Caribbean Cooking Class

Terracross Tour of the Countryside from Punta Cana

There are few better ways to see the unspoilt Dominican countryside than a Terracross safari. You'll drive through winding rural dirt tracks through plantations all the way to the famous Domitai Cave Park and a replica Taino village. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We are the world's largest producer of organic, fair trade cocoa. Around half of our cocoa is made into the finest chocolate you can buy. So, trying traditional cocoa products in a Dominican farm is a real treat, even if you don't have a sweet tooth.'Kick off with some mud-splattered, high-octane fun as you ride cross-country to a cenote cave for a swim in the Domitai Cave Park. These sinkholes with clear, fresh water are perfect for a cooling dip. As it's a private venue, there are fewer crowds and vendors than at other cenotes. You'll also get to savour some local specialities such as empanadas and pineapple wine. Next, drop by a recreated Taino village – they were the aborigines who lived on the island before Columbus arrived – where you'll observe a folkloric show.Plus, you'll learn all about the production of local crops which are so critical to the local economy – coconut oil, sugarcane, coffee and chocolate as well as the unique Dominican chocolate tea. During your visit you'll have the chance to try some of these local products, along with the national tipple, mamajuana. Overall, a great close-up view of the Dominican countryside and local culture – on a thrilling Terracross safari.

Private Saona Island Cruise with Exclusive Beach and Lunch

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. If you're looking for that perfect Insta-ready escapade, you've found it. Saona is a textbook tropical daydream of an island, swathed in exotic flora and fringed with swaying palm trees, powder white sands and endless blue-green waters. You'll reach the island in a combination of catamaran and fast boat, with an outbound snorkel stop.Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘We work hard to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make it so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on Saona, too.' The island and surrounding sea are of such importance for their biodiversity that they're protected as a national park.You'll set sail from Bayahibe into the sun-splashed seas surrounding Cotubanama National Park. Along the way, you'll stop to swim or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish at a shallow pool formed by sandbanks in the middle of the sea. Once you arrive at Saona, you'll have plenty of time to soak up those dazzling vistas and snap lots of photos. Perhaps you'll take a barefoot stroll along the 1km-long private beach, or maybe you'd prefer simply relaxing with a cocktail. Although Saona is one of the country's most-visited areas, there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you. Another highlight is the surf'n'turf lunch at a beachfront restaurant. And don't worry about getting thirsty – all your drinks are included.

Los Haitises National Park Tour with Beachside Lunch

If paradise islands and nature are your thing, then this three-in-one exclusive tour is a must-do. You'll journey into the mountains, caves and villages of Cayo Levantado, Los Haitises National Park and Redonda Mountain – a 100% Dominican experience.

Saona Island highlights boat tour with buffet lunch

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting.

Santo Domingo City Tour with a Local Guide and Dominican Lunch

Santo Domingo is brimming with architectural and historical gems. It's a city that tells a fascinating story, as it was the first city established in the ‘New World' by Europeans. Luis, one of our local guides, says, ‘We like to say we were the first – we had the first church in the Americas, the first hospital, first monastery and first university. All here, in Santo Domingo.' You'll discover the major sights as well as the secrets of the colonial past by coach, train and foot on this sightseeing tour.Kick off at Independence Park before heading into the warren of cobbled streets that is the old town – known as the Zona Colonial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see sites dating back to the 15th century and visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Alcazar de Colon, which belonged to Christopher Columbus's family. You'll find out more about the complex history of the island with a 4D cinema experience recounting the storming of the city on New Year's Day in 1586 by English privateers led by Francis Drake.Next, hop aboard a mini-train for a tour of the colonial zone before stopping for lunch. You'll savour traditional Dominican dishes in a family-owned restaurant. It's a showstopping location in a 16th century colonial building full of character and charm. Round off the day with a stroll along Calle de las Damas – site of the Pantheon and Ozama Fort, then enjoy free time to shop or explore. The colonial zone is dotted with cosy, tree-shaded squares and historic churches.

Punta Cana Evening Buggy Tour with Dominican Dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

Santo Domingo Private Tour with 4D Cinema Experience

Boasting countless monuments and historical gems, Santo Domingo is a joy to explore. Discover the capital city's highlights and colonial zone by coach, mini-train and foot with an expert guide. And with our exclusive private tour, you choose how long or little time you spend at each of the top spots on offer.

Xploration Animal Encounters Tour with a Local Guide

This half-day trip has family fun stamped all over it. You'll venture out to Xploration Animal Park where you can hop on a panoramic bus tour or wander at your own pace. There's even some interaction with the farm animals, and plenty of lookout points to cast your eyes over the landscapes of the Dominican Republic.

Higuey and River Yuma Tour with Lunch and Voodoo Show

Sugarcane, sacred shrines, a riverboat trip and even a voodoo show. This exclusive excursion has a bit of everything that makes the Dominican Republic such a fascinating country. Expect to meet plenty of locals and explore the wild landscapes on either side of the River Yuma during this breathless full day tour.

Anamuya Mountains Small Group Walking Tour

Take a walk on the wild side with a tour of the Dominican Republic's rugged Anamuya Mountains. See a snapshot of rural life as shown to you by an in-the-know local. Alex, one of our expert guides, says, ‘I'm a native and have been guiding tours here for more than 10 years. You'll learn about local history, plants and crops, and get to try home-grown coffee and fruit, too.'Fun facts, exotic wildlife and the chance to take a river swim – this tour has it all. After pick-up from your hotel, we'll head deep into the Dominican outback. And because we'll visit the less-travelled parts of the country, it helps support areas that don't usually benefit from tourism. What's more, you'll be part of a small group of just 16 guests, minimising our carbon footprint. ‘It's a great way to get in touch with nature and give back to the rural community,' says Alex. Rolling through the forest-carpeted countryside, we'll arrive at a ranch, where we begin with complimentary drinks and the lowdown on the day ahead.Set off trekking through luxuriant, peaked landscapes as your friendly guide shows you around. You'll meet the locals and taste locally grown seasonal products – from farm to fork, it doesn't get much fresher. Be sure to keep an eye out for rare plants, birds and wildlife, too. Being part of this experience is a boost to wildlife conservation efforts in the region. Finally, we'll head to the River Anamuya, where you can cool off with a well-earned swim and a thirst-quenching coconut water.