature.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls.
• Browse the shops in a country market and savor a cup of coffee and local chocolates.
• Dine on traditional Dominican dishes at a hacienda on what was once a sugar plantation.
• Sample a selection of rums from a distillery that was founded in 1888.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• bring a swimsuit and towel.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the local culture by interacting with farmers and others that make artisanal products in the surrounding countryside. While visiting nearby factories and farms, you will see an array of traditional items being produced and speak with some of the owners and workers. You can expect to watch artisans make bon bons with molasses from sugar cane and chocolates from cocoa beans grown using sustainable farming practices. While touring the Geo factory, you will observe the process of making a popular Dominican cheese that is much like a Dutch-style Edam. It too is coated in red wax to prevent any sort of moisture loss that would affect its quality. You will also see how local handicrafts such as baskets and mats are created using only natural materials like banana leaves. Although the views will be spectacular throughout this cultural immersion, the panorama from Imbert Park will be particularly memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how local artisans make sweets such as bon bons and chocolates.
• Watch a popular Edam-style cheese being made in the Geo factory.
• Be awed by the skilled artisans that handmake baskets and mats using natural materials.
• Converse with the artisans that produce these quintessential Dominican products.
• Enjoy a traditional lunch made with locally sourced ingredients.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch artisans demonstrate how they make an array of local products and enjoy shopping for these signature items before relaxing on one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. You can expect to see premium cigars being hand-rolled from a blend of tobacco leaves, coffee beans being roasted and organic cocoa beans being processed for chocolate and to flavor other foods. You will also browse a museum devoted entirely to amber, an ancient hardened tree sap that is often used in jewelry. Similarly, larimar is a rare blue mineral only found in the Dominican Republic and it too is often incorporated into jewelry. Besides seeing how all of these raw products are hand-crafted into extraordinary merchandise, you will spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata. And what better way to relax afterwards than by basking in the sun on a gorgeous stretch of beach and swimming in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how local products such as cigars, coffee and chocolate are made from raw materials.
• Browse a museum full of amber products, including exquisite jewelry.
• Spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata.
• Relax on one of the beaches that rims the city and swim in the sea if you like.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating at Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada, an exclusive waterfront resort with seemingly endless amenities. The all-inclusive day pass will give you access to the entire property, allowing you to focus on the attractions that you find most appealing. You might bask in the sun on a beachside lounger, relax in the shade of a coconut palm, stroll along the gently sloping shoreline and take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean. If you prefer swimming pools to the sea, there are three at the resort and Jacuzzis. You might also enjoy the pool bar and beach bar, two popular venues that are always full of life. The day pass includes a hearty buffet lunch featuring international dishes as well. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this contemporary resort, shopping if you please and simply wandering about without a care in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Luxuriate for hours on end at the beachfront resort Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada.
• Relax as you please, whether swimming in the sea, basking in the sun or strolling the shore.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch of international dishes that are sure to please.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience farm life firsthand at La Huerta, an idyllic setting where you can participate in daily activities such as harvesting the crops and feeding the animals. While enjoying a welcome drink at the farm, you will be given an overview of the property and its connection to the local community. You will then have the opportunity to join in as fresh tropical produce such as bananas and mangos is harvested by hand. During that time, the farmers will share stories and anecdotes about their deep love for the land and how their traditions have been passed on from generation to generation. You will also learn about the local medicinal plants and the farm’s sustainable agricultural methods. As you will discover over a lunch prepared with organic ingredients from the farm, those practices result in tastier produce. To enhance your understanding of rural life, you will watch a folkloric performance while dining.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit an organic farm and learn about its sustainable agricultural practices.
• Join the farmers as they harvest produce and feed the farm animals.
• Gain an understanding of the farmers’ deep connection to the land.
• Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from the farm.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.