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: North Coast

Beinvenidos to the Dominican Republic! Upon arriving in Santiago you’ll meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive along the country’s beautiful North Coast. All meals are included during your stay.

Day 2: North Coast

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. Then 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, four 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: North Coast

Today begin 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. In the afternoon it’s time to take a hike in El Choco National Park. As you walk along red-earth paths once trod by the Arawak people, you’ll be immersed in a tropical rainforest ecosystem, marvel at the incredible view of the 5-mile-long Cabarete Lagoon and get a fascinating history lesson. Then stop for a fresh-fruit snack and locally grown Dominican coffee before you venture down to the mysterious Caves of BUMBA, part of a vast network of caves for which this area is famous. Take a dip in an underground pool and gaze in wonder at the petroglyphs created by the indigenous Taíno people, who greeted Christopher Columbus here in 1492.

Day 4: North Coast

Continue work this morning on your DREAM environmental service project. Following that, enjoy free time to experience more of the area’s lively culture and beautiful beaches at your leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración or explore Calle de Sol, the city’s colorful shopping district.

Day 5: North Coast

Continue your work on the DREAM environmental service project. 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: North Coast

Enjoy another morning working on the DREAM environmental service project. After, you’ll head inland to Damajagua and prepare to get wet: You’re about to swim, climb, and jump down the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, ending in the sparkling-clean, aqua-blue pools below!

Day 7: North Coast

Spend a final day working on your DREAM environmental service project, followed by time to reflect on the positive impact your efforts will have on local at-risk youth. Later, cap off your experience with a boat ride down the Yasica River. During the boat ride, you’ll spot a wide variety of coastal water birds. Then savor a farewell dinner: An authentic fish-and-chicken barbeque using a fogón, a traditional Dominican stove. After dinner enjoy a bonfire on the beach.

Day 8: Departure

Depart for the USA.