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Helpful tips: the Dominican Republic and the tours
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Is transportation from my hotel included in the tour price?From Bayahibe and Dominicus hotels, round-trip transportation is included (except for swimming with dolphins). From hotels in Punta Cana, Bavaro and Uvero Alto it will be necessary to add $.20.USD per person. From Boca Chica, Juan Dolio and the Bahia Principe Grand La Romana hotel you will have to add $25.USD.
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Are the prices displayed on your site inclusive of tax?Yes, all our prices are inclusive of tax. You can consult the prices on our site in dollars, euros or Dominican pesos. You can pay in advance, online, or on the day of your first activity.
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Are your excursions available from all hotels?We serve all hotels and residences in the area of Bayahibe, Dominicus, Punta Cana, Bavaro, Uvero Alto, Juan Dolio and Boca Chica. If your hotel is located in one of these hotel zones, you will be able to participate in our excursions. To check which excursions are available from your hotel, please choose the ' tours program ' tab, then click on your hotel zone. You will see a list of all the excursions that you can book with us during your stay.
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What should we bring for excursions?On each excursion description, at the bottom of the page, we provide a list of everything you will need during the trip.
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What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my excursion?It is extremely rare that we have to cancel an excursion, however it is possible that we have no choice, due to unfavorable weather. If this should be the case, we will notify you the day before and we will postpone the excursion depending on the weather and our availability. And if unfortunately the next day is your departure date we will refund the amount you paid.
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Are there life jackets on boats?Of course, we have life jackets for everyone on board the boats. On catamarans, wearing a vest is not obligatory during the trip and can only be taken out if necessary. On fast boats, wearing a life jacket is obligatory throughout the journey, even if you know how to swim.
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What are the differences between the 4 tours to Saona Island, offered in the Dominican Attitude program?Our '' Saona Attitude '' takes place on a comfortable motorized boat there and back. During this outing, we visit the extreme south of the island of Saona, the heavenly beach of Canto de la Playa (possibility of snorkeling) and the village of Mano Juan . For the '' Saona Hola '' we use a speed boat and instead of Canto de la Playa and Mano Juan, we visit an equipped beach. If time permits, we will make a snorkeling stop at the site called ''the pontoon''. The '' Saona Softness '' is done by sailing catamaran on the outward and return journey and it is an excursion provided by a service provider. The boat is not fast enough to get to the village of Mano Juan or Canto de la Playa. This is an ideal outing for lovers of sailing and relaxation. The '' Saona Classic '' (speed boat/catamaran) is also a service provider excursion and is therefore not organized by us. This is the same excursion sold by all the tour operators in all the hotels, so there are always a lot of people on the boats (100/120 per catamaran) and at the beach (around 400 people). This is a rather festive excursion. Each of these excursions to Saona Island makes a stop at the Natural Swimming Pool.
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What are the conditions in case of cancellation?Please click here to see our legal notices and general conditions of sale.
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What are the best excursions for families with children?Saona Attitude: any age even baby Safari Adventure and Discovery: from 2 years old is ideal but we have already had babies Safari Buggy Sensatio: if your child likes to get dirty and is 5 years or older Catalina (for children who like to swim and who want to learn snorkeling and who don't fear seasickness Swimming with dolphins
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Can I take part in sea excursions even if I don't know how to swim?Of course, our excursions are made for everyone. Only the Catalina Island excursion is a little more specific because it includes a lot of swimming from the boat. However, if you are not afraid of water, you can even use the mask and snorkel, with a life jacket around your waist. For excursions to Saona, no worries because the stops are in places where you will be able to walk.
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Can I pay for my excursions by card?Yes, this is possible by paying online when booking. If you prefer to pay by courier on the day of the excursion, this is also possible by adding 3% fees. Otherwise, payment can be made in cash in dollars, euros.
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How far in advance should I book my excursions?There is no precise answer to this question. The earlier the better, this will allow us to organize ourselves (so no problem if you plan 1 year in advance). Otherwise, a week in advance will also work, depending on our availability of course.
