6-Day Dominican Republic Tour with Islands and Colonial Santo Domingo

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Catamaran rides to Catalina Island and Saona Island
• 02 Explore Santo Domingo's UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial
• 03 Visit Altos de Chavón, a recreated Mediterranean-style village above the Chavón River
• 04 Ride through Los Haitises National Park's mangroves and caves with ancient petroglyphs
• 05 Swim at Salto de Yanigua or El Limón Waterfall
• 06 Relax on the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana and Cayo Levantado

Embark on a 6-day adventure through the Dominican Republic, based in Punta Cana and filled with culture, coastal scenery, and island escapes. Cruise to Catalina Island and Saona Island, explore the Mediterranean-style village of Altos de Chavón, and discover the colonial charm of Santo Domingo's UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial. The journey also includes either Montaña Redonda, Salto de Yanigua, and Los Haitises National Park, or an alternative day trip through Samaná, El Limón Waterfall, and Cayo Levantado. With lodging, transportation, guided visits, and key meals included, this tour offers a broad introduction to the country's beaches, history, and natural beauty.

Embark on a 6-day adventure through the Dominican Republic, based in Punta Cana and filled with culture, coastal scenery, and island escapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Cities La Romana, Santo Domingo, Santa Bárbara de Samaná, Cayo Levantado, Punta Cana, Saona Island, Catalina Island

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Punta Cana and Time at Bávaro Beach

• We start our trip to the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana.
• This is also where we are based for the entire duration of our tour.
• From here, we make daily excursions packed with culture and excitement.
• Today, we pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
• Let's check out Bávaro.
• It is the most popular white-sand beach in the Punta Cana area.

2

Day 02

Catalina Island Cruise and Altos de Chavón Visit

• This morning, we are taken to a dock near La Romana.
• There, we board a catamaran to Catalina Island.
• Lunch is included today, as is an open bar once on Catalina Island.
• The island offers a diverse preservation of ecosystems, including sand dunes, mangroves, and reefs.
• Formed out of coral stone, the island contains three overlapping plateaus.
• The seas around the island are rich in wildlife, with many species of birds and tropical marine fish.
• Catalina Island is especially popular for snorkeling.
• Once we have returned to the dock near La Romana, we are taken to Altos de Chavón.
• At this recreated Mediterranean-style village located atop the Chavón River, we are provided with a guided tour.
• Altos de Chavón hosts a cultural center, an archaeological museum, and an amphitheater.

3

Day 03

Colonial Santo Domingo and the Zona Colonial

• Today, we visit Santo Domingo, the oldest permanent European settlement of the New World.
• There, we are provided with a guided tour.
• The colonial zone is an architectural gem that truly feels detached from the rest of the city.
• Think of attractive Spanish-era squares, monuments, and parks, shirtless men playing dominoes, good food, exciting music - not least bachata and merengue - and an amazing nightlife scene.
• The Old Town, also known as Zona Colonial, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• It is an important section of the city due to the high number of landmarks, including the residence of Alcázar de Colón, Fortaleza Ozama Castle, and Primada de America Cathedral.
• Although the Old Town deserves most of our time, the outer areas of Gazcue and the Malecón are worth exploring too.
• All in all, the capital of the Dominican Republic is arguably one of the region's most underrated destinations.

4

Day 04

Waterfalls, Local Flavours, and Nature in Los Haitises or Samaná

• For the main tour:
  • Firstly, we are taken to Montaña Redonda, also known as Mount Redonda.
  • There, we take some nice photos and enjoy the swings.
  • Next, we are taken to a national park called Salto de Yanigua.
  • There, we go swimming at the waterfall and sample local chocolates and coffee.
  • Lunch is included on today's tour.
  • After our meal, we are taken to a dock located at Caño Hondo.
  • There, we take a boat inside Los Haitises National Park, riding along mangroves and checking out caves with ancient petroglyphs.
• For the alternative day trip:
  • Firstly, we are taken to a beach called La Cañita.
  • There, we take a catamaran ride to a town called Samaná.
  • Upon arrival, we are taken to a nearby Dominican home.
  • There, we taste local chocolate and coffee.
  • Next, we are taken to the entrance of a waterfall called El Limón.
  • We go by horseback to reach the waterfall, where we can go swimming.
  • Lunch is included on today's tour.
  • After our meal, we are taken back to Samaná.
  • There, we take a quick boat ride to an island called Cayo Levantado.
  • There, we can go swimming at the beach.

5

Day 05

Saona Island Escape with Beach Time and Open Bar

• We take a morning catamaran or speedboat departure to Saona Island.
• Lunch and an open bar on the island are included today.
• Saona Island is a popular destination for tourists from all over the Dominican Republic, who arrive daily in fleets of catamarans and small motorboats.
• Saona is known for its beaches and has been used on a number of occasions by filmmakers and advertisers looking for a stereotypical "deserted island" setting for their film or product.

6

Day 06

Departure from Punta Cana

• Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Punta Cana.
• Note that if you have extra time, we can arrange a private tour for you to the beach of Playa Bahía de Las Águilas. It is in the southwest area of the country.
• Also worth visiting is the Samaná Peninsula in the north, specifically the beaches of Playa Rincón, Playa Frontón, and Playa Galeras, as well as El Limón Waterfall.
• The reason why these worthwhile destinations are not included in our itinerary is because they are all difficult to reach.
• Again, however, we can make private arrangements for you upon request.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Domestic flights
• Lodging
• English-speaking tour guides
• All ground and water transportation
• All activities in the itinerary below
• All entry fees
• Your own on-call concierge
• Breakfasts
• Open bars x 3
• Lunches x 3

What's Not Included

• Airfare
• Alcohol
• Travel insurance
• Government-imposed visa fees
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

• Bring a lockable waterproof backpack for items to bring onto the boat.
• Remember to pack a waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards, especially if you'll be swimming.
• Don't forget to pack water shoes for activities involving water.
• Consider bringing adapters for your electronic devices to ensure compatibility with local outlets.

Know before you go

• While airfare is not included in the price, we can assist in finding and booking the flights needed upon request.
• All participants must book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays, and 24/7 assistance.
• 1-2 persons for one room: $950
• 3-4 persons for two rooms: $1,900
• 5-6 persons for three rooms: $2,850
• 7-8 persons for four rooms: $3,800
• 9-10 persons for five rooms: $4,750
• International airfare for VIP members only is available upon inquiry for details.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tour start

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.