DOMINICAN EAST-WEST EXPEDITION
From Santo Domingo
8 Days/ 7 Nights
The Dominican East-West Expedition is an adventure across the country’s wild southern Caribbean coast, from crystal-blue eastern shores to the remote western frontier. Discover islands, caves, mountain rivers, desert landscapes, hidden villages, and untouched national reserves. With thrilling speedboat rides, sailing catamaran cruise, panoramic journeys, and authentic cultural experiences, this fully guided expedition delivers the Dominican Republic’s most exciting cross-country adventure.
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights from Saturday to Saturday
Activity Level
Moderate
Tour Type
Guided Private Tour
Group Size
Minimum 4 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18 – 65 yrs
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights, from Saturday to Saturday
Activity Level
Moderate
Tour Type
Guided Private Tour
Group Size
Min. 4 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18 – 65 yrs
DOMINICAN EAST-WEST EXPEDITION MAP
Santo Domingo – Bayahibe – Azua – Barahona – Cabo Rojo – Pedernales – Santo Domingo
The total travel distance for this multi-day Dominican East-West Expedition package is approximately 850 km, all comfortably covered by private coach.
The Dominican East-West Expedition is for you if
- You seek real adventure in the Dominican Republic: authentic culture, and the thrill of crossing an entire country’s wild Caribbean southern coast.
- You love diverse landscapes, private small-group travel, and unforgettable experiences far from typical tourist paths.
- Prefer small-group, fully guided journeys for a special, personalized treat.
- Enjoy Dominican immersive cultural experiences with local communities.
- Appreciate Dominican authentic local cuisine and unique culinary experiences.
- Favor staying in locally owned hotels over all-inclusive resorts for a more authentic experience.
- Want to experience the Dominican Republic from east to west, from Caribbean shores to desert-like western landscapes.
ITINERARY: Dominican East-West Expedition
DAY 1. Arrivals at SDQ Airport. Santo Domingo City
A warm welcome to you, the adventurers of our Dominican East-West Expedition! Your journey begins here in the legendary Santo Domingo de Guzman, the first city of the Americas and the dynamic capital of the DR. Get ready to dive into the real Dominican life, where the weight of five centuries of history meets the stylish, elegant rhythm of the modern Caribbean. Explore the fascinating contrast where colonial architecture stands shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporary culture.
SDQ Airport Private Transfer
- Arrival at SDQ International Las Americas Airport of Santo Domingo. Arrive at any time.
- Meet & Greet at Santo Domingo Airport. 1 bottle of water per person.
- SDQ Airport private transfer to Santo Domingo Hotel.
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
- Check In starts at 3 p.m.
Scheduled Activities
- Welcome short briefing – meet your expert guide
- A special welcome gift awaits each guest
DAY 2. Santo Domingo Explorer & Journey East
Immerse yourself in Santo Domingo’s colonial history and vibrant culture, visiting iconic museums, Los Tres Ojos National Park, and hidden city gems. Enjoy traditional buffet lunch and a scenic city cable car ride, then begin your journey east along the coast, arriving at the charming fishing village of Bayahibe to continue your adventure.
On-Tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located and locally owned hotel in Bayahibe. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet Breakfast in Santo Domingo hotel
- Traditional Dominican lunch buffet
Scheduled Activities
- Guided colonial private walking tour in the colonial city
- Guided private city tour by bus
- Bayahibe village guided evening walk & nightlife
DAY 3. Saona Island Festive Escape
On this full-day guided Saona Island adventure, speed across turquoise waters and sip a tropical piña colada upon stepping onto the pristine white sand beach. Swim at the Blue Lagoon sandbar, relax on the sun-kissed shore, enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch buffet with open bar, and return aboard a lively catamaran cruise with music, dancing, and Caribbean vibes.
On-tour Transportation
- Shared Sailing Catamaran to the Island
- Shared speed boat from the Island
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located and locally owned hotel in Bayahibe. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Continental breakfast at Bayahibe hotel
- Traditional lunch buffet on Saona island beach
- Saona beach open bar included: aged rum, sodas, water
- Traditional homemade BBQ in the evening
Scheduled Activities
- Full-day shared Saona Island tour with a private guide
- Local colmado evening cheers
DAY 4. Westbound Adventure & Hidden Wonders
Your westward journey unfolds through art, history, and raw Dominican beauty – strolling the cobbled charm of Altos de Chavón and stepping into the mystique of Cueva de las Maravillas. The landscapes shift as Azua appears on the horizon, leading you to Monte Río Beach, where a cozy seaside hotel welcomes you with calm Caribbean breezes.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On board: bottled water.