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Is the Dominican Republic a dangerous country?No, the country is not dangerous, any more than anywhere else! With a little of common sense you can definitely walk outside the hotel and even use public transport. You should always be careful and leave your valuable personal belongings in your hotel safe. Concerning your passports and travel documents, leave them in the safe for the entire duration of your stay. You will not need it on excursions, neither in the hotel nor outside.
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How many inhabitants are there in the Dominican Republic?There are currently 12 million inhabitants in the Dominican Republic. The country has a strong demographic and the population is young.
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What is the official language of the Dominican Republic?The official language is Spanish. In tourist areas many also speak English and French. Many Haitians live in the country, so you will likely hear people speaking a Creole similar to that of the French West Indies.
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What is the political regime in the Dominican Republic?The country enjoys a true democracy. Corruption exists like everywhere, it is just less hidden.
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What are the Dominicans like?The Dominican is kind, courteous, warm. If you're lost or need help, you'll undoubtedly find someone willing to lend you a hand. Don't panic, let yourself be helped, it's in their culture and of no interest. In this kind of situation, we like to leave a small tip for the effort (50/100/150 pesos depending on the service provided). The Dominican loves: to party listen to music TOO TOO loud dance anytime sing laugh make jokes speak very loudly shout and agitate excessively when talking about politics show you the way, even if he has no idea play dominoes the rum swim in a tank top for men and in shorts and t-shirts for girls overtake to the right on the highway or drive at 2 per hour in the left lane riding a motorcycle without a helmet and without lights you will be in his arms if he likes you eat rice at least once a day take transport to go 200 meters
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What is the climate of the Dominican Republic?The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical, therefore hot and humid. Temperatures fluctuate between 25 and 30 degrees throughout the year. The peak of heat is in summer around the month of August while the mildest month is January (with 20°C all the same, at night).
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What is the best season to go to the Dominican Republic?The climate of the Dominican Republic is tropical, therefore hot and humid. Temperatures fluctuate between 25 and 30 degrees throughout the year. The peak of heat is in summer around the month of August while the mildest month is January (with 20°C all the same, at night). The weather is normally good enough to visit at any time of the year. From the beginning of June to the end of October we are in the cyclone season but that does not mean that you will necessarily have bad weather at this time of the year. Some years we don't even have rain between these dates! There can be storms and exceptionally a tropical depression or a cyclone which generally take 2 or 3 days to move away. Normally May and October are known to be the rainiest months, but again, nothing very specific... It's not a monsoon like in Asia. You should also know that the north coast (Atlantic coast) is much rainier than the south coast (Caribbean side). In Bayahibe and Saona it rarely rains and when it does it generally only lasts a few minutes and the sun returns almost immediately.
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What is the official currency in the Dominican Republic and how should we pay locals?The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). To give you an idea, 1 euro is worth around 60 Dominican pesos. We always advise paying merchants and locals in local currency as it will be easier to have change. Please note that euro and dollar coins are not accepted. Here are 2 articles to obtain more information on currencies as well as payment methods in the Dominican Republic .
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Where to exchange money in the Dominican Republic?The best is to come from your country with your euros or dollars and exchange them once in the country at a local exchange house. You should always avoid changing at airports (whether in France or here), and in hotels because the exchange rates are very, very lower and the exchange fees are prohibitive. If you are in Bayahibe or Dominicus, we recommend that you leave your hotel to go to the Dominicus pedestrian street or to the village of Bayahibe to change your money. If you are in Punta Cana or Bavaro and do not have access to an exchange bank outside the hotel, you can pay in dollars or euros and wait to come on the excursion with us. We will show you the best exchange offices in the area. Here are 2 articles to get more information on currencies as well as payment methods in the Dominican Republic .
