Private Tour: Salinas Beach and Dunes Rural Food Adventure
Explore the natural treasures of the Dominican Republic on this private tour of the idyllic southwestern part of the island. Think nature reserves, deserted beaches and some of the biggest sand dunes in the entire Caribbean. Throw in some tasty local street food and a traditional lunch in our favourite seafood restaurant and you have a recipe for an unforgettable day trip! Just make sure your camera/phone is fully charged to capture some breathtaking holiday snaps!
Highlights
- Explore the largest sand dunes in the Caribbean and enjoy magical sea views
- Taste delicious Dominican street food and snacks from the south of the island
- Learn about sea salt production at one of the oldest salt works in the country
- Enjoy some time on a secluded beach that locals love
- End your day with a memorable seafood lunch at one of the best restaurants in the south of the island
Full Itinerary
Our adventure starts from Santo Domingo. We’ll head out in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and make our way to the barely explored southwest of the island. Here nature and culture remain almost untouched by tourism and modern life.
Our first stop will be at a local parador, a sort of luxury residence where you will learn about Dominican cuisine. You will also have an opportunity to try local dishes such as pastel en hojas, made with plantain and roots, stuffed with mouth-watering stewed beef and covered with plantain leaves.
If your visit happens to coincide with the mango season, we will visit Bani, known by locals as mango land! Here we will stop to taste some of the sweetest and most delicious varieties of the fruit that you’re likely to taste anywhere.
At our next stop you will try some really special native treats made from locally grown corn. The recipe goes back hundreds of years and the sweet and salty varieties remain popular with locals. As we eat our snacks, you will be served a refreshingly cold coconut water (in the coconut of course!) and your guide will talk to you about the types of handicrafts that are indigenous to the island.
With our bellies happy, we will arrive at the Dunes National Park, where we’ll channel our inner explorer and go and study the biggest dune. If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top where you will be rewarded with dazzling views of the Caribbean and the secluded, cobbled beach below.
From here we’ll take you to Salinas Beach — with its powdery sand and palm trees, this is that tropical beach you dream about during the long, cold winters back home! We will spend some time here, soaking up the beach vibes and maybe going for a swim, all the while admiring the beauty of this secluded bay.
After some relaxation time on the beach, we’ll make our way to the nearby salt works, where you will learn how organic sea salt is traditionally made, right here on the island. Get your camera ready because this place is impossibly picturesque and will be an envy-inducing addition to your social media feeds!
Finally, we will enjoy a fabulous dinner together at a local family restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Dominican seafood (most likely caught that day) with an ice-cold beer in hand.
Your guide will then take you back to your accommodation. Before you go, don’t forget to ask for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay in the stunning Dominican Republic.
Note that the food samples may vary from tour to tour depending on what is available that day
Dress standard: Please wear closed-toe shoes to walk at the dunes, hat or cap, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel and change of dry clothes.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We’ll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours. If you make your last minutes booking, you should call to our local hotline number to check the availability
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
Dietary Notes: We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@dominicananadventures.tours
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DepartureWe can pick you up at any hotel or private address in Santo Domingo City, near the Santo Domingo Cruise Terminal or the Sans Souci Cruise Terminal. Please provide your pick-up address when you book the tour
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Departure TimePickup time: 9.00 AM
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Return Time4:00 PM
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IncludedLocal English-speaking guide1 bottle of waterDominican lunch with fish and sea foodNational park entranceSalt work entrance2 corn treats1 beer or soda1 pastel en hojasPrivate transport
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Not IncludedAdditional food and drinksSouvenirs and personal shoppingTips/gratuities for your guide
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Maps
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Testimonials
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Incredible tour at an incredible price! This tour was amazing! A blend of both the historical elements of the city as well as the natural elements... read moreThis tour was amazing! A blend of both the historical elements of the city as well as the natural elements found at the National Park. The Los Tres Ojos park was simply breathtaking and our tour guide (Rainer) brought us to see another area of the caves where a 4th lake is. He even discussed the films that have used footage from this area including the original Jurassic Park. It was amazing how some of the lakes seemed to glow a bright teal when the sunlight hit them. Rainer's extensive knowledge of the historical buildings and areas of the city was also excellent. He described the city and his country with such pride and passion. It was exciting to hear about the history from someone who so clearly loves to share it with others. I cannot believe the price of this tour considering how much you are able to see and experience.My only word of warning, when you are leaving the Los Tres Ojos, there are many vendors set up who will instantly harass you and try to get you to buy things. The prices are ridiculous and they are very aggressive. I ended up buying a couple of things just to satisfy them and leave but when my friend politely declined (at least 20 times), the second she turned around, I saw them sneer at her and start speaking very "rudely" about her. They assumed we couldn't understand and continued to say some pretty awful things until our group left. Just be prepared for that. (Not the fault of Rainer or the tour). Again, if you are looking for a way to see a large amount of landmarks and take in the beauty of the city at a very small price, do yourself a favor and book this tour! read less 
