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Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic: Marine Life and Coastal Restoration — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 16 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Engage in efforts to save threatened coral reefs in the Caribbean. Learn how human behavior has affected these aquatic wonders that took thousands – or even millions – of years to flourish. Work alongside marine biologists to rebuild a diverse habitat that’s home to manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Create protective buoys, work on coral nurseries, plant mangroves, and explore the crystal clear waters of Bayahibe Bay. Students will leave the Dominican Republic with a deeper understanding of marine conservation and this nation’s warm culture.

“Dominican culture is very welcoming. The people are warm, loud, and fast talking and normally are huggers and kissers.”

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to the Dominican Republic!

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
2-3

Launch into Marine Service

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
4

Protect Sea Turtles

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
5

Relax at the Eco-Lodge

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
6

Restore Mangrove Forests

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
7

Explore Santo Domingo

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
8

¡Adiós, Dominican Republic!

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.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Dominican Republic

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Dominican Republic offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Dominican Republic Americas Conservation
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