Santo Domingo tours & excursions

Santo Domingo City Tour (4 hours)

A cultural half-day, exploring the capital city, the oldest city in the Americas and whose colonial zone has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit the house built by the son of Columbus, the Cathedral and see the Christopher Columbus lighthouse, the explorer’s final resting place. Soak up the atmosphere of the oldest street of the new world “Calle las Damas”. Our tour includes:

• 3 Eyes underground cave complex
• Entrance to Alcázar de Colón (Columbus house), 
  
• National Pantheon: built in 1714, the final resting place of many Dominican heroes. In colonial times this was a church belonging to Spanish Jesuits
  
• Cathedral María la Menor, the first cathedral in the Americas, built 1523 to 1540. It was here until 1992 where the remains of Christopher Columbus lay in state
  
• Columbus Park
• Walk along Calle las Damas (The oldest street in the New World, dating back to 1502. The wife of Viceroy Don Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, used to walk here.)
  
• Drive-past of the Presidential Palace
• Museum of the Royal Households
• Panoramic view of Ozama Fortress, the oldest military monument in the Americas, one of the first monuments to be constructed in the colonial city
  
• Panoramic view of the Columbus Lighthouse, a large monument in the form of a Latin cross, the final resting place of Admiral Christopher Columbus
• Free time for shopping in El Conde street
  

This tour can be conducted in the morning or afternoon. Pick-up from your hotel at 9 am or 1:30 pm. Daily except Mondays. Duration 4 hrs.

Santo Domingo City Tour (full-day)

A cultural day out, exploring the capital city, the oldest city in the Americas and whose colonial zone has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit the house built by Columbus, the Cathedral and see the Christopher Columbus lighthouse, the explorer’s final resting place. Soak up the atmosphere of the oldest street of the new world “Calle las Damas” and experience a Dominican market where the bargains are endless & bartering is fun. Our tour includes:

• Three Eyes Caves, nowadays a monument comprising three lakes where Taino Indians used to live.
  
• Entrance to Alcázar de Colón (Columbus house), 
  
• Museum of the Royal Households, in colonial times this was the governor's palace, and up to 1947 during the dictatorship of Trujillo was the presidential palace
  
• National Pantheon: built in 1714, the final resting place of many Dominican heroes. In colonial times this was a church belonging to Spanish Jesuits
  
• Walk along Calle las Damas (The oldest street in the New World, dating back to 1502. The wife of Viceroy Don Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, used to walk here.)
  
• Cathedral María la Menor, the first cathedral in the Americas, built 1523 to 1540. It was here until 1992 where the remains of Christopher Columbus lay in state
  
• Panoramic view of Ozama Fortress, the oldest military monument in the Americas, one of the first monuments to be constructed in the colonial city.
  
• External view of the Presidential Palace
  
• Columbus Lighthouse, a large monument in the form of a Latin cross, the final resting place of Admiral Christopher Columbus
  
• Mercado Modelo (handicrafts market)
  
• Free time for shopping in El Conde street
  
• Lunch (excl. drinks) in El Conuco restaurant
  

Pick-up from your hotel at 9 am. Daily except Mondays.

Colonial Zone (2 hour walking tour)

Enjoy a morning or afternoon cultural tour exploring the colonial zone, the oldest in the Americas, completely on foot. Visit the house built by Columbus' son and relive the atmosphere of Las Damas Street, the oldest in the New World. You will also experience a typical Dominican market, where haggling is fun.

The tour includes:

• Entrance to Alcázar de Colón, home of Christopher Columbus
• National Pantheon
• Walk down Las Damas Street, the oldest street in the New World
• Santa María la Menor Cathedral
• Colón Park
• Panoramic view of Fortaleza Ozama
• Museum of the Royal Houses
• Free time for shopping on El Conde Street

Daily departures at 9:00 am or 1:30 pm from your hotel, duration of 2 hours. Walking tour without bus transportation. Ideal for getting to know the colonial zone in depth while staying there. Don't miss this opportunity to explore 500 years of history!

