Exploring the Wonders of
the Dominican Republic.
|
$799
per person
Number of Guests
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Beyond the resort towns lies a wilder coastline - desert forest, empty beaches, ancient lakes, and communities working every day to protect the Dominican Republic’s lesser-known natural treasures.
Led by Topher White - founder of Rainforest Connection and National Geographic Explorer, this seven-day expedition takes you from the colonial streets of Santo Domingo to the remote southwest, through Lake Enriquillo, Barahona, and Pedernales, blending Dominican food, wildlife, beaches and history with hands-on conservation work.
Participating in this trip directly supports Rainforest Connection's work in the Dominican Republic and worldwide, helping local and indigenous communities respond to illegal activity and expanding bioacoustic monitoring to protect threatened ecosystems.
Arrival in Santo Domingo
• Airport meet and greet • Hotel check-in • Welcome Refreshments • Dinner
Welcome Reception & Dinner
Before dinner, meet the Rainforest Connection team for an opening presentation from founder Topher White: • Introduction to Rainforest Connection • The role of ecoacoustics in conservation • Biodiversity monitoring in the Caribbean • Expedition overview and safety briefing
Day 1
Arrive in Santo Domingo
Colonial Zone Heritage Tour
After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial City of Santo Domingo, the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas. • Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón) • Catedral Primada de América • Calle Las Damas • Museo de las Casas Reales • Alcázar de Colón Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch at La Atarazana Restaurant in the Colonial Zone.
Cacao Farm Tour
Indulge in a guided chocolate tasting and learn about: • Sustainable cacao cultivation • Agroforestry systems • Chocolate production from bean to bar
Santo Domingo → Baní
After the cacoa tour in Santo Domingo, head to Baní. Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch at a restaurant en-route.
Sunset at the Baní Dunes
Late-afternoon walk through the dunes and surrounding dry coastal landscape. Activities include: • Observation of salt ponds, mangroves and coastal habitats • Optional shorebird and flamingo observation
Overnight at Baní
• Hotel check-in • Dinner • Optional: Evening stargazing session
Day 2
The Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Traditional Dominican Lunch
Cacao Farm Tour & Chocolate Tastings
Afternoon walk in Baní
Baní → La Descubierta
Depart in the late morning and continue into the southwest, passing through agricultural valleys, dry forests and mountain landscapes before arriving in La Descubierta. Quick stop for lunch along the way and overnight stay in La Descubierta.
Day 3
La Descubierta → Lake Enriquillo
Set out to Lake Enriquillo late afternoon for a boat expedition.
Boat expedition to Lake Enriquillo
After breakfast, head to the ferry to explore one of the Dominican Republic's most unique protected areas and learn about the conservation efforts protecting its vulnerable species. Activities include: • Boat ride across Lake Enriquillo • Visit to Isla Cabritos • Las Caritas Archaeological Site • Crocodile watching • Rhinoceros Iguana viewing • Ricord's Iguana viewing • Birdwatching Lake Enriquillo supports flamingos, ibises, spoonbills, herons, shorebirds and several threatened or endemic Hispaniolan species.
Medicinal Garden Tour & Memory Walk
Lake Enriquillo's ecosystem is part of the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve and recognized as a Ramsar wetland of international importance - home to communities that have relied on its medicinal plants and resources for generations. In one of the country’s poorest regions, families face the challenge of balancing agriculture with the protection of natural resources that sustain their future. Today, Lake Enriquillo and its biodiversity are threatened by climate change, farming practices, and pollution. Join us for: • A guided memory walk through key cultural sites • A medicinal garden tour and traditional wellness workshop • A community-prepared lunch • A relaxing winddown at the sulfur ponds in La Azufrada
Overnight at La Descubierta
• Hotel check-in • Dinner • Optional: Evening stargazing session
Day 4
Lake Enriquillo Ferry
Crocodile Watching / Birdwatching
Medicinal garden tour & sulfur ponds
Memory walk with local community
La Descubierta to Vengan a Ver
Depart La Descubierta and travel towards Vengan a Ver for a locally prepared lunch.
Birdwatching in Rabo de Gato trail
Continue toward a protected field site near Puerto Escondido and the northern slope of Sierra de Bahoruco National Park. A guided birding walk may include: Broad-billed and narrow-billed todies Hispaniolan lizard-cuckoo Antillean piculet Hispaniolan trogon White-necked crow Hispaniolan oriole Migratory forest birds
RFCx Guardian Workshop
Working alongside Rainforest Connection staff and local conservation partners, guests will help prepare a Guardian acoustic monitoring system for installation. The workshop includes: Selecting an appropriate monitoring location Assembling and testing Guardian components Solar power and connectivity checks Preparing the acoustic sensor Establishing a baseline recording Connecting field monitoring with Arbimon Discussing maintenance and local data ownership.
