9-Day Dominican Republic Southwest Expedition with National Geographic Explorer Topher White
Duration
9 days
Max Group Size
40
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
moderate
Operated In
English, Spanish
Age Requirement
11 - 70 Ages
About this tour
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route: Santo Domingo → Baní → La Descubierta → Lake Enriquillo → Puerto Escondido → Barahona → Pedernales → Santo Domingo.
Discover a different side of the Dominican Republic, where historic streets give way to coastal dunes, wildlife-rich lakes, mountain forests and quiet Caribbean beaches. This nine-day southwest expedition brings together nature, Dominican culture and conservation, with time to meet local communities and experience the landscapes they call home.
Travel with Topher White, founder of Rainforest Connection and a National Geographic Explorer, alongside local Dominican guides. His work connects conservation with acoustic technology, helping partners listen to and protect threatened ecosystems.
Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, discover sustainable cacao farming, search for wildlife around Lake Enriquillo and walk the Rabo de Gato birdwatching trail. Continue along Barahona’s scenic coast to Pedernales for a boat excursion to Bahía de las Águilas, with opportunities to swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach.
According to the supplied trip arrangements, participation supports Rainforest Connection’s conservation work in the Dominican Republic and beyond. An optional workshop offers a closer look at how acoustic monitoring helps local conservation partners protect biodiversity.
Route
- 1Santo DomingoNorth AmericaDominican RepublicStart
- 2BaniNorth AmericaDominican Republic
- 3La DescubiertaNorth AmericaDominican Republic
- 4Vengan a VerNorth AmericaDominican RepublicIndependencia
- 5BarahonaNorth AmericaDominican Republic
- 6Balneario Los PatosNorth AmericaDominican Republic
- 7Santo DomingoNorth AmericaDominican RepublicEnd
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Upon arrival at Las Américas International Airport, meet the tour team and transfer to your hotel in Santo Domingo.
After check-in, enjoy welcome refreshments and time to settle in. Gather for dinner and an introduction to the journey, your guides and the conservation experiences ahead.
Overnight: Santo Domingo.
After breakfast, explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone with your guide. Discover Calle Las Damas and historic landmarks such as the Catedral Primada de América, Museo de las Casas Reales and Alcázar de Colón. Visits and interior access follow the confirmed schedule and opening arrangements. A separate stop at the Columbus Lighthouse may also be arranged.
Continue to a cacao farm for an introduction to sustainable cacao cultivation, agroforestry and the journey from bean to chocolate. Complete the experience with a guided tasting.
Travel towards Baní, stopping for a traditional Dominican lunch along the way. In the late afternoon, visit the Baní Dunes to experience the coastal landscape in the changing light. Depending on the route and conditions, nearby habitats may offer opportunities to observe shorebirds.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner. Optional stargazing may be possible if skies are clear.
Overnight: Baní.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for La Descubierta. The journey takes you deeper into the southwest, passing agricultural valleys, dry landscapes and mountain scenery.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of Lake Enriquillo.
Overnight: La Descubierta.
After breakfast, travel to Lake Enriquillo for a guided boat expedition, subject to operating conditions and park access.
Look for crocodiles, iguanas and wetland birds while learning about the lake’s ecology and the challenges facing its wildlife. The planned exploration includes Isla Cabritos where access is permitted. Visit Las Caritas separately to discover its rock carvings and views across the surrounding landscape.
Later, meet community hosts for a cultural memory walk and medicinal garden tour. Learn how local knowledge connects plants, daily life and community history, and take part in a traditional wellness workshop.
Enjoy a community-prepared lunch, followed by time at La Azufrada if local conditions allow. Return to your accommodation for dinner, with optional stargazing in the evening.
Overnight: La Descubierta.
Depart La Descubierta and travel towards Vengan a Ver for a locally prepared lunch.
Continue to the Puerto Escondido area for a guided birdwatching walk along the Rabo de Gato trail. Your guide will help you search for species such as Hispaniolan todies, the Hispaniolan lizard-cuckoo, Antillean piculet, Hispaniolan trogon, white-necked crow and Hispaniolan oriole. Sightings depend on the season and conditions.
An optional Rainforest Connection conservation workshop may be available. Alongside staff and local partners, learn how Guardian acoustic monitoring systems work and, where appropriate, help prepare equipment for a planned installation.
