Columbus was so enamoured by the beauty of this tropical island that he even considered staying rather than return to his native Spain. From the UNESCO world heritage site that is Santo Domingo's colonial quarter, to the lush rainforests of the Dominican Alps, we discover the best bits of the interior before unwinding on the coast with the chance (in season) to watch one of nature's finest spectacles; humpback whales mating and calving in the Bay of Samana.

Dominican Alps
After exploring the well preserved colonial city of Santo Domingo, we drive inland past fields of flowers and coffee plantations up to the refreshing climate of the Dominican Alps. From our base at Jarabocoa we discover the surrounding forests and jungle falls on foot or there's the chance to try your hand at white-water rafting, canyoning or mountain biking.

Jungle Caves
From the mountains we descend slowly towards the Atlantic coast of Caberete, pausing at El Choco National Park to discover a network of ancient caves hidden from view along the jungle trails we follow with our guide.

Samana Peninsula & Whales
Continuing down the rugged coast interspersed with idyllic sandy coves, we arrive on the Samana Peninsula. Walking to the spectacular falls at El Limon we also take a boat trip across the bay for a full day exploring the caves and mangrove swamps of Los Haitises National Park. This region is famous for its humpback whales which, from mid January to mid March each year, bring the waters in the Bay of Samana alive, offering excellent whale watching opportunities.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Santo Domingo. 2 In Santo Domingo; city tour; drive Jarabocoa. 3 In Jarabocoa; jungle walks and optional white-water rafting. 4 Drive to Caberete via El Choco NP. 5 Drive Samana Peninsula; walk to El Limon falls. 6 & 7 On Samana Peninsula; full day exploring Los Haitises NP and optional whale watching (mid Jan - mid Mar). 8 Ferry and drive to Santo Domingo. 9 End Santo Domingo.

Accommodation: 8nts hotel; 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Charter Bus/On Foot/Boat/Ferry.
Comment: An active exploration of this compact, yet varied Caribbean island. Walks are graded as easy and the more strenuous activities are optional. The whale watching season is from mid January to mid March only.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: DI