Explore the Wonders of
The Dominican Republic.
|
$799.00
per person
Number of Guests
Loading stock...
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.
Your trip directly supports Rainforest Connection's work 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 • Palacio de Bellas Artes • Teatro Nacional Eduardo Brito. Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch at La Atarazana Restaurant in the Colonial Zone.
Cacao Farm Tour
Before heading to dinner, indulge in a chocolate tasting and learn about: • Sustainable cacao cultivation • Agroforestry systems • Chocolate production from bean to bar
Day 2
The Colonial City of Santo Domingo
Traditional Dominican Lunch
Cacao Farm Tour & Chocolate Tastings
Into the Southwest
After breakfast, depart for the southwest of the Dominican Republic. Travel through changing ecosystems from tropical forests to dry forests and coastal landscapes.
Larimar Mine in Barahona
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
Barahona → Lake Enriquillo
After lunch, we'll continue to Lake Enriquillo with scenic stops overlooking the Bahoruco Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views across Lake Enriquillo, the Caribbean's largest lake and its lowest elevation. Optional Night Walk: After dinner, join Topher White on a nocturnal tour listening to the sounds of the dry forest.
Day 3
Barahona Beach
Larimar Mine & Jewelry in Barahona
Evening at Lake Enriquillo
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 • Las Caritas Archaeological Site • Crocodile watching • Rhinoceros Iguana viewing • Ricord's Iguana viewing • Birdwatching
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
Rainforest Connection Workshop
Before dinner, you'll have an opportunity alongside Rainforest Connection staff to understand and assemble Guardian technology. Sessions include: • Designing acoustic monitoring projects • Building Guardian devices • Monitoring biodiversity change • Using conservation data for management decisions • Q&A
Day 4
Lake Enriquillo Ferry
Crocodile Watching / Birdwatching
Memory walk with local community
Medicinal garden tour & sulfur ponds
Rainforest Connection workshop with Topher White
Head to Pedernales
After breakfast, head to Pedernales directly and check-in at hotel.
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 5
Swimming & Snorkeling
Mangrove / Coral Exploration
Kayaking
Pedernales → Santo Domingo
After lunch, depart for Santo Domingo.
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. Baní - Visit a local fruit market and sample seasonal tropical produce. Salinas de Baní (Optional) - Explore the salt flats, known for their unique landscapes and opportunities to spot migratory birds.
Arrive in Santo Domingo
Farewell evening at leisure or optional group dinner.
Day 6
Los Patos River
Views from Barahona
Local fruit market in Baní
Departure
• Breakfast • Airport Transfers • Departure
Day 7
Santo Domingo City
What's included?
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tastings & snacks)
Overnight stays at hotels listed
All transfers including 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.
$799.00
per person
Number of Guests
Loading stock...
Dates:
Available:ㅤNovember 10–17
Available:ㅤNovember 23–30
Available:ㅤDecember 7–14
Available:ㅤDecember 21–28
Available:ㅤJanuary 7–14
Available:ㅤJanuary 21–28
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.