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What is the difference between Saona Hola and Saona Attitude?The Saona Attitude is done on a very comfortable 3-hull boat while the Saona Hola is done on a speed boat (not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems). The Saona Attitude goes to the extreme south of the island of Saona to visit the wild beaches while the Saona visits a developed beach. The Saona Hola does not go to the fishing village of Mano Juan but makes a snorkeling stop at the Catuano piers. On the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude) you do not have to wear life jackets and you can move around. There is a large roof for protection from the sun, a beach at the front for sunbathing and toilets. It takes a little longer to get to the island but the tour also lasts longer, so you won't miss anything.
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Are mask and snorkel fins included with the Saona Hola?For this excursion, we include masks and snorkels but not fins because space on the boat is limited. However, it is entirely possible to bring a pair of fins if you have them.
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Is this excursion suitable for children?We do not recommend this excursion for children under 4 years old. If you have small children, we recommend choosing the Saona Attitude which we organize on a comfortable boat.
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Is there a photographer on the Saona Hola tour?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, it will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but it should cost around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the whole day).
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Is a speedboat the best way to avoid seasickness?No, we recommend the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude) instead, which is almost as fast and also more stable.
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What is included in the Saona Hola buffet?You will have access to a buffet with typical Dominican dishes including: rice, pasta, chicken, pork chops, vegetables, salads and fresh fruit for dessert and coffee.
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How many people will there be on board the boat on the Saona Attitude?Excursions organized by Dominican Attitude are always done in small groups. For Saona Attitude, the maximum is 30 people.
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Are masks and snorkels included with the Saona Attitude?Yes, masks and snorkels are included on this excursion.
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What is the difference between Saona Hola and Saona Attitude?The Saona Attitude is done on a very comfortable 3-hull boat while the Saona Hola is done on a fast boat (not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems). The Saona Attitude goes to the extreme south of the island of Saona to visit the wild beaches while the Saona Hola visits a developed beach. The Saona Hola does not go to the fishing village called Mano Juan and will make a snorkeling stop at the Catuano piers. On the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude) you do not have to wear life jackets and you can move around. There is a large roof for protection from the sun, a beach at the front for sunbathing and toilets. It takes a little longer to get to the island but the tour also lasts longer, so you won't miss anything.
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Does the guide speak English?Yes, the Dominican Attitude guides all speak English, French and Spanish fluently.
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Do we have to reserve the lobster in advance?Yes, you must reserve the lobster in advance because they will be caught the same morning. Please note, lobster is not available during the breeding season, from March 1st to June 30th.
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Is there a photographer on the Saona Attitude excursion?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, it will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but it should cost around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the whole day).
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Do you have to take a shuttle boat to board the sailing catamaran?Yes indeed we have to take a small boat to get to the sailing catamaran about 5 minutes away. Moving from one boat to another is not always easy for people with reduced mobility, but crew members are always willing to help you. If this worries you, we recommend choosing the Saona Attitude instead.
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Is the excursion done with the same boat back and forth?Yes, this excursion is done by round-tip sailing catamaran for a gentle ride.
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Are there toilets on the boat?Yes there are two toilets on the boat.
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How long does the boat ride take to get to the island?By sailing catamaran, it takes approximately 1h30/1h45 to get to Saona island.
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Is lobster included?No, lobster is not included, you must order it from us when booking. Please note, during the reproduction period, from March 1 to June 30, lobster is not available.
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Is there a photographer during the Saona en Douceur excursion?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, you will have to check directly with the photographer of our service provider as this is not an excursion organized by the Dominican Attitude team.
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Can people with back problems take part in the Safari Buggy Sensation?The buggies have good shock absorbers, however we would like to point out that we do not accept people with serious back problems or pregnant women.
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Is it better to do the excursion in sneakers or flip-flops?It depends on your ability to drive with clapperboards but as the buggies are automatic it is not very complicated. If you opt for sneakers, be aware that you risk damaging them because the earth is red and staining.
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What is provided on this excursion?For this excursion we provide you with protective glasses and plastic bags to protect your personal belongings as well as helmets. We recommend bringing scarves to protect your face from dust and mud.
