Dominican Republic Reef Check

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: Juan Dolio

Depart from the USA and arrive in the Dominican Republic for your service learning program. Meet your tour manager at the airport in Santo Domingo and transfer to your hotel in the small seaside town of Juan Dolio. The group will come together for a welcome orientation to discuss the week's work, and perhaps take a quick dip in the Caribbean Sea, before dinner.

Day 2: Juan Dolio

Today meet the staff at the Reef Check Foundation to begin your week in the life of a marine biologist. Founded in 1996, the Reef Check Foundation is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical coral reefs and temperate kelp forests, with a mission to nuture citizen scientists who will promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities around the globe. You'll venture into marine preservation through their Reef Check EcoDiver and Snorkeler coursework, combining classroom study as well as field work accomplished through snorkeling exploration of the coral reefs, learning how to collect data from the reefs that will be studied to monitor their continued health. You'll enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore on the beach.

Day 3: Juan Dolio

Continue with the coursework for your Reef Check EcoDiver and Snorkeler service learning project, combining classroom study and field work accomplished through snorkeling exploration of the coral reefs. During free time in the afternoon, perhaps discover more of the beauty and diversity of the local flora and fauna.

Day 4: Juan Dolio

Today is your final day of coursework for your Reef Check EcoDiver and Snorkeler service learning project. After wrapping up your experience with the Reef Check Foundation, enjoy a final free evening in Juan Dolio to reflect on what you've learned in the first half of your trip.

Day 5: Cabarete

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Caribbean Sea and head north towards the island's Atlantic coast. Stop at Laguna Dudú for a refreshing break—a dip in the idyllic crystalline waters of this 30-foot deep freshwater cenote. The Laguna formed 10,000 years ago when the limestone roof collapsed, revealing a network of subterranean rivers leading to other caves and out to the ocean. Continue to Playa Grande Beach where you'll have lunch with your toes in the sand. Then arrive at your oceanside accommodations in Cabarete with time to check in, freshen up and relax before dinner.

Day 6: 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. After lunch right on the beach, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and swim, or perhaps do some souvenir shopping.

Day 7: 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 a buffet lunch featuring traditional Dominican cuisine, the remainder of the afternoon is yours. Then reconvene for tonight's highlight—a leisurely boat ride down the Yasica River that concludes at a bonfire farewell dinner on the beach.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.