Dominican Youth Conservation Project

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Cabarete

Beinvenidos to the Dominican Republic! Upon arriving in Santiago you'll meet your ACIS Tour Manager at the airport and transfer to your hotel along the country's beautiful northern coast before tonight's welcome orientation and dinner.

Day 2: Cabarete

This morning attend an orientation session to kick off your environmental service project for at-risk youth in partnership with Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring (DREAM). DREAM grew from the vision of a group of Dartmouth students looking to make a difference in 1995, and was formally established as a 501(c) nonprofit in 2002. DREAM currently staffs more than 40 Dominicans, several expatriates and numerous volunteers from across the globe, all working together to change the lives of over 6,000 children a year. The day concludes with a special shared BBQ dinner, where you'll get a chance to mingle and bond with the DREAM staff as you practice your Spanish.

Day 3: Cabarete

Today continue work on your DREAM environmental service project. You'll collaborate with area school children, engaging in joint analysis to bring awareness to both local and international environmental and sustainability issues, while also supporting the community's at-risk youth. The specific nature of the project will depend on where the need is greatest at the time. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy Cabarete's beach or explore more of the town at your own pace. Lunch is included today instead of dinner.

Day 4: Cabarete

Spend a final day collaborating on your DREAM environmental service project, followed by time to reflect on the positive impact your efforts will have on local at-risk youth. Following that, enjoy free time to experience more of the area's lively culture and beautiful beaches at your leisure. Lunch is included today instead of dinner.

Day 5: Cabarete

Today's project brings you to the Fundación Ecológica Maguá to learn about the organization's goals, successes and the continual challenges of working to protect and conserve the environment. You'll get your feet wet with first-hand learning on the importance of coral reefs as you assist with the organization's artificial reef and coral nursery program. Then go snorkeling in Sosua Bay, supervised by a certified dive master. In these warm, pristine waters you'll get a crystal-clear view of the bay's stunning marine life, including spectacular coral reefs. You'll also gain a greater appreciation for the fragile nature of marine and coastal environments.

Day 6: Cabarete

This morning you'll do part two of your marine biology work with the Fundación Ecológica Maguá, this time assisting with the organization's mangrove forest restoration project. Learn about the importance of mangroves to the marine ecosystem and help with replanting this critical flora. After, discover more of the area's colorful tropical fish as you enjoy another snorkeling excursion in a different spot on the Dominican's North Coast, said to be some of the best snorkeling in the world.

Day 7: Cabarete

Catch a wave this morning while taking surfing lessons at Encuentro Beach. If you're a novice, no worries—certified surf-instruction coaches will literally help you get your feet wet in the warm Caribbean waters. The afternoon is yours to relax on the beach or perhaps do some souvenir shopping, and to reflect on everything you've learned this week. Later, cap off your experience with a boat ride down the Yasica River where you'll spot a wide variety of coastal water birds. Then savor a farewell dinne—an authentic fish-and-chicken barbeque using a fogón, a traditional Dominican stove—followed by a bonfire on the beach.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.