Saona and Ron Barcelo Island experience in the Dominican Republic

Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach and lunch

Pure relaxation awaits on this trip to Saona Island. If you're looking for that perfect Insta-ready escapade, you've found it. Saona is a textbook tropical daydream of an island, swathed in exotic flora and fringed with swaying palm trees, powder white sands and endless blue-green waters. You'll reach the island in a combination of catamaran and fast boat, with an outbound snorkel stop.Ramon, one of our expert guides, says "we work hard to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make it so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on Saona, too." The island and surrounding sea are of such importance for their biodiversity that they're protected as a national park.You'll set sail from Bayahibe into the sun-splashed seas surrounding Cotubanama National Park. Along the way, you'll stop to swim or snorkel among shoals of tropical fish at a shallow pool formed by sandbanks in the middle of the sea. Once you arrive at Saona, you'll have plenty of time to soak up those dazzling vistas and snap lots of photos. Perhaps you'll take a barefoot stroll along the one-kilometre-long private beach, or maybe you'd prefer simply relaxing with a cocktail. Although Saona is one of the country's most-visited areas, there's an exclusive beach area reserved just for you. Another highlight is the surf'n'turf lunch at a beachfront restaurant. And don't worry about getting thirsty – all your drinks are included.

Punta Cana Evening Buggy Tour with Dominican Dinner

This experience has adventure stamped all over it. Off-road buggy or safari truck rides, traditional Taino ceremonies and swimming in underground pools make for an adrenaline-pumping evening from Punta Cana. Juan, one of our local guides, says ‘Caves and cenotes played an important role in the indigenous Taino culture. Despite looking so tempting with their cool aquamarine water, the Taino people never swam in the cenotes or used the water because of their belief that they were a gateway to the underworld.' Plus, you'll enjoy a Dominican dinner and an open bar followed by live music.To kick off your all-action evening, you'll power through the Dominican countryside, zoom along dirt tracks and watch as the landscape transforms from day to night. Guided by torchlight, you'll continue your journey to take a swim in a natural cave pool, known as a cenote, with atmospheric lighting. And if you choose the safari truck option, you'll also get to visit the eerie depths of Yara Cave.With flaming torches lighting the way, you'll make your way back to base for a well-earned drink and a tasty dinner of local cuisine. The restaurant staff pride themselves on creating classic Dominican dishes, freshly prepared with seasonal produce from the island. Rounding off the evening is a traditional Taino dance show and the chance to join in with a boogie or enjoy the open bar under the stars.

Punta Cana coral reef restoration and snorkelling experience

Dive into a world of difference with this eco-conscious tour in Punta Cana – a perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on action to help save our seas. Not only will you get to snorkel through the colourful underwater world, but you'll also play a pivotal role in coral restoration efforts, making every moment of your adventure count towards marine preservation. Maria, one of our local guides, says, 'You're not just a tourist here; you're part of the solution. Under the guidance of our expert team, you'll learn about and participate in cutting-edge techniques aimed at rehabilitating and restoring coral reefs'.Kick off your experience by joining our experts at the Scientific Interpretation Centre and Coral Lab, where you'll learn about coral gardening through methods like microfragmentation. This hands-on activity guided by our knowledgeable guides will help you to discover the intricate beauty and vital importance of these ecosystems. It's an eye-opening experience that highlights the urgency of protecting these underwater treasures.After doing your part for the planet, strap on your snorkel gear and plunge into two distinct coral gardens on a guided snorkelling tour, filled with tropical fish and sea creatures. Wind down your impactful day with some chill time at Coco beach, where refreshments like the ‘coco loco' – an ice-cold coconut drink – are as cool as the ocean breeze. As a part of your adventure, receive a digital certificate from the Bavaro Reef Foundation, cementing your contribution to marine conservation and making this trip a splash hit.

Half-day tour to Xploration Animal Park with local guide

This half-day trip to Xploration Animal Park has family fun stamped all over it. Don't believe us? One of our guides, Noel, gives it his own seal of approval. ‘I'm a father of four, and because we live close to the park, it's one of our favourite places to visit. Whenever I'm guiding this tour, I arrive with a smile on my face, knowing I'll be spending the day surrounded by beautiful landscapes and incredible animals.' You'll be picked up and taken on a scenic voyage into the hills of Nisibon in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. On arrival at Xploration, there's a presentation on the park from one of our expert guides. It's Noel's favourite part of the tour. ‘I love explaining the differences between our animals and how they help us work the land,' he says.Jump aboard the bus for a panoramic drive around the park, or head out on foot to find your own hidden viewpoints over the landscape. You'll spot the likes of rabbit, deer, ostrich and emu, plus see cows being milked. Enjoy a drink and snack as well as time to meet the farm animals, including goats, sheep and pigs. What's more, all visits support the park's dog rescue shelter. And, as the heat ramps up, cool down with the option to kayak, paddleboard or bamboo raft. For Noel, this part of the experience brings back great memories. He says, ‘When I was younger, my family and I used to come and fish at the River Maimon. I remember those days well and want guests to make memories with their own families here, too.'

