Dominican Outback Safari

Climb aboard a colorful, jungle-themed safari vehicle from your hotel in Puerto Plata. Throughout the tour, listen to engaging commentary from your knowledgeable guide about the island’s history since its independence from Haiti in 1844, and learn about the plant and wildlife you see along the way. Rumble aboard your vehicle through the backcountry and enjoy a fair amount of walking as well.

Head into the jungle to visit a coffee and chocolate plantation, where you’ll walk the grounds, talk to the farmers and learn how they harvest their products. Then meet a typical Dominican family at their home and learn about their lives while you drink freshly brewed coffee or bite into locally made chocolate.

Receive heartwarming insight into the local educational system when you visit a school. A teacher introduces you to a classroom of children; don’t be surprised by how much is communicated even if you may not speak the same language.

Depending on the weather, cool off by taking a dip in a freshwater river. When your stomach rumbles in hunger, dig into a delicious family-style Dominican lunch and taste freshly cut fruit and sugarcane.

Stop at a local rum shack to try, what else, but rum. Drink as much as rum, beer, soft drinks or water as you like during this all-inclusive tour. The shack also sells rum, cigars, coffee and other local products if you’d like to purchase some to take home as souvenirs or gifts.

Get a kick out of seeing wildlife like crocodiles, iguanas, turtles and more at a local ranch. Next, continue to a 15-mile (24-km) stretch of secluded beach where you can boogie board in the Caribbean. Or simply dig your toes in the sand and soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand.

After your rich day of culture, history, nature and beach time, you’ll be transported back to your hotel.