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Should we bring swimsuits?Yes absolutely, for swimming in the river. The ideal is to put your swimsuit under your clothes first thing in the morning.
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Is there a photographer during the Buggy Sensation Safari?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, it will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but it should cost around $50/€50 for a couple (photos of the whole day).
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What is the maximum number of participants in the safari truck?There will be a maximum of 19 people on board the safari truck.
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Is it possible to buy souvenirs at the local market?There are no souvenirs as such at the local market. However, you can buy typical things like a lemon squeezer (obligatory utensil in Dominican cuisine), spices, coffee, cocoa, liquid vanilla, etc.
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Can we bring gifts for the children we meet on the route?If you want to give gifts to the children, we will stop in a village to distribute them. If you have clothes, shoes and games or toys that you no longer use, take them away, it will make people happy!
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Is the truck suitable for people with back problems?If you have serious back problems, we do not recommend this excursion due to the shaking in the truck.
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Are we going to swim in the Chavon river?Yes, so don't forget to take your swimsuit because swimming is planned and the most daring can even do jumps with Tarzan's vine!
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Is there a photographer during the Safai Adventure and Discovery?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, it will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but you should count on around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the whole day).
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Can I swim with dolphins if I'm pregnant?Yes, up to 5 months of pregnancy it is possible to participate in the Encounter program only.
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In a group of how many people is the activity carried out?There is a maximum of 12 people per group. On the other hand, there will be several groups at the same time in the offshore park.
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Can I accompany my child without going on the excursion?If your child is between 1.20m and 1.40m tall, he or she must absolutely be accompanied by an adult doing the same program. If he is less than 1.20m tall he must be accompanied by 2 adults doing the same program. If the child is over 1.40m tall, they can do any program, but at least 1 adult must accompany them to the park.
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I don't know how to swim and I want to do the activity with dolphins, is this possible?Yes, this is possible because all participants wear a life jacket. If you don't know how to swim, we recommend that you choose the Encounter program, but if you are not afraid of water, you can still do another program.
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Am I allowed to take photos during the Swimming on the Dolphins activity?No, when you are with the dolphins, photos are prohibited. You can buy the photos directly at the park but you should know that the packs are very expensive. (just like in dolphin parks around the world). You need to count at least $80.USD for a photo (per person). They also offer packs with several or all photos. You can pay for photos in cash or by card.
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Is the meal included?No, neither the meal nor the drinks are included. If you are staying in Punta Cana, this is no problem as we will automatically place you on the first tour of the day, so that you will be back at the hotel around 1:30 p.m. On the other hand, if you are staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus, departure is scheduled for mid-morning for a return around 5:00 p.m. We therefore recommend that you bring a lunch basket and water or take extra money with you to buy food and drinks on site.
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Do the on-site staff speak English?The staff is accustomed to speaking a minimum of each language as visitors come from all over the world. They will speak to you in English but the conversation will probably be limited to what is necessary if you do not speak Spanish.
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Is this excursion suitable for people with seasickness?We do not recommend this excursion for people who are seasick because on the way back, the sea is generally rough. However, people who are moderately sensitive will still be able to participate and enjoy the day by taking a seasickness pill (we provide it if necessary).
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Do you have to take a shuttle boat to board the boat on the Catalina Island Snorkeling excursion?No, for this excursion we use a boat which docks directly at the beach. Boarding and disembarking can therefore be done from the beach, by climbing 2 steps located at the rear of the boat. This saves us a lot of time and allows us to make 2 long snorkeling stops.
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Is snorkeling much more beautiful in Catalina than in Saona?Yes, without hesitation! The seabed of Catalina is much richer than that of Saona Island. In fact, Saona is appreciated for its magnificent heavenly beaches and Catalina for its seabed and its small wild beaches. There is something for every taste!
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Is snorkeling equipment included on the Catalina Island Snorkeling Tour?Yes, fins, masks and snorkels are included.
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Is there a photographer on the Catalina Island Snorkeling excursion?Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, it will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but it should cost around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the whole day).
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