Samana & Cayo Levantado (full-day)

Saona Island (full-day)

(This description of a private tour to Saona would be for small groups of up to 20 persons, and you have the option of getting to/from Saona by private speedboat just for your little group) or on a large catamaran with many other daytrippers. Click here for a truly exclusive private catamaran tour to Saona Island for larger groups)

Escape to Saona Island, a protected national park, universally loved for its powdery white beaches and serene turquoise waters. We embark on our speedboat from the picturesque fishing village of Bayahibe. On the island time to relax under a palm tree or bathe in the crystal-clear waters, complete heaven! Lunch (included) will be served on the beach, and includes refreshments. On the way back to the Bayahibe beach, we make an exciting stop in the “natural swimming pool”, an area of open sea where the water is only waist-deep, and where one can see many starfish. This is a truly exclusive day out and lets you experience the finest of Caribbean beaches.

San Pedro de Macoris & Cueva de las Maravillas (half-day)

Visit to the historical provincial coastal city of San Pedro de Macoris, approx. 50 kms east of Santo Domingo. Once famous for being at the heart of the country’s sugarcane industry and for having a bustling cosmopolitan port and influx of migrant workers from other islands, nowadays San Pedro is known for its renowned university, as well as being the birthplace of many talented players in the Major Leagues. Our tour includes:

• Barceló Macorix rum factory 
  
• Walk through the downtown area and central square
  
• underground cave complex Cueva de las Maravillas (out of town) with pre-Columbus paintings
  
• Time for shopping in San Pedro
  

This tour can be conducted in the morning or afternoon. Pick-up from your hotel at 9 am or 1:30 pm. Monday to Friday.

Dominican Alps & Jarabacoa (full-day)

Experience a completely different side of the island with adventure in Jarabacoa in the Dominican Alps. This is a day of spectacular mountain scenery, green valleys, clear streams and tumbling waterfalls. The highlight of the day is the ride on horseback or by jeep (you decide!) to the towering Baiguate waterfall with an opportunity for a cooling dip in the large plunge pool. The tour includes:

• Visit to the waterfall Salto Baiguate 
  
• Time to bathe under the waterfall
  
• Lunch in Rancho Baiguate
  
• Visit to the ecological path and butterfly garden
  

Pick-up from your hotel at 9 am. This tour can be conducted on any day of the week.

Our Puerto Plata tour from Santo Domingo

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Puerto Plata, a gem on the Dominican Republic's north coast. This captivating tour unveils the city's rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Begin at the imposing Fortaleza San Felipe, a 16th-century Spanish fortress that once stood guard against marauding pirates. As you explore its museum, you'll be transported back in time, uncovering the pivotal role this stronghold played in shaping the region's destiny.

Wander through the verdant Parque Central Independencia, the city's vibrant heart, before marveling at the architectural splendor of Catedral de San Felipe. Delight in the whimsical Calle de las Sombrillas, where a canopy of colorful umbrellas creates a magical ambiance.

The newly renovated Paseo de Doña Blanca awaits, its pink walls and floral displays offering a fresh perspective on Puerto Plata's historic center. Delve into the city's claim to fame at the Amber and Rum Museums, gaining insights into these prized local exports.

For a truly breathtaking experience, ascend Isabel de Torres mountain via the Teleférico cable car. At the summit, panoramic vistas of the city and coastline unfold before you, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Time permitting, stroll along El Malecón, the lively waterfront promenade that pulses with local energy. The tour culminates at the stunning Sosúa Beach, where you can bask in the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or test your bargaining skills with local artisans selling Haitian paintings and handcrafted jewelry.

This comprehensive excursion offers an ideal blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring lasting memories of Puerto Plata's diverse charms.

Included in your adventure:

• Air-conditioned transportation
• Expert tour guide
• All entrance fees
• Complimentary water and soda on board