The Diverse Dominican Immersion is a multi-day educational journey explores the rich tapestry of the Dominican Republic. Delve into ancient Taino history in sacred caves, participate in marine conservation on Saona Island, and connect with local communities in Bayahíbe. Walk through colonial history in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial and analyze the roots of the sugar industry. The tour balances immersive service learning with cultural discovery, from a baseball academy visit to a final reflection on sustainable tourism, offering a profound understanding of the nation’s culture, ecology, and history.
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Activity Level
Moderate
Tour Type
Guided Edu Tour
Group Size
Minimum 16 people - Maximum 26 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18+
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Activity Level
Moderate
Tour Type
Guided Edu Tour
Group Size
Min 16 – Max. 26 people
Guided in
English, Spanish
Age Range
18+
DIVERSE DOMINICAN IMMERSION MAP
Santo Domingo – Bayahibe – Mano Juan – La Romana – Boca Chica – San Cristobal – Santo Domingo
The total travel distance for this multi-day educational tour package is approximately 550 km, all comfortably covered by private coach.
Diverse Dominican Immersion tour highlights
Discover the Dominican Republic’s soul at Diverse Dominican Immersion Educational Tour Project! Explore ancient Taino caves, assist in marine conservation on Saona Island, and connect with local communities. Walk through Santo Domingo’s colonial streets and unwind at Boca Chica’s natural breakwater. A perfect blend of education, culture, and paradise..
The program contains the following active learning practice and engagements:
– Ancient History: Explore the Cave of Wonders and Pomier Caves, discovering thousands of Taino pictograms and petroglyphs.
– Marine Conservation: Snorkel in protected starfish areas and assist in ecological monitoring at Saona Island and El Canto Beach.
– Cultural Exchange: Connect with local communities through primary school and baseball academy visits in Bayahíbe.
– Colonial Heritage: Walk through Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the First Cathedral of the Americas.
– Industry & Economy: Trace the roots of the colonial economy at the 16th-century Boca de Nigua sugar mill ruins.
– Coastal Ecology: Experience Boca Chica’s unique natural breakwater while studying sustainable tourism practices.
– Art & Architecture: Discover the renowned School of Design at Altos de Chavón and its connection to Parsons School of Design.
– Local Cuisine: Savor authentic Dominican dishes like sancocho during group meals, understanding the cultural fusion of ingredients.
THE DIVERSE DOMINICAN IMMERSION TOUR ITINERARY:
DAY 1. Arrival at SDQ Airport. Bayahibe Village
Welcome to Santo Domingo! After a smooth landing at Las Américas (SDQ), our private coach will transfer you to the vibrant, picturesque fishing village of Bayahíbe. This authentic community is our gateway for exploring Saona Island, the ancient Taino caves of Cotubanamá Park, and a vibrant local baseball school, offering a profound cultural immersion from the very start.
SDQ Airport Transfer
- Arrival in Santo Domingo Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)
- Meet & Greet at Santo Domingo Airport. Meet your tour director
- Group transportation: SDQ - Bayahibe Village. 1 bottle of water per person
Hotel Accommodation
- Locally owned and conveniently located hotel in Bayahibe Village. Bed & Breakfast
Scheduled Activities
- A welcome briefing and tour instructions will be provided during the transfer
- Welcome gift for every participant
Included Meals
- Enjoy a welcome dinner at a seaside restaurant, featuring a menu of typical Southeast Dominican cuisine
DAY 2. Saona Island Eco-Immersion
Journey into Cotubanamá National Park to explore Saona Island’s pristine ecosystems. Discover mangrove forests, observe starfish, and visit Mano Juan’s eco-village and turtle preservation project. After returning, enjoy free time before our Bayahíbe village night out, immersing in local culture.
Interactive Service-Learning: Coastal Ecosystem Stewardship
- Marine Census: Conduct a snorkeling survey in a designated starfish area to observe population density and document the overall health of this fragile marine habitat.
- Ecosystem Monitoring: Perform a coastal survey to assess the condition of vital mangrove forests and their role in the ecosystem.
- Wildlife Conservation Observation: Visit the Hawksbill Sea Turtle project to learn local methods for protecting hatchlings from natural predators.
On-tour boats
- Private speed boat: Bayahibe - Mano Juan - Canto de Playa - Saona Island beach
- Shared sailing catamaran: Saona Island - Bayahibe
Hotel Accommodation
- Locally owned and conveniently located hotel in Bayahibe Village. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Breakfast in Bayahibe Village hotel
- On boat healthy light snack after snorkeling
- Local cuisine buffet lunch on Saona Island beach. Open beach bar: aged rum, sodas, water
Scheduled Activities
- 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Embark on a full-day tour of the Cotubanamá National Reserve
- Eco-Studies: Observe delicate marine ecosystems, including starfish and coastal mangroves led by a marine biologist and a tour guide
- Mano Juan Village: A guided walking tour of this eco-friendly island village
- Conservation Visit: Learn about local efforts at the Hawksbill (Carey) Sea Turtle preservation project.
