Half-Day Caribbean Culture and Eco-Safari

Saona Island highlights boat tour with buffet lunch

Total relaxation awaits on this full day cruise to Saona Island's dazzling shores. You'll explore this tropical daydream Caribbean Isle, soaking up the sun and the vibrant colours while you stroll along palm-shaded beaches. First up is a coastal tour of Cotubanama National Park, then you'll stop at a natural pool for a dip before heading to the beach for lunch and free time. Ramon, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Our priority is to protect our pristine environment and all the species that make Saona so special. We were the first country to protect manatees by law, and we have a turtle conservation programme here on the island, too.'After a relaxing cruise over to Saona, the sightseeing can begin in earnest. You'll cruise the shoreline of the Cotubanama National Park while your local guide points out the island wildlife. See the rocks of El Peñón, and then glide through the Catuano channel. Next, it's time to cool off in the azure water of the natural pools, formed by sandbanks in the open sea. The water is such a tempting shade of blue you won't be able to resist.Docking at one of Saona Island's fabulous beaches, you'll step off the boat for some beach time. There's the Caribbean for paddling, soft white sand to dip your toes in, and a volleyball pitch to play on. Or you could take the simplest option and just stretch out in the sun. After your tasty buffet lunch is served, there's more free time to enjoy the magical setting.

Saona Island catamaran cruise with private beach area 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Scape Park

Thrill-seekers of all ages will love Scape Park's main attraction – adventure in nature. You can choose a whole host of activities throughout the day. But one thing that's guaranteed is adrenaline-pumping action in some seriously impressive surroundings.All family members are taken care of, too, with a wide range of things to do – so all you need to bring along is your sense of adventure. Kick off the fun with a high-flying zip-line experience and then cool off at the famous Hoyo Azul.If you're looking for even more action, then you can explore the impressive Iguabonita Cave, swim in a cenote, or even drive your own off-road buggy – there's no end to the fun at Scape Park.Your options include the following activities:Scape Park Full Day: Zip-line eco splash, Saltos Azules, cave expedition and swim, cultural route, Animalarium and Hoyo Azul Cave tourScape Park Full Day Special: Enjoy the same activities included in Scape Park full day, plus a 45-minute off-road buggy driving experience and a go at some cliff-hanging. Minimum age is 13 for this option

Horse Riding

Leaving nothing but a trail of hoof prints behind you, you'll trot, canter and gallop your way through forest and palm-fringed beaches on this horseback ride. You'll have the chance to experience the Dominican Republic's landscape exactly the way nature intended.From the hotel, you'll soon arrive at a traditional ranch where you'll be given all the gear you need and paired up with a horse. Then, into the stirrups and up onto the saddle, you'll set off through untouched countryside with only peace and tranquillity around you.You'll take the reins through forest trails, darting in and out of shaded spots and looking out for wildlife as we go, until we arrive at the mouth of the River Maimon – a protected area. You'll then canter past sugar-white beaches before reaching the ranch once again.

Adventure Boogies

This wild buggy ride through the Dominican countryside makes for a morning of adrenaline-pumping adventure. As well as rumbling through rustic villages, you'll visit an organic farm and cool off with a swim in a cenote. There's no better way to put a bit of oomph into your holidays.After pick-up, we'll head to a ranch for a safety briefing and the lowdown on Terracross buggies. Don your helmet, put on your belt and give it some welly. You'll zoom across the backwoods to the co-op farm. Your guide will tell you about and let you try traditional Dominican products such as coconut oil, chocolate tea, tobacco, rum, cocoa and, of course, the world-famous coffee.Buggy driving can be a messy business, so you'll round up with a chance to freshen up with a swim in a cenote – a natural spring of crystal clear water.

Adults Only Caribbean Cruise by Sharky Catamarans

Sharky Catamarans are the kings of the Caribbean when it comes to cruises. When you're not enjoying the atmosphere on board, you'll be snorkelling in a coral reef teeming with exotic fish, or wallowing chest-deep in a natural pool as you sip a drink from a floating bar. And to top it all, there's a sizzling seafood lunch included, too.