Hotel Accommodation
- Locally owned family hotel in Azua. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Continental breakfast in Bayahibe
- Local cuisine dinner in Monte Rio
Scheduled Activities
- Altos de Chavon guided walking tour
- Cave of Wonders guided tour
- Panoramic Azua town and Azua countryside guided cultural tour
DAY 5. To the Western Edge of the DR
Journey to the Dominican Republic’s westernmost point, where desert-like landscapes meet the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Enjoy Barahona’s panoramic coastal views, stop at the lively Los Patos Beach, explore Pedernales and the Haiti border, then arrive at Cabo Rojo Beach Glamping Eco-Lodge, where beachfront tents, giant cacti, and rugged mountains create an unforgettable stay.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On board: bottled water, sodas, light snacks
Glamping Accommodation
- Beach Glamping Eco Lodge. Comfortable Tent. Bed & Breakfast.
Included Meals
- Continental breakfast in Azua hotel
- Traditional Dominican dish for lunch
Scheduled Activities
- Barahona town panoramic tour
- Los Patos beach and river visit
- Pedernales town panoramic tour
DAY 6. Bay of Eagles Eco-Adventure
The day begins with an immersion into the ecological national reserve, exploring one of the Dominican Republic’s most untouched natural wonders. Continue by speedboat to the breathtaking Bay of Eagles – named for its eagle-shaped coastline seen from above. Enjoy free time on its powder-white sands, then savor a delicious Dominican surf-and-turf lunch in this pristine Caribbean paradise.
On-tour Transportation
- Speedboat to the Bay of Eagles
- On board: bottled water, sodas, rum, light snacks
Glamping Accommodation
- Beach Glamping Eco Lodge. Comfortable Tent. Bed & Breakfast.
Included Meals
- Dominican breakfast at Glamping Eco-Lodge
- Dominican lunch. Surf'n'Turf menu
Scheduled Activities
- National eco-reserve of the Dominican southwest
- Half-Day guided private tour to the Bay of Eagles
DAY 7. To the Capital Through Mountain Waters
After a hearty Dominican breakfast at the glamping eco-lodge, the journey back to Santo Domingo unfolds through lush mountain landscapes. Pause midway at refreshing natural river pools, where cool, crystal-clear waters invite you to swim, unwind, and savor one last touch of the wild before returning to the vibrant capital.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On board: bottled water, sodas, rum, light snacks
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Dominican breakfast at Glamping Eco-Lodge
- Snacks and drinks aboard the coach
Scheduled Activities
- Mountain natural river baths
DAY 8. Departures. SDQ Airport.
Private transfer to SDQ International Airport. Departures to Santo Domingo International Las Americas Airport (SDQ).
Included Meals
- Continental Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Santo Domingo hotel
- Check out at 12 p.m. (the latest time)
SDQ Airport Private Transfer
- Private Transfer from Santo Domingo hotel to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ).
- Depart at any time.
THE DOMINICAN EAST-WEST EXPEDITION RATE INCLUDES
Hotel Accommodation ½ DBL Room
- Conveniently located in Colonial zone of Santo Domingo Hotel (2 nights)
- Locally owned hotel in Bayahibe village (2 nights)
- Azua locally owned hotel (1 night)
- Glamping Eco-Lodge in Cabo Rojo (2 nights)
On-tour Transportation
- Roundtrip private airport transfer: SDQ Airport – Santo Domingo Hotel – SDQ Airport
- On-tour transportation: Private coach. Medical Kit
- Speedboat to The Bay of Eagles
- Shared speedboat & sailing catamaran cruise to Saona Island
Meals
- 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Expert Guide
- A private certified expert tour guide
Scheduled Activities
- Welcome short briefing – meet your expert guide
- A special welcome gift awaits each guest
- Guided colonial private walking tour in the colonial city
- Guided private city tour by coach
- Bayahibe village guided evening walk & nightlife
- Full-day shared Saona Island tour with a private guide
- Local colmado evening cheers
- Altos de Chavon guided walking tour
- The Cave of Wonders guided tour
- Panoramic Azua town and Azua countryside guided cultural tour
- Barahona town panoramic tour
- Los Patos beach and river visit
- Pedernales town panoramic tour
- National eco-reserve of the Dominican southwest
- Half-Day guided private tour to the Bay of Eagles
- Mountain natural river baths
Others
- Entrance fees due to itinerary
- Local taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare. Air tickets and airport fees
- Mandatory International Medical & Travel Insurance
- Meals not indicated in the Itinerary
- Alcoholic Drinks & Beverages at all meals
- Tips
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Booking Information
- How to Book: All bookings for the Dominican East-West Expedition must be made via email at book@academtours.com.