- Beach Ecology: Compare the ecological conditions of the secluded El Canto Beach with the main Saona Island beach, noting daily maintenance and protection protocols.
- Bayahibe village night out. Free time. Enjoy local dinner on own
DAY 3. Immersion in Community and Culture
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Locally owned and conveniently located hotel in Bayahibe Village. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Breakfast in Bayahibe Village hotel
- Substantial snack (sandwich, fruit, yummi nuts-mix, plantain chips, soda or juice)
- Enjoy a group dinner at a Caribbean Bay Style Restaurant. Menu
Scheduled Activities
- Altos de Chavón Walking Tour (a "16th-century replica" Mediterranean-style village)
- Discover the hidden caves and cenotes of Cotubanamá Park
- Local Bayahibe Neighborhood & Primary School Visit
- Baseball Field & Local Baseball School Visit
- Bayahibe Night Out & Group Dinner
DAY 4. Archaeological and Historical Immersion
Journey into the UNESCO-protected Cave of Wonders to study one of the Caribbean’s most significant archaeological sites. Analyze Taino pictograms and petroglyphs to understand indigenous symbolism and pre-Columbian life. At Los Tres Ojos National Park, investigate karst geology and cenote formation. Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, learning about Spanish colonial architecture and its impact on Caribbean history, providing a complete historical narrative from Taino to colonial eras.
Interactive Service Learning: Hands-On History
- Archaeology Adventure
Become a history detective in the Cave of Wonders – find and record ancient Taino symbols on an exploration mission. - Nature Observation
Compare the plants and water in Los Tres Ojos cenotes with the Cave of Wonders environment. - Building Detective
Look for special shapes and materials in the old colonial buildings during your walking tour. - History Discussion
Talk with your guide about why it’s important to protect both Taino and Spanish history.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast.
Included Meals
- Breakfast in Bayahibe Village hotel
- Lunch in Santo Domingo. Local cuisine buffet
Scheduled Activities
- Guided tour of the Cave of Wonders (Cueva de las Maravillas)
- Visit to Los Tres Ojos National Park (Three Eyes Cave & Cenotes)
- Entrance and tour of the First Cathedral of the Americas (Primada de América)
- Guided walking tour of the Colonial City (Zona Colonial)
- Check-in at Santo Domingo hotel. Free time and dinner on own
DAY 5. Two Worlds Immersion: Sugar Mills and Sacred Caves
Journey back to the 16th century at the ruins of the first sugar mill in the Americas, founded in Nigua in 1517, where the colonial economy was born. Then, delve deep into the Pomier Caves, a sacred archaeological complex of 55 caves adorned with thousands of 2,000-year-old Taino pictograms and petroglyphs, offering a profound glimpse into the island’s indigenous world.
Interactive Service Learning: History & Culture Immersion
- Sugar Mill Engineers: At Boca de Nigua, map the sugar production process by identifying the ruins of different structures (mill, boiling house, curing room) and trace how sugar moved through the factory.
- Cave Art Archivists: In Pomier Caves, document Taino symbols by creating rubbings or detailed drawings of the petroglyphs, helping to preserve a record of these ancient artworks.
- Local Food Sourcing: Interview restaurant staff during lunch to discover which ingredients in your meal are native to the island and which were brought by Spanish colonists, creating a “food history map” on your plate.
On-tour Transportation
- Comfortable private coach
- On-board: bottled water
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- Savor a traditional group lunch, highlighting a celebrated regional dish
Scheduled Activities
- Guided tour of the Boca de Nigua sugar mill ruins - the first in the Americas (1517)
- Exploration of the Pomier Caves Anthropological Reserve with its ancient Taino art
- Panoramic tour of San Cristóbal city
- Group lunch featuring local Dominican cuisine
DAY 6. All-Inclusive Bubble Immersion
Experience the environmental and social dynamics of Dominican tourism through our all-inclusive resort day. While enjoying Boca Chica’s famous natural breakwater and amenities, we’ll examine resort operations, water resource management, and community impacts. This controlled environment serves as a living case study in sustainable tourism and local economic relationships, balancing leisure with learning about the region’s largest industry.
Interactive Service Learning: Hospitality & Environmental Awareness
- Local Sourcing Investigation
Identify which food items and products are locally sourced versus imported through guided kitchen and facility tours. - Beach Ecosystem Monitoring Conduct a shoreline clean-up and biodiversity survey along the natural breakwater area.
