Tours
An exclusive service provided for our guests by our tour representative, Gus, is the ability to review some of the tours that are available on the northern shore of the
Tour prices may change. the prices listed are the most recent that we know. Please check with the tour operators before booking for the current price.
JEEP SAFARI
*******Spencer Family Favorite
Discover the natural beauty of the Dominican countryside on a jeep adventure. If you like to get away from the crowds and travel in an open jeep, this is for you. You'll pass through charming, colorful country villages in the low-lying mountains. Lots of stops are made along the way for picture taking to capture the panoramic vistas, and to visit sites of interest. Your tour will stop at a Dominican farm to see how the fruits of the rain forest are harvested. You will stop at a village of soapstone carvers where you can buy carvings from the artists and you will stop at a large artisan's mart where you can buy a variety of Dominican crafts. Your purchases will be safely kept by your driver while you enjoy the waterfall portion of the tour.
Stop in a small village for a hearty Dominican lunch with beer, rum and soda included and then continue on your way. Upon arrival at your destination, you'll take a 15-minute walk across a shallow river and wade through several streams in the forest, to arrive at a magnificent waterfall and natural pool.
Swim in the refreshing, pure water that comes directly from the mountain. Those who are more adventurous will climb to the top of the waterfall with the assistance of their guides, and enjoy a cascading ride down the natural slides. This is awesome! Others will just enjoy the swim.
Wear a bathing suit under casual, comfortable clothing. Aquatic shoes or tennis shoes help in crossing the river and wading through streams to the waterfall. Do not use clogs or flip- flops. You can rent water shoes at the river crossing if you don't have any appropriate shoes to wear. It is required that you wear a life vest and a helmet for safety while going up the river. These are rented at the site for $1 per person. If you have time for only one tour, this is the one to take!!!
PRICE: $45 US. Pick-up is in front of of your villa at:
NOTE; They do not take very young children, pregnant women past 7 months, or people with serious back problems. Gus and the tour operators issue strong warnings that the Jeep safari is a very vigorous tour. It is fun, but better suited to the healthy. Do not select this tour if you have any health problems.
CATAMARAN TOUR
There is an awesome "Cat" that you board at Playa Dorada. You'll sail to Sosua on a 53 ft. Catamaran that has a bar, shaded lounge, and large sun deck. Holds 55 to 60 people. A light lunch, beer, refreshments and snorkeling equipment are included. Enjoy the water sports and see the exotic fish found in Sosua.
Price: $78 Pick up is at
WHITE WATER RAFTING
An exciting adventure, one of our most popular tours! The white water rapids are of moderate difficulty (mostly Class III, with some Class IV). The trip is well organized with high standards of safety. All equipment, including body suits, socks, shoes, life vests and helmets are included. The scenery alone is worth the trip.
Hint: Good idea to wear a bathing suit under your clothes, and bring a dry change of clothes for the trip home. You may get dunked in the river!
You will be taken via air-conditioned vehicle to Jarabacoa, the mountainous interior of the country, famous for Pico Duarte, which at nearly 10,000 feet is the highest mountain in the
AVAILABLE EITHER WITH LARGE PACKAGED TOUR OPERATOR OR WITH YOUR OWN SMALL PRIVATE TOUR.
Private tour: $100 US per person with a minimum of 4 people. Air-conditioned van picks you up at Cofresi Cove mini-market at
Packaged public tour: $85 per person. Huge air conditioned bus picks you up at
JARABACOA MOUNTAIN TOUR
The highlight of this trip is a tour of the beautiful mountainous interior of the country, a region of abundant pine forests, mountain streams, where rice paddies and orange groves make way for vast farms of strawberries, snow peas and many other locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Your trip begins with a visit to a first-class cigar factory in
On the way back, you will visit a large ceramic factory where you will see the famous Dominican dolls and other local pottery being made. The large and very colorful gift shop here has reasonably priced local hand made items such as hammocks, outdoor ceramic lights, and many wonderful art and trinkets to bring back.
Customized, private tour: $50 US per person, with minimum of 4 people. Available every day. Comfortable air conditioned van picks you up at Cofresi Cove mini market at
Packaged Public tour: $40 US per person. Trip goes only on Tuesday and Friday.
Large air-conditioned bus picks up at
between
15 to 20 hotels along the north coast and Cofresi is the last drop off. Lunch is included in
tour price.
The drive to Rio San Juan, about 1 1/2 hours from Cofresi, is through scenic farmland and sugar cane fields, coconut groves, rice paddies and banana fields. Within the city of
Once the boat reaches the ocean, it heads for a very small cave, where the water is about 45 feet deep and a spectacular color. Inside the cave you will see coral reefs, brilliantly colored tropical fish and other fascinating forms of marine life. The boat then returns to Rio San Juan where you will be taken to Playa Grande, where you'll be able to swim on one of the prettiest beaches in the
Private, customized tour with additional sights: $50 US per person. Goes any day. Picks up at Cofresi Cove mini market at
Extra features: After the visit to the ocean cave, your van takes you to a semi private, unspoiled and peaceful beach on a lovely cove fringed with palm and shade trees. You can purchase very low priced, delicious fresh cooked fish and other foods and icy drinks from local Dominicans and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Swim and snorkel in the aquamarine, crystal clear waters, or lounge on beach chairs that can be rented.
