Call 1-800-387-1483 or email us
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Finding as many as 30 Hispaniolan endemic birds
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Exploring the National Botanical Gardens for birds and plants
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Enjoying fantastic coastal scenery at Paraí­so
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Cruising on the remarkably low salt-water Lake Enriquillo
SIGNATURE MOMENT
Watching for a myriad of Dominican reptiles

Dominican Republic: Beyond the Beaches

Feb 20 - Mar 03, 2025

12 days | Dominican Republic | Birding

The large Caribbean island of Hispaniola has a major historical claim to fame – it was the first place that Christopher Columbus landed in the New World in 1492. By that point, however, it already had a storied cultural and natural heritage, and its long isolation and distinctive geology contributed to a unique complement of habitats and wildlife. The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of Hispaniola and this journey of discovery offers an insider’s view of its diversity and opulence. Many Quest travellers had the opportunity to enjoy "the DR" on our recent tours, and we're excited to offer this opportunity again!
 
There will be many occasions to revel in the panoramic splendour of the Dominican Republic with its several mountain ranges – one of which hosts the tallest mountain peak in the Caribbean – as well as marvel at the brilliant turquoise shades of the ocean. We’ll be particularly interested in bird life which includes a large number of endemic species found nowhere else, in addition to overwintering and more cosmopolitan birds. As with the Caribbean’s other large islands, Hispaniola is also an important centre of herptile diversity, and we should become readily acquainted with a number of colourful and less colourful characters, particularly lizards. Our tour includes a visit to the enigmatic Lake Enriquillo, which is the lowest elevation in the Caribbean and which has a fascinating geology. A new feature on our 2023 tour will be an opportunity to watch Humpback Whales, which congregate around the country's eastern shores each winter in numbers!

From mangroves and saltwater lagoons, to montane rainforest, dry scrubby habitats, sandy beaches, and refreshing pine stands, this intimate small-group tour will provide a dense and stimulating experience of this Caribbean gem.
 


Book Best of Cuba and Dominican Republic together and be rewarded with two complimentary inter-tour hotel nights!
 
Post-tour resort extensions to Punta Cana are available. Please enquire. This tour may be combined with our Best of Cuba tour!
Birding Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. US$4395  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
8 - 10 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy, all activities and entrance fees, ground transportation, airport transfers, most meals, services of local English-speaking guides, services of your Quest leader. Taxes and gratuities of US$300 are included. 

"Pete is very amiable, and excellent at spotting target birds." - Bette-Ann. G
"Pete is extremely knowledgeable about the DR bird life and helped us all to find and observe the individual species. His organizational skills are excellent and he made us feel comfortable." - 2019 traveller
"We went to the country's best birding hot spots." - Quest Traveller

Itinerary at a Glance

DayActivity
1Arrive in Santo Domingo
2National Botanical Gardens, to Sabana de la Mar
3Sabana de la Mar, Humpback Whales
4Towards the southwest
5To Lake Enriquillo
6Lake Enriquillo to Puerto Escondido
7Sierra de Bahoruco
8La Placa’s broadleaf forests
9Hoyo de Pelempito National Park
10Cachote Road cloud forest
11To Santo Domingo
12Depart
Optional Extension: Punta Cana relaxation
Download Itinerary

Your Tour Leader

Pete Read travels the world on the lookout for amazing landscapes of the most remote kind. A well-known naturalist, Pete brings a special focus on wildlife and wild places to our tours.

Email Us

Or call 1-800-387-1483 with any questions or to reserve your spot!

Birding Quest Nature Tours Worldwide Explorers Club
Tour Cost (per person):
Approx. US$4395  Includes all taxes and gratuities.
Group Size:
8 - 10 participants

What’s included: Accommodations based on double occupancy, all activities and entrance fees, ground transportation, airport transfers, most meals, services of local English-speaking guides, services of your Quest leader. Taxes and gratuities of US$300 are included. 

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