Dominican Republic Expedition: an adventure between nature and Caribbean beaches




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Itinerary
Ready for ten days in paradise? We'll kick things off by exploring the capital, Santo Domingo: the cenotes and the stunning colonial zone will leave us speechless, just like Christopher Columbus! Did you know that when he discovered America, he landed right here? Then, we'll head to the wild Samaná Peninsula, famous for the El Limón waterfall and the breathtaking beaches of Las Galeras. To top it off, we'll have a quad adventure through incredible landscapes!
Next, we'll reach Punta Cana and its most beautiful beach, Bávaro Beach, where we can't possibly miss a night out at the most famous club in the Caribbean… Coco Bongo! Finally, we'll move south to the gorgeous Bayahíbe, where we'll spend our final few days enjoying beachside lunches, snorkeling, and chilling on Saona Island, known for its giant starfish. We'll return home refreshed, with our backpacks full of memories and new friends - an experience to remember for a lifetime!


Welcome to the Caribbean!
Check-in: our adventure kicks off in Santo Domingo
Flights to and from the Dominican Republic aren't included in the package, so you can choose your departure airport, flight time, and airline – giving you total freedom of choice!
After settling into our hotel and having our welcome meeting, we'll use these first few hours to get to know each other and this new country we're sure to fall in love with! We'll kick things off with a stroll down Calle Las Damas, the capital's most characteristic street, where we'll immediately be swept away by the music, colors, and warm welcome of the Dominican people.

Santo Domingo: let's discover the capital
A dive into the past...
After our breakfast, we’ll kick off the day early with a tour of the quintessential colonial city and the Dominican Republic’s capital. Our guide will lead us to discover the monuments that define Dominican history and culture, like the museum dedicated to Christopher Columbus… and more! Did you know that Santo Domingo has three cenotes? We’re definitely not missing those! Our exploration continues with the Kahkow Experience, where we’ll uncover all the secrets of chocolate and beyond… besides a tasting, we’ll create our own chocolate bar! Ready to unleash your inner Willy Wonka?
Welcome drink!
After exploring the colonial zone, we're getting ready for some nightlife: it's time for our welcome drink! With a delicious Mama Juana, the typical Dominican drink, or a cold cerveza, the evening begins!

Las Terrenas and El Limón Waterfall
The highest waterfall on the island!
Early this morning, we head north towards the wildest part of the island: the Samaná Peninsula. We’ll dive straight into one of its highlights: El Salto del Limón.
To reach the waterfall, there’s a 3km trek through the jungle. How about we do it on horseback? A delicious picnic awaits us upon arrival!
Las Terrenas
After a lovely picnic, we head towards the town of Las Terrenas, famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. And we're not missing out on anything: we slip into our swimsuits and flip-flops and hit the sea... we enjoy our sunset amidst palm trees and a delicious piña colada! We soak up the beach life mood!

Las Galeras and the 7 beaches
The most authentic and wild area
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll take a short transfer to the very tip of the peninsula, Las Galeras, famous for its 7 beaches and unspoiled nature. Did you know that humpback whales gather here from January to April? If we're lucky, we might even spot them! But don't worry, this area has plenty to offer, and we'll explore it with a trek across 7 deserted beaches until we reach Caño Frío, a river teeming with mangroves and frequented by locals... who's up for a refreshing?
After this amazing day in this authentic tropical paradise, we'll head back by boat (or on horseback for those who fancy it) for a delicious dinner on the beach!

Cayo Levantado: boat trip
Paradise, out of the blue
Who's ready for a full day on a Caribbean island? We are! We'll head to Cayo Levantado, one of those postcard-perfect spots with palm trees and turquoise water. This will be a day dedicated to total relaxation. The most strenuous activity allowed: a lovely stroll along its white sandy beach.
And in the evening? We'll dive into the local culture with a delicious cooking class and a typical dance lesson: are you more of a merengue or salsa person? Let's find out together!

