Dominican Republic Tours
Dominican Republic Northern Adventure Tour
The Dominican Republic Northern Adventure Tour explores this wild, sometimes rocky, rough, rugged, but above all beautiful area.
Tour Overview
Bold and adventurous, the north coast of the Dominican Republic boasts rocky terrain and rugged landscapes. As a result, it is a breathtaking destination to explore. Take an unforgettable expedition to uncover the splendour of this enchanting coastal area. Here, every turn reveals something new and exciting.
Our eight-day tour offers a vibrant blend of remarkable experiences designed to captivate and thrill. For example, seek excitement with heart-pounding activities like canyoning, buggy riding, and ziplining through the treetops. Then dive deeper into nature on a serene journey through the mangroves to Paradise Island. Here you can unwind in a tranquil lagoon. Alternatively, explore fascinating caves within the national park.
The itinerary also includes cultural highlights, such as an immersive street art tour. In addition, there is a quirky museum showcasing local art and history. Finally, you tour one of the world's most esteemed tobacco factories, which lies at the heart of cigar production.
Amidst these adventures, you will savour awe-inspiring views of palm-fringed hills, lush valleys and charming bays. Stunning beaches also stretch as far as the eye can see. You may be an adrenaline seeker or someone seeking tranquillity. Either way, the north coast of the Dominican Republic offers a remarkable variety of experiences.
If you crave adventure, natural beauty, and an unforgettable journey, this destination is one you won't want to miss!
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in the Dominican Republic
Welcome to the Dominican Republic. We meet you at Puerto Plata airport and then transfer you to your hotel in Puerto Plata. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at your leisure to rest from your arrival. Why not end the day watching the sunset on the hotel beach? An optional transfer from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana to Puerto Plata is also possible, so contact us for details.
Overnight in Sunscape Hotel, Puerto Plata
DAY 2
Adventure in Damajagua
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and you will travel to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Upon arrival at the waterfall park, a local guide will give you an introduction to canyoning. You also receive a helmet and life jacket. Water shoes are mandatory for the hike, but you can rent or purchase them on site. Then an uphill hike of about 45 minutes through tropical jungle brings you to the waterfalls. Here you'll follow natural pools, waterslides and rock-ledge jumps, crossing rapids between passages. Afterwards, enjoy a Dominican buffet lunch at the park's visitor centre. Finally, a buggy tour takes you through the mountain and river landscape. You drive through small villages, pastures and plantations, uphill, downhill and through riverbeds.
Overnight in Sunscape Hotel, Puerto Plata · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 3
Santiago de los Caballeros
After breakfast and check-out, enjoy the drive along an impressive route to Santiago. It has spectacular views of palm-covered hills and green valleys. First, visit Los Pepines, an emblematic historic-centre neighbourhood. A 2016 mural project revitalised it, and it is now a tourist attraction. A walking tour reveals the stories behind the murals. There is also a stop to try typical empanadas and fresh fruit juices. The tour then continues to Tamboril, the self-proclaimed cigar capital of the world. Here you visit La Aurora, the most prestigious cigar manufacturer in the Dominican Republic. You learn about tobacco cultivation, processing and cigar making. Finally, you'll visit the Centro León, one of the country's most important museums. It houses contemporary Dominican art and an exhibition on the country's development.
Overnight in Hodelpa Centro Plaza Hotel, Santiago de los Caballeros · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4
Cabarete
Head north to the coast and visit the natural monument of the Cabarete and Goleta Lagoons. Here you explore the dense tropical forest with a local guide. They explain the flora, fauna and history of the area, including 258 caves millions of years old. A 90-minute hike takes in three caves. First comes the Taína cave, reached by a steep wooden staircase 25 metres down to a freshwater pool. Then see the Crystal Cave, with stalactite and stalagmite formations. Finally, the Frog Cave has a six-metre-deep spring water pool you can jump into from a three-metre platform. Afterwards, enjoy the afternoon on the beach at Cabarete. This small town is popular with surfers and known worldwide as a Caribbean water sports centre. You can also optionally visit the estuary of Boca de Yásica for fresh fish, seafood and drinks. These are served at the small restaurant Wilson la Boca (cost payable locally).