Head to Barahona
After the Rainforest Connection Guardian workshop, head to Barahona directly and check-in at hotel.
Day 5
White-fronted Quail-Dove - Rabo de Gato trail
Rainforest Connection workshop with Topher White
Rainforest Connection workshop with Topher White
Barahona → Pedernales
After breakfast, depart to Pedernales
Larimar Mine in Barahona
On the way, explore the world's only known Larimar mine where the rare, volcanic blue gemstone Larimar is extracted. Learn about: • Geological formation • Traditional mining methods • Community livelihoods • Sustainable mining initiatives
Arrive in Pedernales
Hotel check-in and dinner.
Day 6
Barahona Beach
Larimar Mine & Jewelry in Barahona
Pedernales & Bahía de las Águilas
Boat excursion to Bahía de las Águilas, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean's most pristine beaches. Activities include: • Swimming • Snorkeling • Marine Wildlife Observation • Coastal Photography
Evening Activities
Optional activities include: • Paddleboarding • Kayaking • Beach relaxation • Birdwatching • Mangrove exploration • Guided coral exploration
Day 7
Swimming & Snorkeling
Mangrove / Coral Exploration
Kayaking
Pedernales → Santo Domingo
Depart Pedernales early on Saturday morning for the return journey to Santo Domingo.
Ocoa Bay Vineyard and Farm-to-Table Lunch
Stop at Ocoa Bay in Azua for a guided wine tasting, agricultural and culinary experience overlooking the Bay of Ocoa. The visit may include: Guided vineyard and cellar tour Introduction to tropical grape cultivation Sustainable agriculture and water management Organic garden visit Wine and local-product tasting Farm-to-table lunch.
Stops
Los Patos River - Enjoy a short stop at one of the Caribbean's shortest rivers, known for its crystal-clear waters flowing directly into the sea. Barahona Coastal Highway - Photo opportunities along one of the country's most scenic drives. Local fruit market - On the way to Santo Domingo, stop by a local fruit market to pick out an assortment of tropical fruits native to the Dominican Republic.
Arrive in Santo Domingo
Check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 8
Ocoa Bay Vineyard
Wine Tastings at Ocoa Bay Vineyard
Barahona Coastal Highway
Local fruit market
Departure
• Breakfast • Airport Transfers • Departure
Day 9
Santo Domingo City
What's included?
Selected meals, tastings and snacks.
Overnight stays at hotels.
Scheduled group transfers, including designated airport pickup.
Guided activities and designated guides.
Included educational components:
Introduction to Rainforest Connection and ecoacoustics
Guardian hardware workshop
Arbimon biodiversity monitoring demonstration
Acoustic data interpretation
Group discussions and knowledge sharing
Add-on activities:
Dawn birdwatching walks
Camera trap deployment demonstrations
Arbimon species identification workshop using recordings collected during the expedition
Dominican coffee farm visit
Meetings with local conservation organizations or park rangers
Traditional Dominican cooking class
What's not included?
Airfare
Visa costs
Insurance
Personal expenses
Gratuities & tips
Listen to a live preview.
Access the Guardian live feed in the Rainforest Connection app and get a taste of the sounds, species, and rhythms you’ll experience on the trip.
$799
per person
Number of Guests
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Available dates for 2026-2027:
• November 8–15
• November 15–22
• December 6–13
• December 13–20
• January 10–17
• January 31–February 7
Note: Travel dates are flexible. Change anytime unless the tour is sold out. Enter promo code (if any) during checkout.
Secure your booking.
FAQ
How do I secure my spot for this tour?
Click the blue "book now" button (make sure to enter your preferred number of guests first). Alternatively, you can use the form above to get in touch, or email us at contact@rfcx.org
What's excluded in the tour price?
International flights, travel insurance, visas, personal expenses, gratuities, merchandise.
What is the maximum group size?
Groups run a maximum of 18 guests at a time to preserve the experience and minimize impact.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by booking and timing; details are provided at the time of reservation and in the terms & conditions. Learn more here - https://rfcx.org/amazon-tour-terms-conditions
Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome and can join existing groups within the September–November season. Single‑room supplements may apply depending on availability.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No. The tour includes Spanish-English guides, and key activities are conducted in English or translated.
Are special diets possible?
In most cases, yes. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions. We’ll do our best to accommodate them, though options may be more limited in remote lodges.
Do I need vaccinations?
Recommended: routine vaccines plus Yellow Fever (if required by entry rules) and malaria precautions for some areas. Check with your doctor and local travel advisories.
What should I pack?
Long/short sleeve clothing, rubber boots, quick‑dry layers, insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, binoculars, refillable water bottle, camera, medications, and a light rain jacket. See full packing list in your confirmation.
Disclaimer
Accommodation will be arranged at local hotels, subject to availability. Comparable alternatives may be used where required.