Frequently Asked Questions – Excursions & Practical Information
Do you have any questions before booking your excursion? Find all the answers you need about our activities and your trip to the Dominican Republic here.
Questions & Answers about our excursions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to book at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee your place, especially during peak season.
What should I take on excursions?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, and a change of clothes if you are going by buggy or boat.
Are the excursions suitable for children and the elderly?
Yes, most of our small group excursions are suitable for families and seniors. Contact us to adjust your itinerary if necessary.
Are there any health measures in place?
We comply with all hygiene standards: vehicle disinfection, hydroalcoholic gel on board, masks optional depending on the destination.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes. You can modify or cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before departure. After that, fees may apply.
How to get to the starting point?
Most of our excursions depart from Bayahibe, Punta Cana, or Juan Dolio. We offer transfers or recommend local taxis.
Questions & Answers about the Dominican Republic
When is the best time to travel to the Dominican Republic?
The dry season runs from December to April. This is the most pleasant time. The rainy season (May to October) is wetter but still suitable for excursions.
Do I need a passport or visa to enter the Dominican Republic?
A valid passport is required. A visa is not required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and Canadian nationals for tourist stays of less than 30 days.
Can you drink tap water?
No. It is recommended to drink only bottled water to avoid any health risks.
Is there a time difference with France?
Yes. In summer, the time difference is 6 hours less than in France. In winter, the difference is 5 hours.
What is the local currency?
The currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars and euros are accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates are often in pesos.
Can I pay by credit card locally?
Yes, in most tourist establishments. For small shops or local excursions, it is best to have cash.
Saona Attitude Excursion
How many people will be on board the boat during the Saona Attitude?
Dominican Attitude's excursions are always small groups. For the Saona Attitude, the maximum group size is 30 people.
Are fins, masks and snorkels included with the Saona Attitude?
Yes, fins, masks and snorkels are included on this tour.
What is the difference between Saona Hola and Saona Attitude?
The Saona Attitude is done on a very comfortable 3-hull boat while the Saona Hola is done on a fast boat (not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems).
The Saona Attitude travels to the far south of Saona Island to visit the wild beaches, while the Saona Hola visits a developed beach. The Saona Hola does not visit the fishing village of Mano Juan and will make a snorkeling stop at the Catuano pier.
On the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude), you don't have to wear life jackets and you can move around. There's a large roof for sun protection, a beach at the front for sunbathing, and a restroom. It takes a little longer to get to the island, but the excursion also lasts longer, so you won't miss anything.
Does the guide speak English?
Yes, Dominican Attitude guides all speak fluent French, Spanish, and English.
Do you need to reserve lobster in advance?
Yes, you must reserve lobster in advance as they will be caught that very morning. Please note that lobster is not available during the breeding season, from March 1st to June 30th.
Is there a photographer during the Saona Attitude excursion?
Yes, there's a photographer to capture your wonderful moments. The price will depend on how many photos they take of your family, but it's around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the entire day).
Saona Hola Excursion
What is the difference between Saona Hola and Saona Attitude?
The Saona Attitude is done on a very comfortable 3-hull boat while the Saona Hola is done on a speedboat (not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems).
The Saona Attitude travels to the far south of Saona Island to visit the wild beaches, while the Saona visits a developed beach. The Saona Hola does not visit the fishing village of Mano Juan but makes a snorkeling stop at the Catuano pier.
On the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude), you don't have to wear life jackets and you can move around. There's a large roof for sun protection, a beach at the front for sunbathing, and a restroom. It takes a little longer to get to the island, but the excursion also lasts longer, so you won't miss anything.
Are fins, masks and snorkels included with the Saona Hola?
For this excursion, we include masks and snorkels but not fins, as space on the boat is limited. However, it is perfectly possible to bring a pair of fins if you have some.
Is this tour suitable for children?
We do not recommend this excursion for children under 4 years old. If you have young children, we recommend choosing the Saona Attitude, which we organize on a comfortable boat.
Is there a photographer on the Saona Hola tour?
Yes, there's a photographer to capture your wonderful moments. The price will depend on how many photos they take of your family, but it's around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the entire day).
Is the speedboat better for avoiding seasickness?
No, we recommend the comfortable boat (Saona Attitude) instead, which is almost as fast and also more stable.
What is included in the Saona Hola buffet?
You will have access to a buffet with typical Dominican dishes including: rice, pasta, chicken, pork chop, vegetables, salads and fresh fruit for dessert and coffee.
Saona Softness Excursion
Should I take a shuttle boat to reach the sailing catamaran?
Yes, we do have to take a small boat to get to the sailing catamaran, which is about a 5-minute ride. Getting from one boat to the other isn't always easy for people with limited mobility, but our crew members are always willing to help. If you're concerned about this, we recommend choosing the Saona Attitude instead.
Is the same boat used on the way there and back?
Yes, this excursion is done on a sailing catamaran, there and back, for a very gentle ride.
Are there toilets on the boat?
Yes there are two toilets on the boat.
How long does the crossing take?
By sailing catamaran, it takes about 1h30/1h45 to cross to Saona Island.
Is lobster included?