Overnight in Velero Beach Resort · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Río San Juan and Cabrera
Today is dedicated to the varied landscapes of the north coast: picturesque bays, rugged rock formations and grottos. Visit the small bay Laguna Gri Gri. Then take a boat tour through a mangrove-lined channel to the sea. There are bathing stops at La Piscina Natural and Playa Caleton. You also explore a small grotto by boat along the way. After that, continue through Cabrera to Laguna Dudu, a 22-metre-deep lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. Here you can swim in its freshwater pools. Alternatively, take the zip line for a thrilling 15-metre drop into the water. Lunch is also available at the on-site restaurant if you wish (cost payable locally).
Overnight in Velero Beach Resort · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Sosúa – Puerto Plata – Punta Rucia
Head back west along the coast to the small town of Sosúa to visit Castillo Mundo King. German engineer and artist Rolf Schulz built this fantasy castle. It displays Haitian and Dominican art across five floors, including three spaceships. Then continue to Puerto Plata, known for its Victorian-style wooden houses. Here you take a cable car up Mount Isabel de Torres (800m) for spectacular views. You also walk through the botanical gardens, past a smaller version of Rio de Janeiro's Christ statue. After lunch at a local restaurant (cost payable locally), visit the Fortaleza San Felipe. Built in 1577, it is one of the oldest surviving colonial-era fortresses. Finally, the day ends in Punta Rucia, a small fishing village on a stunning sea bay.
Overnight in Punta Rucia Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Cayo Arena
Take an excursion to the sandbank of Cayo Arena, also known as Paradise Island. It emerges from the sea during the day and disappears again at high tide. A boat takes you directly from the beach. Once there, you can swim, relax, or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish in the shallow turquoise waters. A nearby coral reef is also worth exploring. After a few hours, return to the hotel around noon. The route back runs along the mangroves close to the shore.
Overnight in Punta Rucia Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Punta Rucia to Puerto Plata Airport
Transfer to Puerto Plata airport depending on your flight departure time. However, you may want to enjoy your time on the island a bit more. This lets you revel in the impressions of the trip. If so, contact us to book a beach extension.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation with Spanish-speaking driver and local English-speaking tour guide from Day 2 to Day 6
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Meals according to description – breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
All entrance fees, taxes and service charges of the mentioned excursions and visits according to description
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks and meals other than those mentioned on the program
Expenditure of a personal nature, laundry, telephone bills, drinks, souvenirs, tips etc.
Tips for drivers and guides
Early check-in / late checkout fees if required
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, so we can schedule it to your own departure date. Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book.
From £2,345 per person (based on two people sharing per room)
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for the Dominican Republic.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive. British citizens travelling for tourism don't need a visa. In addition, the tourism entry tax is included in your air fare. You will normally be granted a 30-day stay on arrival.
Public medical facilities are generally limited. Private hospitals offer good standards of care, although they can be expensive. Visitors unable to pay hospital bills have sometimes been prevented from leaving the country until the debt is settled. Therefore, make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. For emergency medical assistance in Santo Domingo, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. However, outside Santo Domingo, 911 coverage is not complete. In that case, call the tourist police (1-809-200-3500) if you cannot get through. The Dominican Republic has a risk of Zika virus transmission. In addition, cases of chikungunya and dengue fever have been confirmed, so take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Tap water is not potable.
It is a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. It must also cover the entire duration of your holiday. In addition, it must cover all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing which can be layered is advisable, with a warmer jumper for occasional cooler evenings. Also bring beachwear and swimwear, and we suggest a light raincoat. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are ideal.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Dominican peso is the local currency. US dollars and travellers' cheques are easily exchanged, but only at banks or official exchange offices (casas de cambio). UK credit and debit cards usually work in ATMs. However, you should take great care when withdrawing cash. Where possible, use an ATM inside a bank, shopping centre or supermarket rather than one on the street. Card cloning and identity theft are also a risk. Therefore, avoid letting your card out of sight when paying, or pay in cash instead.
The Dominican Republic uses type A and B plugs, on a 120V/60Hz supply. Public displays of affection are uncommon. There are also severe penalties for any drug offences. Moreover, cases sometimes take years to go through the judicial process. Lifeguards may not be present at pools or beaches. The sea can also be dangerous, especially during hurricane season (June-November). Therefore, seek local advice on conditions, and don't swim under the influence of alcohol. Adventure activity providers may not meet UK safety standards, so check and ensure you're insured. The Dominican Republic is on GMT-4. Finally, Wi-Fi is common in hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes across touristed areas.
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