Tour of the Dominican’s Altos de Chavon artist village

Take a STEP walking tour through the cobbled lanes and leafy squares of Altos de Chavon – a place that's like a little Italy, but in the middle of the Dominican Republic. Along with its art galleries, workshops and al fresco cafés, you can visit its archaeological museum and the amphitheatre that Frank Sinatra christened.Surrounded by pretty gardens, pavement cafés and some stunning scenery, this replica Mediterranean village looks like the real deal. But it's more than just a tourist attraction – it's a culture hub, too.Music megastars like Frank Sinatra, Carlos Santana and the Pet Shop Boys have all graced the stage of its Roman-style amphitheatre. And inside St. Stanislaus Church & Art Museum, you can admire works by local artists. Then there's the shopping. Enjoy free time to explore its boutiques, jewellers and craft shops for gifts and souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.

Full-day tour of Higuey with local lunch in a family home

This snapshot of Dominican life beyond the Coconut Coast has all the makings for a great day out. A sugarcane plantation and a cigar-rolling demonstration are just some of the highlights. But the star turn of the day has got to be lunch in a local family's home. As Ramon, one of our local guides, says, ‘I'm always proud to show off my heritage through our food. Like the island itself, Dominican cuisine has been influenced by Taino, Spanish and African flavours. There's even a hint of the Middle East in some dishes. You'll see, smell and taste a whole new side to our country.'We kick off early, with a trip to Higuey to see the famous Altagracia Basilica – a pilgrimage site because of its miraculous image of Our Lady. Then, make sure to have your camera at the ready as we take a scenic drive through rustic villages, on our way to the next stop – a coconut oil producer. You'll also visit a sugarcane plantation for a rum tasting session and watch a cigar-rolling demonstration with a master of his craft.After such a busy morning, you'll be ready for your lunch. Greeted by a Dominican family, you'll be welcomed into their home for a feast of typical dishes made with locally sourced produce. You'll also get to see the family's farm and coffee plantation, and taste freshly grown cocoa and fruit. We'll round the day of exploration with some time to relax in natural surroundings and maybe enjoy a swim.

Punta Cana Terra Country 4x4 Tour with Tasting Experience

Ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Dominican countryside? This tour promises to be as thrilling as it is enlightening. As you navigate through tropical landscapes on your 4x4 quad bike, you'll see glimpses of the authentic Dominican life. Our expert local guide Maria shares, “You'll connect with people, traditions, flavours, and natural wonders on this tour – like the sacred ‘La Seiba' tree, worshipped by the ancient Taino Indians – for a glimpse of the island's past.” Kick-start your day by visiting a typical Dominican home, where you'll get an intimate taste of rural life. Savour a traditional dish bursting with flavour after watching how to prepare it, then try fresh coffee and local chocolate. The quality of the organic products here are a reflection of local traditions and give Dominican cuisine its vibrant flavours. Then it's time to unwind at the riverside. Dive into the refreshing water of a country swimming pool with a backdrop of mountains or try your hand at river fishing under the guidance of local experts. Your tour concludes at a scenic countryside ranch where you can relish the opportunity to relax by the pool with an open bar of beer and rum. This extraordinary trip combines cultural immersion, thrilling adventure, culinary delights, and natural beauty.

Coco Bongo

Party the night away at Punta Cana's legendary Coco Bongo nightclub, where a Vegas-style extravaganza awaits. With unlimited drinks and a four-hour show featuring dancers, performers, acrobats and singers you'll be swept away by Coco Bongo's dazzling nighttime atmosphere. There are five options to choose from – Drink Package, Regular Entrance, Premium Entrance, Gold Member and Front Row.The fun starts as soon as you're dropped off at Coco Bongo, famed for its glittering performances and music that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor. Once the lights are dimmed, the show truly gets started with confetti falling from the sky and tribute acts taking to the stage bringing the best of Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyoncé to you.Dancers re-enact famous scenes from Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and many more Broadway favourites, and acrobats swoop and spin above you. And with an open bar, you'll have free-flowing drinks all night long until it's time to be whisked back to your hotel after a show to remember. Choose your package:Drink Pack – 5 locally branded drinksRegular Entrance – Unlimited locally branded drinks Premium Entrance – Unlimited premium drinksGold Member – Separate fast-track Gold Member entrance, reserved seating, unlimited premium drinks Front Row – Separate fast-track Gold Member Entrance, reserved Front Row in a limited capacity seating area with personalised service, unlimited premium drinks

Punta Cana Dolphin Swim Tour

Put a big tick on the bucket list with a visit to Dolphin Explorer Park. You'll get to interact or swim with dolphins. And with a range of experiences to choose from, you decide just how close you'll get to the world's friendliest sea creatures.

Monkeyland adventure park

Monkeys aren't the only thing you'll see swinging through the trees on this day out. At Punta Cana's premier primate park, you can fly through the forest canopy too. Head to Monkeyland's spectacular mountain surrounds to spot super-cute squirrel monkeys and then hit the heights for a thrilling 12-wire zipline course.