After this peaceful respite, your driver will take you to visit Playa Grande, one of the
Packaged public tour: $35 US per person. Large air conditioned bus picks you up at
******* Our whole family, from 15 months to 81 years old, had a blast, don’t miss this!!!! The Dolphin Swim and the Sea Lion Encounter were both outstanding!
Visit the
Take time out for refreshments or a leisurely lunch in a restaurant perched on coral reefs overlooking the ocean. Browse through shops filled with colorful, unique arts, crafts and clothing to bring back as souvenirs or for special gifts. Harletta loved the shops!
Reservations are essential for participations in Swims or Encounters. Observers pay an admission fee and are permitted only, at this time, when accompanying a participating guest. Prices include 12% tax.
Dolphin swim: Adults and ages 13-17, $145 US; Children 6-12, $120 US; Children under 6 not allowed.
Dolphin Encounter: Adults and ages 13-17, $120 US; Ages 4-12, $80 US; ages 1-3 free, with paying parent in same session.
Sea Lion Encounter: Adults and ages 10-17, $85 US; Ages 1-9 not allowed.
Admission only: Ages 13 and up, $55 US; ages 4-12, $40;
ages 1-3, free with paying adult.
Includes: Round trip bus transfers
Snorkeling in Tropical Reef Aquarium (equipment
included)
Swimming in Tiger Grotto
Sea Lion Shows (twice per day)
Rainforest and Bird Exhibits
Observation of all Dolphin Programs
Observation of Sea Lion Programs
Use of chairs at Dolphin Beach
For admission our representative, Gus is able to reserve tickets for payment once you arrive.. Send all requests for tickets to us and we will make sure that Gus is aware of your plans.
General information; Ocean World operates rain or shine and will not refund due to weather conditions unless Ocean World cancels the tour. In order for guests to receive a refund, cancellations need a minimum of 24 hours notice.
Due to limited spaces, if cancellation is made less than 24 hours notice or guest is a no-show, there will be a full 100% penalty (exceptions will be made for medical emergencies with a doctor's note). Guests must arrive at the park no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled program.
Participants should come with swim wear underneath their clothes, change of clothes with towel for after program activity, sun block and extra money or credit cards for photos/videos/gifts. Also recommend hat and sunglasses.
Ocean World’s Magical Night and Bravissimo Show
Ocean World’s contribution to night time entertainment includes the Magical Night package and the Bravissimo Show. The Magical Night includes a pickup in an air-conditioned bus, transport to the Ocean World complex, a full dinner, entrance to their
The show is very professionally done (it can be had without the meal for $35/person.) It involves 26 dancers and at least 126 costume changes. It should be noted that the dancers, although always covered, are sometimes just barely. The dances are typical high energy Latin dances and are very well performed. The costumes would make Carmen Miranda proud with headdresses towering over the dancers. It was a fun hour and a half. The staff does provide a bottle of rum and mixers on each table at no extra charge.
Ocean World Casino
The casino at the
Isabel de Torres
Pick a clear day when there are no clouds visible on the mountain top behind the villa. This is the day to visit Isabel de Torres, the 779 meter high mountain overlooking Puerto Plata and the Amber Coast. The Teleferico (cable car) that makes runs up and down the mountain cost $8 round trip. The view from the top is unbelievable! There is a manicured park at the top. Not a true botanical garden, but still very beautiful. There is also the DR's beautiful version of the famous statue "Christ the Redeemer" on the mountain top. The restaurant and gift shops are somewhat pricey but this is definitely worth the ride to see the stunning vistas of the coast stretched out before you. This can be added to a tour around Puerto Plata to see the fort, the square and visit the Amber Museum. The cost will vary depending on what you would like to see. You can also just take a taxi to the Teleferico, about 5 minutes drive, and hire one of the guides that you will find at the cable car station.
Amber Museum, Factory and Gallery
Nestled in downtown Puerto Plata, this is the place to take the ladies to buy hand crafted jewelry made of Dominican amber and larimar. There are actually two "amber museums", make sure that you go to the one that is also the factory and gallery (it is the newer one). For 50 cents US, you will go through a display area that shows you how amber is formed, mined then processed. You will see museum displays of bugs and critters that have been preserved in amber for millions of years (remember Jurassic Park?). You will also see a small Dominican cigar factory, hand rolling cigars. The end of the short tour dumps you into the large jewelry store that sells very high quality amber, gold, silver and larimar jewelry. The prices are posted but are somewhat negotiable, especially if you buy more than one piece( we usually get an extra 15 - 20% knocked off). The prices will run from several dollars to several thousand dollars. This is the place to do some damage to your credit card which is happily accepted.
There are several other gift shops on the street where this museum is located for other purchases. All the shops will sell jewelry but we have been told that amber and larimar are easily faked with plastic, so we buy ours at the museum.
This can be reached by taxi without a tour or added to a tour around Puerto Plata.
