on
Active Island Experience / Self-Drive Tour
La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata
Active Island Experience / Self-Drive Tour - Map
Active Island Experience / Self-Drive TourActive Island Experience / Self-Drive Tour - Map

Active Island Experience / Self-Drive Tour

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of natural beauty unique in the Caribbean. This versatility provides the ideal conditions for any kind of adventure experiences and sporting activities, which you will experience in two weeks on our round trip "Active Island Experience". The always pleasant air and water temperatures throughout the country make the activities even more special experiences. From activities like canyoning, river rafting, paragliding, hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls, mountain biking, surfing and kiting: this trip combines everything an adventurer's heart desires! Of course, you can choose the type and number of activities that best suit you - we will be happy to customize the trip according to your wishes. Besides, on this trip you will get to know beautiful landscapes, dream beaches and exciting places that remain hidden to most tourists and learn a lot about the Dominican culture and local life.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,875.- per person in double occupancy

Request this Trip

Self-Drive Tours with Dominican Expert!

A self-drive tour with a rental car in the Dominican Republic is the perfect way to explore the island independently and flexibly. You can expect secluded locations off the beaten track, and mostly unknown insider tips that remain hidden from most tourists. The Dominican Republic offers a well-developed road network and with Google Maps you can easily find your way around the entire island. In addition, we offer 24/7 English-speaking support and a service package so that our clients can start their trip well equipped and informed.

On request, all rental car tours can also be organized with a local private driver or (English-speaking) driver-guide.

Maximum customer service

All clients who book a rental car tour with DOMINICAN EXPERT receive useful information about the history, culture, geography, customs and rules of the Dominican Republic upon arrival.

Also included is a local SIM card with unlimited calls, a road map and a welcome bag filled with local, handmade products and helpful amenities for the trip. Afterwards, customers receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for their onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc. Via WhatsApp we are always available and reachable for you in English.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

Day 1: Welcome to Santo Domingo

You will be picked up at the airport and driven by our private transfer to your hotel in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo.
Take the rest of the day to explore the streets of the colonial city, restaurants, bars and shops on your own. In the evening, we recommend you a visit to the Plaza de España where you can choose among various excellent restaurants and enjoy your dinner with a view on Christopher Columbus’ sons’ house.

  • Meals: None
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
Day 2: Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo

Day 2: Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo

Today you will visit the oldest cathedral in the New World, a fortress, ruins and the residence of Christopher Columbus’ son on a guided city tour by bicycle through the Colonial Zone. Afterwards we will inform you about your round trip during a tropical welcome drink in our office in the Zona Colonial.

After lunch you can independently explore the romantic alleys of the Zona Colonial or the “Malecon”, the sea promenade. Or you can take a taxi to get to know other places outside the old town of Santo Domingo. One of the options would be to visit the fascinating “Los Tres Ojos” (Three Eyes), which is part of a collapsed cave system.
The evening will be available for you to explore the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
Day 3: Mountainous interior

Day 3: Mountainous interior

Your round trip begins and takes you past cocoa, coffee, banana, rice and tobacco plantations. Enjoy the drive along a well-maintained panoramic road, which takes you through the beautiful mountainous countryside at almost 3,000 ft above sea level. It is worth stopping along the way to take a short hike to the imposing, almost 250 ft high waterfall “Gran Jimenoa 1”. Enjoy the rest of the day at your beautiful accommodation, which is located next to a mountain stream.

  • Distance: Approx. 100 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa
Day 4: Jarabacoa

Day 4: Jarabacoa

After breakfast, you will go on a sporty and action-packed excursion in the Dominican Alps, as the area is also called by the locals. You have the choice between an exciting river rafting tour, canyoning or mountain biking. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa
Day 5: On to the North Coast

Day 5: On to the North Coast

On the way to your next destination, you can include a stop at a panoramic restaurant with views over the Cibao Valley or, upon request, visit a cacao plantation where you will learn a lot about the cultivation and processing of this interesting fruit. Your accommodation for the next two nights, the Tubagua Eco-Lodge, awaits you with a unique view over the north coast of the island. The lodge has a very special flair that is especially made for individualists and nature lovers looking for an authentic experience.

