• Rest, restore, relax in Samaná, your setting for this wellness retreat. Enjoy twice daily guided yoga and meditation sessions, snorkel in the crystal clear waters or nap in a hammock on the beach. 

• Immerse in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic. Take a bachata dance class, savor the delicious local cuisine and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful island country. 

• Explore the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was founded in 1498 and boasts the first cathedral, hospital and university in the colonized world. 

Day 1: ¡Bienvenidos a República Dominicana!

Arrive at Las Américas International Airport (SDG) in Santo Domingo, where you will meet your guide/s who will stay with you for the duration of your trip. Depending on your arrival time, spend your first day exploring the cobblestone streets of the Colonial Zone and enjoying the sounds, tastes, and sights of this gorgeous seaside city. Let the rhythms of the Dominican Republic sweep you off your feet with a latin dance class before you head out to bachata the night away.

Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo
Day 2: Samaná

Transfer in the morning to Samaná, your setting for the week. Spend the day enjoying the white sand and turquoise waters before an evening yoga session during sunset. Participate in a short introductory discussion about the concepts of permaculture and restorative farming practices in the evening. 

Overnight: Hotel / Lodge Samana

Day 3: Relaxation Day

Rest, Restore, Relax. Today, we’ll slow things down. You’ll have your breakfast and morning yoga session, but then it’s up to you where your day goes from there. Feel like reading on the beach? Searching for seashells or taking a nap in a hammock? Today is your day! You’ll also be able to opt in to an evening yoga session.

Overnight:  Hotel / Lodge Samana

Day 4: Agriculture Workshop and Beach

After a morning yoga session, head out to learn about important local issues. Enjoy a delicious local Dominican lunch before a regenerative agriculture workshop. Learn about how permaculture supports local community members and get your hands dirty assisting the organization. Spend the late afternoon beach-hopping before heading back to the hotel for dinner and a slow-paced evening yoga session and guided meditation to unwind and reflect on the day's activities.

Overnight:  Hotel / Lodge Samana

Day 5: Los Haitises National Park

Wake to the sounds of birds singing and enjoy a morning session with the river flowing in the background. After breakfast, hop the ferry to Los Haitises National Park, keeping an eye out for dolphins and manatees. Settle in at your hotel, a stunning ecolodge nestled into the hillside with river-fed pools and a magnificent view of Samaná Bay. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the national park, explore hidden beaches, and ogle at thousand-year-old cave pictographs. End your day with an evening yoga session.

Overnight:  Lodge Los Haitises National Park

Day 6: Santo Domingo

Wake up for a morning sun salutation and watch the sunrise over Samaná Bay. Spend the rest of the morning at your leisure on the beach or snorkeling the crystal clear waters. After lunch, head back to Santo Domingo to visit some of our favorite spots in the Colonial Zone (handmade shoes! chocolate museum!) before a final group dinner of mouth-watering Dominican dishes and one last chance to put those Latin dance skills to the test.  

Overnight: Hotel Santo Domingo

Day 7: Departure Day

Enjoy a final coffee on the plaza or a stroll through town as you grab any last gifts or handicrafts from the artisan markets. Our staff will then take you to the airport in private transport in time for your flight home.

*Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.

Carry-On Luggage

A small backpack is the best carry-on bag—it can double as a day-pack once you arrive

• Passport and wallet (travel wallet that can be hidden under clothing is a good idea)

• Photocopy of passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)

  • Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure and has plenty of empty pages.

• Book and/or journal

• Pen to fill out custom forms upon arrival

• Phone / Camera / Chargers

• Change of clothes (optional)

• Water bottle (refillable - Nalgene 1L)

• Medication

• Visa documentation (if applicable)

• Earbuds

Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

• Yoga mat

• Clothes for daily yoga sessions x 2 per day

• Socks (enough for each day + 1 or  2 long socks)

• Underwear (enough for each day)

• Pants/capris (2)

• Long shorts* (2-3)

• Long skirt (1)

• T-shirts (5-6)

• Long sleeved shirt (1 preferably darker color in case of night walk and 1 lighter color for sun protection)

• Swimsuit (2 or 3)

• Beach towel/sarong/quick dry towel

• Rain jacket

• Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)

• Sneakers (comfortable and previously broken in)

• Sunglasses/hat

Toiletries (travel-sized and in ziplock bags)

• Be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, feminine hygiene products and if bringing medications, be sure to bring enough for the duration of travel.

• Foam earplugs, personal medkit and wet wipes are also recommended.

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• 7 days/6 nights of accommodation at top hotels

• Private airport pickup and drop off and all scheduled transportation throughout trip 

• All activities as detailed here (activities can be added at an additional cost)

• Bottled water for your refillable bottle

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day (one to two dinners on own)

• A local guide with you throughout the trip

• Local support team on call 24/7

• Contribution to local organizations and/or projects 

What's Not Included

• Travel Insurance

• International flights, visa fees and COVID-19 testing

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks unless otherwise stated

• Personal expenses (phone, laundry, cabs, etc.)

• Optional activities not outlined in the itinerary

• Tips to hotel or lodge staff

• End of retreat gratuity for drivers and guides

Do I need a passport to travel to the Dominican Republic?

You must have a passport to travel internationally. When you book your trip with Off Cape Experiences, we ask that you submit a copy of your passport in part to verify whether it’ll be valid when you travel. To travel, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from your trip and has at least one (and probably more) empty pages. 

Renewing a passport can take four months so if it doesn’t meet the above criteria, start the process immediately. 

• Learn more about how to renew an existing passport.