(note: When we were last there, we did not find what we were looking for in the form of a blue amber pendant. Our sales lady took us into the back (factory) where a craftsman showed us a number of raw pieces of amber. We picked one and he crafted it into a stunning piece of jewelry while we waited. What a special membrance of the trip!)
For cigar afficiandos, there is a hand rolled cigar factory in the gallery where you can watch them roll, then sample and if inclined buy some wonderful Dominican cigars. These are legal to take back home and are ranked by most cigar lovers as equal to or better than Cuban.
TWO-HOUR HORSEBACK RIDE
Enjoy sunrise or sunset horseback tours of the beautiful tropical countryside around Playa Cofresi and the peaceful surrounding hills.
Price: $30 US per person for a 2-hour ride every day. Wear long pants, socks, tennis shoes or boots and take sun tan lotion or wear a hat. This tour is available for beginners and advanced riders. A well-trained staff rides with you.
You may choose an all-day Mountain Tour which leaves at 9:00 A.M. and returns at 3:00 P.M. You will be treated to breath-taking views, a full lunch, and a soda as part of the package.
Price: $65 US per person for the all day tour.
FISHING CHARTER
Rochelle and Gus have found a boat captain who fishes for a living. Therefore, you have better chances of catching fish with someone who knows the best spots and whose livelihood depends upon this knowledge. Sail and trawl in aquamarine
Price; $60 US per person. $375 US to charter entire boat for 7guests. Drinks and fruit included. Pick up at Cofresi Cove mini market. Morning departure is at
TRIP TO
A trip to an unspoiled paradise! Your air-conditioned bus follows the coastal highway along the north coast beaches, and rice fields, through country villages, and into the endless coconut palm forests in Samana. Once you arrive at the fisherman's dock in the center of Samana, a motor launch takes you to the jsland of Cayo Lavantado.
Since this island is in a protected bay, the beaches are beautiful and the clear blue water is calm. Here you can snorkel, swim or just relax. It is small enough to explore on winding paths through thick, lush forests and hidden beaches. You can purchase delicious locally cooked food and refreshing drinks to enjoy at picnic tables at one of the beaches.
This trip is especially interesting in February and March when the
Price: $45 US per person. Warning: this is a long trip. The bus picks up at
TRIP TO
This is a wonderful journey to the southwestern part of the country to the Capital, which is the oldest European city in the
You will visit the Cathedral, the oldest church in the western hemisphere, and the new, controversial lighthouse; a memorial to
Price: $55 US per person. Large air conditioned bus picks you up at Paradise Island at the National Park of Montecristi is known for having the most beautiful coral reefs in the whole Caribbean. You will drive along the scenic coast to Punta Rusia where you will take an 18 foot motorized boat through a mangrove forest to a small island where you are able to do some of the best snorkeling in the whole Caribbean. On the way home you will see sugar cane, rice paddies, tobacco and other crops of interest. Price: $75 per person. Goes every day. The bus will leave from the Cofresi Cove Market at 8:15 a.m. and return about 5:30 p.m. The price includes lunch, the boat ride, snorkeling equipment, entrance to the National Park of Montecristi, and non-alcoholic drinks along the way.
SNORKELING AT PUNTA RUSIA
SCUBA DIVING
"The reefs were almost untouched!" Eric Spencer, Master Diver
The north coast of the DR is noted for some of the best diving locations, especially for viewing wide varieties of tropical fish, some shipwrecks and caves. Gus can give you the best inside information about which tours are the most popular, how they rate, what they cost and then he will book the tour of your choice. He is also a representative for First Class Divers, an organization located right here in Cofresi that offers a wide variety of tours. Below are a couple of examples:
Freighter Wrecks off Monte Christe: Six years ago, two freighters from the
Diving in caves at Cabrera: The fresh water cave in Cabrera will be one of the highlights of diving in the DR. Cabrera is about 2 ½ hours by car from Playa Cofresi. It is a dive site that can be visited by inexperienced divers without risk. The tunnels have a radius of 30 feet and are approximately 130 feet in length so one can quickly reach the surface at any time during the dive. The maximum depth is 50 feet. The dive lasts 45 minutes. In addition to freshwater fish, you will see thousands of shrimp. Lunch and equipment are included. Minimum of 4 people are needed. Price: $90/person.
If you've wanted to try diving, here's your chance to learn right here in Playa Cofresi in First Class Divers school for PADI CERTIFICATION IN SCUBA DIVING. This 3-day course provides video sessions, lessons in your own villa pool, and training in the open water. They provide the highest safety and quality education. You'll enjoy your first diving experience in a relaxed atmosphere. All equipment and transportation is included.
Course price: $375 per person
Note: People who are interested in becoming diving instructors can do training right in Cofresi. Ask Gus for details.
OTHER
Nothing gives us greater pleasure than helping guests become better acquainted with this beautiful country, its people and its culture. Gus will be available to help you plan a custom tour to cover sights of particular interest to you and your group, at your convenience. Please feel welcome to ask questions and learn what can be arranged to suit your interest, your budget and your schedule. We aim to please!