  • Distance: Approx. 60 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tubagua Eco Lodge
Day 6: Tubagua

Day 6: Tubagua

Today we will go on an excursion starting from the Tubagua Eco-Lodge. Choices include a variety of hikes, a tour to a crystal clear natural pool, or a Village or Coffee Walk to learn more about Dominican traditions. In addition, today you can learn more about the sustainability ethos which the Eco Lodge is committed to. In addition to an unconditional recycling system and locally produced food, the owners also rely on a specially designed sewage system and hire workers almost exclusively from the nearby village.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tubagua Eco Lodge
Day 7: Drive to Cabarete

Day 7: Drive to Cabarete

Today the journey continues towards Cabarete, a hip surfer town and paradise for those who like sports and action. Your hotel is located right on the beach and within walking distance of the lively town center and its many beach bars and restaurants.

  • Distance: Approx. 20 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina
Day 8 - 9: Cabarete

Day 8 - 9: Cabarete

The tropical and wild surroundings of Cabarete offer everything a sportsman’s heart desires, and you have time to explore the area with our recommendations at your leisure and on your own by rental car or during a trekking tour. On one day, an adventurous and guided canyoning or river tubing tour is also included.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel Villa Taina
Day 10: Breathtaking North Coast

Day 10: Breathtaking North Coast

After breakfast, the journey continues along the rugged north coast. Along the way, you’ll pass Playa Grande, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and ideal for a tasty, typical Dominican lunch. You can also plan a stop at the freshwater lagoon “Dudu” and let yourself swing over a zipline into the refreshing water. Your destination today is Las Galeras, an idyllic fishing village at the far end of the Samaná Peninsula. Enjoy the rest of the day on the snow-white Caribbean beach, which is located right in front of your accommodation.

  • Distance: Approx. 125 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast 
  • Accommodation: Hotel Todo Blanco
Day 11 - 12: Las Galeras & 7 beaches

Day 11 - 12: Las Galeras & 7 beaches

The authentic fishing village of Las Galeras awaits you with a dreamlike setting and beautiful beaches. During an approximately 3-hour hike, you will discover seven of such secluded beaches and coves. During this guided private hike you will also learn many interesting facts about the flora, fauna and culture of the area. Afterwards, you will return to Las Galeras by boat.

  • Meals: Breakfast 
  • Accommodation: Hotel Todo Blanco
Day 13: Drive to El Valle

Day 13: Drive to El Valle

Today you will get to know another highlight of the Samaná Peninsula. El Valle is a real insider tip and your accommodation is uniquely connected with nature. From the hotel you can reach the pristine beach in just a few minutes on foot, which is surrounded by high, densely overgrown hills and thus offers an amazing backdrop. It is therefore understandable that 500 – 3000 years ago the Tainos, the indigenous people of the island, settled here, which gives El Valle (“the valley”) an additional special magic

  • Distance: Approx. 20 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: El Valle Lodge
Day 14: Waterfall Hike

Day 14: Waterfall Hike

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide for a hike into the tropical surroundings. This will take you to a hidden waterfall in the jungle where you can swim and refresh yourself. You can spend the afternoon relaxing on the pristine village beach, mingling with locals in this unspoiled area and witnessing the authentic village life.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: El Valle Lodge
Day 15: Drive to Santo Domingo

Day 15: Drive to Santo Domingo

Return to Santo Domingo via a well-maintained highway. Depending on further itinerary, drop off rental car at airport or upon request for individual extension.

  • Distance: Approx. 105 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
Optional travel extension

Optional travel extension

On request we will be happy to arrange an individual travel extension or a complete package from arrival at the airport! Please contact us.

Gallery

Included Services

  • 14 nights in a double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Airport transfer day 1
  • 13 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Suzuki Vitara or similar (higher rental car categories on request)
    – Pick-up: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Drop-off: Santo Domingo airport
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air conditioning
    – Comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Private city tour Zona Colonial (with bike)
  • 1x activity of your choice each in Jarabacoa, Tubagua, Cabarete
  • Guided 7-beaches tour and boat return in Las Galeras
  • Guided waterfall hike in El Valle

Not Included Services

  • Entrance fees for self-booked excursions
  • Fuel & tolls
  • Personal expenses & extras in hotels
  • Additional meals & drinks

Other Round-Trips that might be interesting for you

Inspiration and Information

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)