My experience with this tour was not good, in fact it was nonexistent. The operator did not show up. The communication was bad, I’ve waited about 40 minutes. No one showed up sent many messages. No one replied I was really looking forward to experience this tour.
Journey622618
06 Jun 2025
The tour was fantastic. The tour operator, Darwin, was super engaging and knowledgeable about local history. Seeing the countryside, the basilica, and the downtown markets were 3 very different aspects of life in the Dominican Republic, and were all beautiful and interesting in their own respects. Coming from the USA, it was very eye-opening for my kids and gave valuable insight and perspective into our life at home. The food and people were wonderful.
kevinsZ3541LG
06 Jun 2025
Amazing tour! We found the tour on TripAdvisor (much cheaper compared to the resort and people selling tours on the beach). The tour was THE highlight of our trip. Franklin, our tour guide, was so kind, knowledgeable, and spoke English, French, and Spanish. He made us (and everyone else) feel welcomed. My mother was in a wheelchair and did her best to participate in all of the stops. They did everything possible to accommodate her. We even got to enter the Church from the side. Also, when we visited the food market, we noticed a police officer that joined our group as an "implicit" escort. We never felt unsafe and the tour company made sure we felt safe the entire day.
First, we went horseback riding. It was fun! The horses were tame, the view was amazing, and the experience was great.
Second, we stopped at the Catholic Church. It was beautiful.
Next, we stopped at a little gift store and shop before immediately walking around the food market. The food market was eye opening. Probably my favorite part.
Afterwards, we visited a cocoa place and got to see the entire process, taste things, and meet locals. They were so nice and this was also a highlight.
After visiting and learning more about cocoa and coffee, we pivoted to a unique place and had the most amazing meal. It was great. It was also next to a beautiful water line and waterfall (albeit small).
Then... We went to a cigar rolling factory. We learned how to roll cigars, got free samples (many!), and relaxed briefly as others shopped.
Lastly, we went to the beach. The beach was beautiful. The tour guide, Franklin, also made sure to keep everyone informed throughout the trip as to what to watch out for, what to avoid, and more.
I'm not one to write reviews. I'm not one to easily give praise. Yet, Franklin was the best tour guide I've ever experienced. The Dominican people are genuinely the most kind toward tourists - compared to Mexico, Bahamas, Costa Rica, and other places I've been.
Many of the reviews are correct - this isn't a "four hour" half day tour. It was more of a 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM tour. Which, given the cost and everything you do, is really just a value add.
Thank you Franklin for such an amazing experience. We will not forget it nor how kind, informative, and welcoming you made the whole experience.