From quad biking in Samaná to Coco Bongo
An adventurous morning!
Let's ditch the chill vibe for a day and dive into an adrenaline rush! The Las Galeras area is packed with coffee plantations and forests, making it the perfect backdrop for a quad bike adventure! We'll make a few stops along the way: the marble mine, the Boca del Diablo, and finally, La Playita!
After a quick lunch, we'll say goodbye to this stunning region and hop on the ferry to reach Punta Cana, which definitely needs no introduction!
Cocobongo, here we come!
After settling into the hotel and a refreshing shower, how about diving into the nightlife? We're in Punta Cana, famous for having one of the island's most beautiful beaches, but also for Cocobongo, the most famous club in Central America!
It's not just a nightclub, but a real theater: we'll be mesmerized by the shows and stage designs of this night, which is sure to go down as one of the most memorable nights of our lives!

From Punta Cana to Bayahibe
Chill on the most beautiful beach!
Are we still hungover and dreaming, or are we really still in the Caribbean? Of course, we're still in paradise and a day of pure relaxation awaits us today, well-deserved after last night's big party. Fresh fruit and beach massages accompany us with the sound of the waves in the background, what else?
Heading to Bayahíbe!
In the afternoon, we get back on the road and head towards the peaceful Bayahíbe, a seaside town far from the chaos and the gateway to the National Park of the East, a nature reserve with stunning beaches, mangroves, and forests. And we're not missing out on any of that!
After check-in, we'll chill on the beach: a nice dip and we'll soak up the sunset!

Saona Island: boat trip
Pirates of the Caribbean mode: activated!
We rise early and hop aboard “our ship” like true pirates, ready to set sail for the enchanting Saona Island.
Turquoise waters, white sand, and coconut palms await us for a dreamlike day in pure Caribbean style.
We'll go snorkeling in the coral reef, among colorful fish and crystal-clear waters, before enjoying some well-deserved relaxation on a heavenly beach or exploring the island's small artisan market, filled with local colors, scents, and souvenirs.
We'll have lunch on the beach with typical dishes and, for those who fancy it, delicious grilled lobster! In short, a day of unspoiled nature and tropical vibes!

Catalina Island
Another day in Paradise!
We wake up still with the smell of salt and the sound of waves… this morning we have two options: explore another Dominican gem, Catalina Island, or settle on the beach and bask like iguanas in the sun! Whatever our choice, the vibe is this: Sun, swimming, massages, cocktails, and repeat. Another day to relax, carefree, enjoying the group, the place, and the peace. For the tireless and diving enthusiasts, nearby there's the Underwater National Park, one of the most important and richest in the country… whether it's your last snorkeling trip, your first dip in the sea, or a chance to dust off your diving license… when will you get another opportunity like this?
Evening... fancy a toast?
As evening approaches, we head back towards the capital, staying overnight in Boca Chica, the closest beach and a local favourite. We get ready for our farewell dinner, so raise your glasses! The trip has been face paced, and it'll be great to reminisce about all the moments we've shared.
We're heading home with our backpacks full of memories, let's toast to all the emotions we've experienced and shared!

