Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration

Arrive at Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo (SDQ) and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head directly to Bayahibe and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion and get an introduction to the local culture. Start learning about marine conservation from the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies – FUNDEMAR.

Flights: Rustic Pathways is happy to book your flights as an optional add-on service.

Overnight: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic

Divide into small groups as you familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques of marine life conservation. Get busy building coral reef structures, monitoring marine life, creating buoys, and completing other coastal tasks depending on local needs. Enjoy an evening getting to know your group and your beautiful beach town over dinner and a gorgeous sunset.

Optional Activities:

These program activities can be added on these days for an extra per-person fee:

Relaxing Lagoon Visit – Enjoy a dip in the stunning blue waters of the Hoyo Claro cenote. Take a stroll to this secret oasis and then soak in the views as you enjoy a one-of-a-kind excursion.

Ziplining – Get your adrenaline pumping as you zipline above the scenic landscapes at a treasured spot in the Dominican Republic.

Overnight: Hotel, Bayahibe

Hop aboard a boat headed to Saona Island where community members protect vulnerable sea turtle populations. Learn how they’re creating change at the grassroots level. If possible, participate in a beach walk late at night to look for turtles and their eggs. If you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a mama turtle laying eggs!

*Note – The turtle walk is dependent on turtle season, which generally runs from March – November. We will substitute alternative activities in other seasons.

Overnight: Isla Saona, Bayahibe

Sleep in and enjoy the beach after a long night. Once you return to Bayahibe, you’ll take a bus ride north to Sabana de la Mar in a remote corner of the island. Enjoy views of limestone rock formations and keep an eye out for the many endemic animal species that live in this part of the country. Arrive in time for a discussion about your next service projects and a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Paraiso Cano Hondo, Sabana de la Mar

Work alongside park rangers and youth volunteers in Los Haitises National Park that’s home to a high percentage of the country’s biodiversity and indigenous fauna. Help restore mangrove ecosystems and the marine life that rely on them, including dolphins that feed in Samaná Bay. Take a boat tour to view the park’s sights. Stop to visit ancient caves that were once important to the indigenous Taino culture.

Overnight: Paraiso Cano Hondo, Sabana de la Mar

Head back to the capital to the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the first university, cathedral, and hospital in the Americas. Tour the walled city and learn about the deep history of the first European settlement in the Americas. Enjoy a special dinner and dance show at a typical Dominican restaurant.

At the end of each program, students join in the Rustic Ties ceremony, reflecting on their experiences and talking about how to apply the lessons they’ve learned to their own worlds.

Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo

Say goodbye to your new friends and to the beautiful DR. Your program leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say farewell and reflect on your adventure.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways can book your flights upon request.