No, lobster is not included; you must order it when booking. Please note that lobster is not available during the breeding season, from March 1st to June 30th.
Is there a photographer during the Saona en Douceur excursion?
Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. For the price, you will have to consult directly with our service provider's photographer; this is not an excursion organized by the Dominican Attitude team.
Catalina Island Snorkeling Tour
Is this tour suitable for people who suffer from seasickness?
We do not recommend this excursion for people who suffer from seasickness because the sea is generally rough on the return journey.
However, people who are moderately sensitive can still participate and enjoy the day by taking a seasickness pill (we provide some if needed).
Do I need to take a shuttle to board the Catalina?
No, for this excursion we use a boat that docks directly at the beach. Boarding and disembarking can therefore be done from the beach, by climbing two steps located at the rear of the boat.
This saves us a lot of time and allows us to make 2 long snorkeling stops.
Is the snorkeling much better in Catalina than in Saona?
Yes, without hesitation! Catalina's seabed is much richer than Saona's. In fact, Saona is appreciated for its magnificent, heavenly beaches, and Catalina for its seabed and small, wild beaches. There's something for everyone!
Is snorkeling equipment included on the Catalina Island Snorkeling Tour?
Yes, fins, masks and snorkels are included.
Is there a photographer on the Catalina Island Snorkeling Tour?
Yes, there's a photographer to capture your wonderful moments. The price will depend on how many photos they take of your family, but it's around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the entire day).
Safari Adventure and Discovery
What is the maximum number of participants in the safari truck?
There will be a maximum of 20 people on board the safari truck.
Is it possible to buy souvenirs at the local market?
There are no souvenirs as such at the local market. However, you can buy typical items like a lemon squeezer (a must-have utensil in a Dominican kitchen), spices, coffee, cocoa, liquid vanilla, etc.
Can we bring gifts for the children we meet along the way?
If you would like to give gifts to the children, we will stop in a village to distribute them. If you have clothes, shoes, games, or toys that you no longer use, bring them along; they will make them happy!
Is the truck suitable for people with back problems?
If you have serious back problems, we do not recommend this excursion because of the jolting in the truck.
Are we going to swim in the Chavon River?
Yes, so don't forget to bring your swimsuit because there's a swim planned and the more adventurous can even jump with the Tarzan vine!
Is there a photographer during the Adventure and Discovery Safari?
Yes, there's a photographer to capture your wonderful moments. The price will depend on how many photos they take of your family, but it's around $40/€40 for a couple (photos of the entire day).
Safari Buggy Sensation
Can people with back problems participate in the Safari Buggy Sensation?
The buggies have good shock absorbers, however we would like to point out that we do not accept people with serious back problems or pregnant women.
Is it better to do the excursion in sneakers or flip-flops?
It depends on your ability to drive in flip-flops, but since the buggies are automatic, it's not very complicated. If you opt for sneakers, be aware that you risk damaging them because the dirt is red and stains.
What is provided on this tour?
For this excursion we provide you with protective glasses and plastic bags to protect your personal belongings as well as helmets.
We recommend bringing scarves to protect your face from dust and mud.
Should we bring swimsuits?
Yes absolutely, for swimming in the river.
Ideally, you should put your swimsuit on under your clothes first thing in the morning.
Is there a photographer during the Safari Buggy Sensation?
Yes, there is a photographer to immortalize your wonderful moments. The price will depend on the number of photos he takes of your family, but it's around $50/€50 for a couple (photos of the entire day).
Swimming with dolphins
Can I swim with dolphins if I'm pregnant?
Yes, up to 5 months of pregnancy it is possible to participate in the Meeting Only option.
How many people do the activity in?
There is a maximum of 12 people per group. However, there will be several groups in the pool at the same time.
Can I accompany my child without going on the excursion?
If your child is between 1.20m and 1.40m tall, they must be accompanied by an adult doing the same program.
If he is less than 1.20m tall, he must be accompanied by 2 adults doing the same program.
If the child is taller than 1.40m, they can do any program, but at least 1 adult must accompany them to the park.
Can you swim with dolphins without knowing how to swim?
Yes, this is possible because all participants wear life jackets. If you don't know how to swim, we recommend choosing the Encounter program, but if you're not afraid of water, you can still do another program.
Am I allowed to take pictures during the Swim with Dolphins activity?
No, when you are with the dolphins, photos are prohibited.
You can purchase photos directly at the park, but be aware that the packages are very expensive (as are the case in dolphin parks around the world).
A minimum cost of $80 USD per photo (per person) is required. They also offer packages with multiple or all photos. You can pay for the photos in cash or by credit card.
Is the meal included?
No, neither meals nor drinks are included. If you are staying in Punta Cana, this is not a problem as we will automatically place you on the first tour of the day, so you will be back at the hotel around 1:30 p.m.
On the other hand, if you are staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus, departure is scheduled for mid-morning and return around 5:00 p.m. We therefore recommend that you bring a packed lunch and water or take extra money with you to buy food and drinks on site.
Do the staff on site speak English?
The staff is accustomed to speaking at least a little of each language, as visitors come from all over the world. They will speak to you in French, but if you don't speak Spanish, the conversation will likely be limited to what's necessary.