Continue to Barahona and check in to your accommodation.
Overnight: Barahona.
Leave Barahona and travel along the southwest coast towards Pedernales, enjoying views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
An optional larimar mine visit offers an introduction to the gemstone’s formation, extraction and importance to local livelihoods. Access depends on operating and safety conditions; the visit does not guarantee entry into active underground workings.
Continue to Pedernales, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Pedernales.
Set out on a boat excursion to Bahía de las Águilas for a day by the Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy time for swimming, beach walks and coastal photography. Snorkeling may be arranged where sea conditions and the confirmed excursion permit, with opportunities to observe marine life responsibly.
Additional activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, guided marine exploration or birdwatching, may be available through local providers. These are optional and depend on availability and suitable conditions.
Return to Pedernales after your beach experience.
Overnight: Pedernales.
Depart Pedernales for the return journey to Santo Domingo. Follow the Barahona coastal road, with planned stops for photographs and a short visit to Los Patos River, subject to timing.
Stop at a local fruit market to discover seasonal tropical produce and experience another taste of Dominican life.
An optional stop at Ocoa Bay in Azua can add a vineyard and agricultural experience to the day. Depending on the booked package, this may include a vineyard or cellar tour, wine and local-product tastings, an organic garden visit and a farm-to-table lunch.
Arrive in Santo Domingo and check in to your hotel for your final evening.
Overnight: Santo Domingo.
Enjoy breakfast before your scheduled transfer to Las Américas International Airport.
Depart with memories of the Dominican Republic’s southwest, its communities and the conservation work helping protect its natural landscapes.
Trip includes
Included
Eight nights of accommodation in selected hotels and lodges, as confirmed for your departure. Accommodation during the expedition will be arranged at comfortable local hotels along the route, subject to availability. We’re focusing on clean, well-located and good-value properties rather than luxury resorts or boutique hotels.
Examples include Colonial Class Hotel Santo Domingo, Hotel Playazul in Barahona.
Guided by National Geographic Explorer Topher White
Local Dominican Republic Guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
English
SpanishSelected meals, tastings, snacks and welcome refreshments.
Arrival and departure airport transfers within the confirmed arrangements.
Guiding by Topher White, as specified in the confirmed departure arrangements.
Local Dominican guides for scheduled experiences.
Scheduled group transportation throughout the itinerary.
Guided visits and excursions identified as included in the final booking confirmation.
Travel style: This is a guided nature and cultural expedition with road journeys, boat excursions, outdoor walks and stays in remote areas.
Physical requirements: Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven ground, sand and forest trails, and boarding small boats. Discuss mobility needs before booking.
Itinerary timing: Day 2 combines several experiences, while Day 8 involves a long return journey. Optional stops may require adjustments to the schedule.
Accommodation: The planned eight nights are divided between Santo Domingo, Baní, La Descubierta, Barahona and Pedernales. The final hotel list is provided with departure confirmation.
Meals: Selected meals are included. A complete daily meal plan should be confirmed before booking.
Wildlife: All animals are observed in their natural habitats; sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Boat and beach activities: Lake access, island visits, swimming and snorkeling depend on weather, water conditions, permissions and local guidance.
Conservation participation: Workshop availability depends on local partners, staff and project needs. Any guest involvement follows conservation team instructions.
What to bring: Lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and binoculars.
Community experiences: Ask permission before photographing residents and respect local customs.
Named guide: Confirm Topher White’s participation for your selected departure before booking.
Conservation contribution: The operator should confirm how participation supports Rainforest Connection and whether a specific contribution is included.
National Geographic reference: The name describes Topher White’s Explorer recognition; it should not be used to imply that National Geographic operates or endorses the tour.
Excluded
International and domestic flights.
Travel insurance.
Meals and beverages outside the confirmed meal plan.
Optional Rainforest Connection workshop, unless expressly included.
Optional larimar mine visit.
Optional Ocoa Bay vineyard experience, wine tasting and farm-to-table lunch.
Optional watersports and additional marine activities.
Optional stargazing sessions, where separately arranged.
Entrance fees, equipment rental or activity charges not expressly included in the booking confirmation.
Personal expenses and gratuities.
Private transfers outside the scheduled group arrangements.
Availability
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