- Cultural Exchange Activity
Participate in a structured cultural exchange with resort staff to learn about local community perspectives. - Sustainable Tourism Proposal
Develop and present resort improvement suggestions based on the day’s observations.
On-tour transportation
- Comfortable private coach
Hotel Accommodation
- Conveniently located hotel in the colonial city of Santo Domingo. Bed & Breakfast
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast in Santo Domingo Hotel
- All-Inclusive Day Plan in Boca Chica
- Farewell Dinner at Colonial Restaurant of Santo Domingo. Menu
Scheduled Activities
- Boca Chica All-Inclusive Study
- Class meeting and Farewell dinner
DAY 7. Departure. SDQ Airport
Airport Shuttle. Departures to SDQ International Las Americas Airport
Included Meals
- Buffet breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Santo Domingo Hotel
- Check out at 12 p.m. (the latest time)
Included SDQ Airport Transfer
- Private group transfer from Santo Domingo hotel to Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ).
- Depart at any time.
THE DIVERSE DOMINICAN IMMERSION TOUR PACKAGE RATE INCLUDES
Hotel Accommodation ½ DBL Room (twin beds)
- Comfortable Hotel in the colonial city center of Santo Domingo (3 nights)
- Locally owned comfortable Bayahibe Village Hotel (3 nights)
Transportation
- Roundtrip group airport transfer: SDQ Airport – Bayahibe, Santo Domingo Hotel – SDQ Airport
- On-tour transportation: a private bus with AC. Medical Kit
- Private speed boat to Saona Island from Bayahibe
- Shared sailing catamaran with local dance entertainment program from Saona to Bayahibe
Meals
- 6 Breakfasts, 2 Snacks, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Expert Guide
- An expert certified tour guide and a tour director
Scheduled main Activities
- Welcome gift for every participant
- Welcome group dinner
- Saona Island full day tour
- Mano Juan village visit
- Canto de playa visit
- Bayahibe village local tour
- Bayahibe Primary school and Baseball field visit
- Bayahibe cave and cenote tour
- Altos de Chavon tour
- Caves of Wonders tour
- Los Tres Ojos Cave tour
- Colonial city walking tour
- San Cristobal, Sugar mil ruins and Pomier caves tour
- Boca Chica beach relax day
- Farewell group dinner
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 Terms and Conditions
All requests must be submitted via email to book@academtours.com only.
Group tour dates may be proposed by an educational institution or any other organization in its email quote request. A college or university group leader, or another authorized representative, may submit a booking or amendment request in accordance with the educational institution’s requirements.
We do not charge enrollment fees; however, a non-refundable deposit of USD 300.00 per participant is required to confirm and guarantee your booking for the Diverse Dominican Immersion educational tour.
Early Bookings: For group bookings prepaid more than 70 days before the start of a land-only tour package, a 10% discount will be applied to the published tour rate.
Extra Nights: Additional pre- or post-tour nights in Santo Domingo are available upon request. A special rate of USD 110.00 per double room (twin beds for two guests) per night, including buffet breakfast, applies.
Payment Instructions
To confirm your Diverse Dominican Immersion group tour package, a non-refundable deposit of USD 300.00 per participant is required.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 25 days before the first tour day or the group’s arrival in the Dominican Republic.
You may choose to pay in full or follow an approved payment plan.
All payments must be made in USD via bank wire transfer to the account of PRO ACADEM TOURS RD SRL, as indicated on our official invoice.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your Diverse Dominican Immersion group booking up to 25 days before the first tour date; however, the USD 300.00 deposit per participant is non-refundable.
For cancellations received 24 days or fewer before the tour start date, a refund will be issued minus the non-refundable deposit (USD 300.00) and an additional USD 300.00 cancellation fee.
No refunds will be provided for cancellations made within 7 days of the first tour date.
Accommodation & Rates
The published rate applies to the Diverse Dominican Immersion tour package per person in double-room (DBL) accommodation.
Rates for single-room (SGL) accommodation or for a third person sharing a double room are available upon request.
This tour is for adults aged 18+ only.
Extra Nights & Transfers:
Additional nights at the Santo Domingo hotel are available upon request.
If you have purchased this tour and wish to add an extra night or arrival/departure transfer, you may benefit from a special preferential rate for these services.
Health Conditions & Dietary Requirements
If you have specific dietary needs or restrictions, please inform your booking agent in advance so we can determine whether your requirements can be accommodated.
Please note that pregnant women are not permitted to participate in this tour.
All participants must confirm that they are in good physical and mental health and free from any major condition that could interfere with tour activities — including but not limited to dizziness, vertigo, heart disease, seizures, loss of balance or coordination, or serious food allergies related to the culinary experiences included in the program.
Travel 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 2,175