• Learn more about how to expedite your passport renewal.

• Learn more about how to apply for a first-time passport.

Make copies of your passport and keep one in a safe place not with your passport. This will come in very handy if you misplace it and need to get a new one.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic?

Visas aren’t required for U.S., Canadian or EU citizens visiting the Dominican Republic for less than 30 days. Learn more by visiting the U.S. State Department website. 

Travelers from outside the U.S. with other passports should review entry requirements for your home country, or get in touch and we’ll help you navigate this process.

What do I write on the customs card as my reason for being in the Dominican Republic?

Please list tourism/travel as your reason for visiting the Dominican Republic. 

What vaccines are required for travel to the Dominican Republic?

None if traveling from the U.S. However, we recommend reviewing the CDC Traveler’s Health page for the Dominican Republic, which recommends a number of vaccines, including childhood vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies and Typhoid. Please be sure to consult your doctor to decide what medicine is right for you. 

In addition to vaccines, if you take prescriptions, please bring enough for the duration of your trip. Obtaining your prescriptions in the Dominican Republic may not be possible. Some other prescription tips:

• Pack you’r prescriptions in their original, labeled containers. We suggest you pack them in your carry-on bag.

• Be sure to bring enough contact solution and personal hygiene products for the duration of your trip. Ear plugs are also a good idea to have on your flight.

• A personal First Aid kit is always a good idea to have on you when traveling abroad. 

Is the tap water safe to drink? 

Water from the tap is generally safe to use for brushing teeth etc, but participants will be provided as much bottled water as they can drink. Bringing a Nalgene or similar 1 Liter refillable bottle is highly recommended and promotes sustainable travel and respect for the places we are traveling.

In addition, routine hand washing before and after meals and after using the bathroom will cut down on your chances of getting sick. Although delicious and a great way to experience local culture, eating street food can also increase your chance of getting sick. 

What will the food be like? What kind of dietary requirements/food allergies can you accommodate?  

Group members will eat a combination of local Dominican dishes and more western-style dishes. Breakfasts typically include cereal, breads, eggs, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners range from traditional Dominican food – rice and beans, chicken, seafood, plantains, fresh fruit and salad – to pastas, barbeques, tacos etc.

Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please make sure to let us know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that the variety of foods available for some dietary preferences may become a little repetitive on longer trips.

Is it safe where we’re going in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic is generally a safe place to travel. However, using common sense is a must. You will be briefed upon arrival at each location. Listen to briefings from your guides and ask questions! Do not assume. 

We highly suggest avoiding excess alcohol intake and being out late at night, especially alone. 

What happens if I need medical care while in country?

Our staff will take you to the clinic or hospital that has been previously vetted in the area. It is important that each traveler purchase Travel Medical Insurance.

What’s the weather like?

The Dominican Republic is surrounded by over 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of coastline on its north, east, and southern borders, and the climate is tropical. Noontime temperatures range from 27°C to 32°C (80°F to 90°F ), and can fall to 18°C and 23°C (64°F to 73°F) during the winter. Because the DR is in the tropics, it is hard to say if and when there is a rainy season. Rains are usually short lasting.

Do I need to bring cash? How much? 

It’s always a good idea to bring some US dollars as spending money. ATM cards with Plus or Cirrus network (or both, so with standard debit cards like Mastercard or Visa you should be fine). Beware of fees your bank may charge you though for international withdrawals.  Contact your bank beforehand as banks often freeze the account when used abroad. We can help you exchange dollars for pesos. 

Some additional info about cash and money:

• ATMs are widely available and offer decent exchange rates, even when including fees from your bank.

• Travelers Checks are not recommended as you will receive a lower rate of exchange and additional fees to use them.

• Bargaining is acceptable in some places such as street vendors, when buying souvenirs in the Dominican Republic. Stores, not so much. How much you want to push it is up to you. Ask yourself what you would pay for that item at home, compare the price and find somewhere in the middle that is reasonable for both parties. Remember to keep a smile on your face and always be polite. It’s a good thing when both sides of the deal are happy.

Is tipping expected in the Dominican Republic?

Yes. You’ll be expected to tip your guides and service staff you interact with while traveling in the Dominican Republic. How much to tip is up to you, but please use the following as a guide: As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%. Whether you're tipping with cash or card, always use the local currency to save money.

Should I bring my expensive digital camera?

If you want to capture images your phone can not capture, then yes. Cameras are or can be an important piece of equipment while traveling. If you want to record memories to revisit later. As for what type of camera or lens to bring, it’s entirely up to you. Whichever camera you decide to bring, be sure to become familiar and comfortable using it before departing for your adventure. 

Photo etiquette is very important. The etiquette of photographing most people is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph people. If you want to shoot a portrait, show interest in your subject, and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your driver-guides can help.  

Will my phone work in the Dominican Republic?

Probably, if you pay for it. Check with your provider for roaming rates and international data packages before traveling. These rates can pile up very quickly and be extremely expensive.

If you have a travel phone or a phone with a slot for an extra SIM card, you can buy a local SIM card with data for the duration of your stay. This usually ends up being the cheapest option, though not always the most convenient.

Do I need a power adapter to charge my devices?

American electronics generally do NOT need any adaptors. In some places outlets might be two pronged instead of three. So you might want to pick up a three prong adaptor on Amazon or your local hardware store before traveling. That being said, most places have standard three prongs, same as the U.S.

How will we get around in the Dominican Republic?

We work with a local transportation company that has a private fleet of vehicles for you to travel comfortably as we move about the country.