shepdep2 years ago - BRILLIANT experience with SD Urban Adventures I did two tours this weekend with Santo Domingo Urban Adventures--City of Firsts, and Sights, Sounds, and Tastes--and both were... read moreI did two tours this weekend with Santo Domingo Urban Adventures--City of Firsts, and Sights, Sounds, and Tastes--and both were absolutely brilliant! Miguel (City of Firsts) and Rainer (Sights, Sounds, and Tastes) were fantastic guides. It's the low season for tourism right now in the DR and so for both tours I was on my own, but from the start it was like hanging out with old friends. I am so impressed with the knowledge and enthusiasm of Miguel and Rainer, and with their evident love of their city and passion for sharing it with others. I knew very little of the history and culture here before these tours, but now feel like I have seen Santo Domingo through the eyes of experts. I would highly recommend both tours for anyone who wants to see the real Santo Domingo and have a very memorable experience this fascinating city. More read less
_kleissle2 years ago - Best day ever -) I have booked this tour via web site ... i did such reservation first time in my life and was... read moreI have booked this tour via web site ... i did such reservation first time in my life and was a little bit worried especially because it was in such city as Santo DomingoBut I have received all the confirmation and nesessary information on my mail very soon. On the meeting point I found a very pleasant tour guide Louise. The tour suppose to be the group one but I was alone this day so it was an individual that is very good .Louis is very intelligend and educated guy. We spent increadable 4 hours being in not really touristic places that you will never see alone. Louis also helped me with some hotel questions . So I truly recommend to use Urban Adventure service -))) read less julia P1 year ago
- What a wonderful cultural exerience! Jose (my friend) you are the best!!! When I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had... read moreWhen I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had reservations at a very nice all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, but I know (from experience) these type places actually kind of shield you from the true flavor, culture and experience of the country they are supposed to represent. So, I set out to find an experienced and highly regarded local guide. Using the internet and friending several people on FB, I found several people that had wonderful experiences with Mr. Jose. After contacting and discussing what I was looking for myself and Wife to experience, I felt I could not go wrong. Well, I was SO right. Jose is a fine gentleman and true steward of his fine country. His knowledge and passion is second to none. We only had a day to go to the city and he utilized every second of our day to the fullest! He gifted me with exactly what I had asked him to provide, a true taste of The Dominican Republic. The city, the rich colonial history, the forest, a waterfall (that we had all to our selves), a wonderful little rural town (where we dined on very authentic, amazing food with locals), some freshly prepared milk candy that was to die for and all the history and local flavor that we could soak in, within the 12 hours we spent together. We... When I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had reservations at a very nice all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, but I know (from experience) these type places actually kind of shield you from the true flavor, culture and experience of the country they are supposed to represent. So, I set out to find an experienced and highly regarded local guide. Using the internet and friending several people on FB, I found several people that had wonderful experiences with Mr. Jose. After contacting and discussing what I was looking for myself and Wife to experience, I felt I could not go wrong. Well, I was SO right. Jose is a fine gentleman and true steward of his fine country. His knowledge and passion is second to none. We only had a day to go to the city and he utilized every second of our day to the fullest! He gifted me with exactly what I had asked him to provide, a true taste of The Dominican Republic. The city, the rich colonial history, the forest, a waterfall (that we had all to our selves), a wonderful little rural town (where we dined on very authentic, amazing food with locals), some freshly prepared milk candy that was to die for and all the history and local flavor that we could soak in, within the 12 hours we spent together. We so enjoyed ourselves that I am already planning to bring my 17 year old stepson and stay in the city, so we have more time to soak up the beautiful Dominican culture. That day was truly one of the most memorable I've ever had traveling and to top it all off, we gained a new friend. Muchos gracias amigo, Brian K Pinsonat & Angela T PinsonatHope to see you soon! More read less
C2472GMbrianp2 years ago
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