Dominican Republic: Marine Conservation
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Arrival Day: Welcome to the Dominican Republic!
Arrive into Santo Domingo and spend your first night in the Colonial Zone, a historic walled quarter of the city with famed food and music. Take a guided walking tour or wander on your own with some recommendations from our team - this is a great introduction to Dominican culture and hot island weather. Bienvenidos!
Lodging: Hotel Nicolas de Ovando
Day 2: Service in Paradise
Drive with your guide to the beach town of Bayahibe about two hours east of Santo Domingo. A fishing town at its core Bayahibe is also the epicenter of tourism to nearby Isla Saona, a beautiful island paradise frequented by catamarans and chartered fishing and dive tours. The increased boat traffic combined with unsustainable anchoring practices have caused massive destruction in the nearby reef. Our partner FUNDEMAR works with local operators to reduce these effects through a multitude of projects including beach clean ups, creation of coral farms, data collection, and an array of other conservation projects. Upon arriving in Bayahibe you will settle in your new home and then have lunch at our favorite local restaurant, Elfrida’s. After lunch you will get an introduction to FUNDEMAR and their projects from the scientists themselves, and can spend the afternoon enjoying the laid-back beach town vibes.
Lodging: Hotel Bayahibe
Day 3: Conservation
Spend your entire day volunteering with the scientists at FUNDEMAR. This could include helping out on beach clean up, working at their wetlab, or going out on the boat to try to spot and count dolphins or manatees. You will break for lunch and continue to work in the afternoon. In the evening you can explore the town and have dinner on your own at one of the locals spots or breezy beachside cafes.
Lodging: Hotel Bayahibe
Day 4: Isla Saona
Today is your full-day excursion to Isla Saona. Ride a catamaran to the island and arrive in time for lunch by the beach. Explore the small island village of Mano Juan and learn about the grassroots turtle conservation efforts that the community has taken on. Step out of Mano Juan to enjoy the pristine, picturesque beaches before heading back to Bayahibe, stopping to swim in the shallow natural pools filled with sea stars and gorgeous views of the nature preserve back on land.
Lodging: Hotel Bayahibe
Day 5: Road Trip
Drive north through the provinces of La Altagracia, El Seibo, and Hato Mayor and stop at must-see spots along the way. In La Altagracia, visit Higüey, “the land where the sun is born”, a centenary city founded at the site of one of the five caciques, or provinces, of the native Tainos. Higüey has the Virgen de la Altagracia Basílica, the most important pilgrimage spot in the Dominican Republic and home of hundreds of religious and historic art pieces. Continue your journey to Montaña Redonda near the Town of Miches, in the Province of El Seibo. Montaña Redonda sits at 1,000 ft. above sea level and offers a 360° stunning view of the Samana Bay, the lagoons and the beautiful vegetation of the area. Finish the day at Paraíso Caño Hondo, nestled in a canyon of the national park.
Lodging: Paraiso Caño Hondo
Day 6: Los Haitises National Park
Wake up late at Paraiso Caño Hondo, in the Heart of Los Haitises National Park, is a stunning eco-lodge built into the hillside with river-fed pools, trails, and a magnificent view of nearby Samana Bay. Spend the afternoon touring the Samana Bay by speedboat, visiting caves that contain Taino pictographs that are over a thousand years old. Stop for a swim in remote beaches before navigating the mangroves on your way back to Caño Hondo. Back at the base, enjoy the pools and relax in the quiet of the canyon.
Lodging: Paraiso Caño Hondo
Day 7: Return to Santo Domingo
After one last swim in the ocean, head back to Santo Domingo. Visit the cenote caves at Tres Ojos National Park or explore the Colonial Zone’s local watering holes, chic modern restaurants, and galleries of Afro-Caribbean folk art. Ask our guides for recommendations and their favorite spots to eat, explore, and dance - this part of town is undergoing a revival with lots of new, fun places to check out.
Lodging: Hodelpa Nicolas de Ovando
Day 8: Buen Viaje!
Today you will depart from Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ). Safe travels home!
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Offbeat Travel local guide on call throughout.
All community service materials, and donations
Breakfast and Lunch
All transportation
7 nights of accommodation
All activities as detailed in your itinerary
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