See you later, Dominican Republic!
Check-out and goodbyes
What's included
9 nights in a twin or multiple-occupancy shared room with a private bathroom
Welcome drink in Santo Domingo
- Farewell dinner
WOW Experience: a boat trip to Saona Island with lunch on the beach included
Local Experience: visit to the Kahkow Experience where we'll uncover all the secrets of cocoa, taste chocolate, and create our own chocolate figurine
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Food and beverages where not specified
- All the extras you'll want to buy and manage to fit in your backpack :)
- All that is not mentioned in "what's included"
Money pot
The Money Pot is approximately £240/€280 for this trip and is collected on-site by the Travel Coordinator on the first day. The amount of the Money Pot will vary based on the number of activities and extras that the group decides to do. Any unused balance at the end of the trip will be refunded.
- Quad Biking in Samaná
- Guided tour of Santo Domingo
Hike of the 7 beaches of Las Galeras
- Boat trip with lunch in Cayo Levantado
- Entrance to Coco Bongo
Money Pot from the Travel Coordinator
- The activities and extras that all participants have agreed to do and the coordinator's share of the costs
Additional info
The private room option is not available for this trip.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Flexible booking options available
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
This journey begins at Santo Domingo. On the first day, we meet at 18:30.
Your Coordinator will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Santo Domingo. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
Bus transfers are expected almost every day. The longest route will be Santo Domingo - Las Galeras, approximately 3 hours, while other transfers will last a maximum of 2 hours.
For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Dominican Republic
Find out the entry requirements for Dominican Republic (the), and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Dominican Republic (the) – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
The Dominican Republic is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, and they do not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 8am in the Dominican Republic. If it is 12pm in New York, it will be 12pm in the Dominican Republic. Keep this in mind when planning your activities or calls.
The currency used in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). As of the latest rates:
- 1 GBP is roughly 76 DOP
- 1 USD is about 56 DOP
- 1 EUR is approximately 66 DOP
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or at your hotel. It's a good idea to compare rates to get the best deal.
Credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in the Dominican Republic, alongside cash in the local currency, the Dominican Peso. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops and markets where cards might not be accepted. ATMs are common in urban areas, so you can withdraw Dominican Pesos using your credit or debit card. Make sure to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Tipping is appreciated in the Dominican Republic, and it's common to leave a tip for good service. In restaurants, a 10 percent service charge is often included in the bill, but adding an extra 5 to 10 percent is a nice gesture if you received exceptional service. For hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides, small tips are also welcomed to show appreciation for their help. Always check your bill to see if the service charge is included before deciding on the tip amount.
In the Dominican Republic, Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, but the speed and reliability can vary. For stable internet access on the go, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great option. Major providers such as Claro, Altice, and Viva offer good coverage and different data packages. This way, you can stay connected throughout your trip without relying solely on Wi-Fi.
In the Dominican Republic, Spanish is the official language. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Hola
- Thank you: Gracias
- Please: Por favor
- How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Excuse me: Perdón
It can be helpful to know a few basic phrases to enhance your travel experience.
In the Dominican Republic, you'll find plugs of type A and B, similar to those used in the United States. The voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to stay connected.
The main religion in the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholicism. While Catholic traditions and holidays are widely observed, you might also find vibrant celebrations for events like Easter and Christmas. If you're planning to visit during these times, you can expect lively parades and festivals. Keep in mind that while Catholicism is predominant, other religions are practiced and respected, contributing to the island's rich cultural tapestry.
For your trip to the Dominican Republic, you'll want to pack wisely for the tropical climate. Here's a handy list to guide you:
1. Clothing:
- Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops
- Shorts and light skirts
- A swimsuit or two
- A light jacket for cooler evenings
2. Shoes:
- Comfortable sandals
- Flip-flops for the beach
- Sneakers for exploring
3. Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses
- A sunhat or cap
- A power bank
- A waterproof phone case
4. Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Insect repellent
- Basic first aid kit
- Common travel medication: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, motion sickness pills
Remember, the Dominican Republic is warm year-round, so focus on lightweight, breathable items.
The weather in the Dominican Republic is generally tropical, with warm temperatures year-round. However, it can vary depending on the region:
- Coastal Areas: Typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- Mountainous Regions: Cooler temperatures, especially at night, ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is more pleasant and there's less rain. The rainy season is from May to November, with potential hurricanes from June to November.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
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The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator;
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It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group;
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It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure;
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
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The amount varies depending on the destination chosen;
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It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip;
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It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip;
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If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip;
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The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator;
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If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled;
- Activities paid through the Money Pot: they are carried out by third-party local suppliers and their conditions apply; WeRoad does not intervene in their management nor assumes any responsibility. For details on the money pot, see the General Terms and Conditions
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at hello@weroad.com or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Coordinator will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.




