- Age Requirement: You must be 21 years of age or older to book the multi-day tour package.
- Tour package duration: 8 days / 7 nights (Saturday - Saturday)
- Plan ahead and save 10%!
Enjoy this exclusive discount when you book and make your deposit 90 days before your journey. - Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of USD 450.00 per person is required to secure and confirm your reservation.
- Booking Inquiry: Selected tour package, Arrival Date, Flight Details (e.g., AA987), Full names of all passengers.
- Payment Methods & Currency
All payments must be made in US Dollars (USD) via bank wire transfer to our company account, PRO ACADEM TOURS RD SRL. The complete bank details will be provided on your official invoice.
- Deposit
To confirm your booking, a non-refundable deposit of USD $450.00 per person is required. An invoice for this deposit will be sent upon receipt of your booking request. - Final Payment
The remaining balance must be settled no later than 15 days prior to the tour start date.
Cancellation Terms
- Cancellations made 45 days or less prior to the tour start date will be accepted, but the non-refundable deposit will be retained.
- For cancellations made within 15 days of the tour start date, no refund will be issued.
Accommodation & Rates
All published rates are per person for the Dominican East-West Expedition vacation package, based on double occupancy (sharing a DBL room).
- Supplemental Rates: Rates for single occupancy (SGL room) or a third person in a double room are available upon request.
- Age Restriction: This tour is exclusively for participants aged 18 years and older.
- Pre/Post-Tour Services: Extra nights at the Santo Domingo Hotel or additional airport transfers can be arranged at a special rate. Please inquire at the time of booking.
Health, Safety & Dietary Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, please review the following requirements carefully.
- Dietary Requirements
Please advise your booking agent of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. While we strive to accommodate requests, we must assess in advance whether we can fully meet your needs for all included meals and food-related activities. - Health & Fitness Acknowledgement
All participants must be in good physical and mental health. This tour is not suitable for individuals with certain conditions, including but not limited to: heart disease, vertigo, seizures, balance disorders, or severe allergies to foods or materials involved in the tour activities. - Participation Restrictions
For safety reasons, participation is not recommendable for:
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals who do not meet the health and fitness criteria outlined above.
Travel & Medical Insurance Requirement
Medical and travel insurance are not included in the tour package.
Therefore, it is mandatory for all travelers to obtain comprehensive international travel insurance. The policy must be valid for the duration of the tour and must provide adequate coverage for at least the following:
- Medical expenses
- Personal accidents
- Repatriation costs
- Emergency evacuation
Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and members of the European Union, are not required to obtain a visa for tourist travel to the Dominican Republic.
It is the sole responsibility of each traveler to verify the specific entry requirements based on their nationality with the nearest Dominican Republic embassy or consulate.
Force Majeure
The Company (PRO ACADEM TOURS RD SRL) shall not be held liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this agreement, including any delays, itinerary changes, or cancellations, due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Under such Force Majeure events, no refunds will be issued.
These circumstances include, but are not limited to:
- Extreme Weather & Natural Disasters: hurricanes, floods, severe storms, or other adverse weather conditions.
- Government Actions: travel bans, border closures, or new restrictions.
- Civil Unrest: war, terrorism, strikes, or riots.
- Significant Accidents or Infrastructure Failure.
In the event of a Force Majeure, we will monitor the situation and make all reasonable efforts to amend itineraries or provide suitable alternative arrangements for the safety and welfare of our clients. Any decisions made by the Company in such circumstances will be final.
From: USD 2,570