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Dominican Beaches

Overview

Think of the Dominican Republic and you immediately imagine white sandy beaches, clear blue seas and waving palm trees. And whilst this ride does offer that, you will also discover the rarely seen interior as well - crystal clear waterfalls and ancient forests, farmland and rural villages. On horse…

Highlights

  • Ride along glorious white sandy beaches
  • Ride inland to crystal clear waterfalls and forests
  • Relax by the pool or on the beach, or go snorkelling
  • Enjoy delicious seafood and fresh fruits
  • Visit Haitises National Park for ancient petroglyphs

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 6 riders per group
  • Average of 3 - 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90 kg /198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Description

Think of the Dominican Republic and you immediately imagine white sandy beaches, clear blue seas and waving palm trees. And whilst this ride does offer that, you will also discover the rarely seen interior as well - crystal clear waterfalls and ancient forests, farmland and rural villages. On horseback you can explore the Dominican Republic that isn't featured in the glossy brochures and meet the friendly locals. Of course, you can also make the most of those stunning beaches as well, with exhilarating canters along the sands plus plenty of time to rest and swim or sunbathe.

You stay in one hotel for the week, where you can unpack and relax. The usual hotel is situated close to the beach and close to the town so you can venture out at night and try out the local bars or simply take it easy at the hotel restaurant.

There is a free day included in the itinerary, where the horses rest and you can experience the other highlights of the island. At certain times of year this could be whale watching, or you may prefer to go snorkelling or island hopping - the choice is yours.

The horses are a mixture of Criollo and Quarter Horses - some pure-breds and some cross-breds. They are well loved and well cared for. Whilst most wear shoes, some are barefoot and wear hoof boots to protect their feet - these hoof boots are also available for any horses that might lose a shoe whilst out on the trail.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English, Western, Icelandic or Australian saddles are available - some leather and some synthetic.

Horses

Quarter Horses, Criollos and cross breds

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Beach & Forest Trail (7 nights) is a based ride

Ages

Competent teenagers can be accepted but they must be capable riders

Health

General good health

Weight

90 kg /198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

All meals are included except for lunch on the rest day and final day. In the evenings you dine in restaurants, usually at your hotel, where you have free choice from the menu. Some lunches include lobster, shrimp or freshly grilled fish on the beach.

Bottled still water is provided but all other drinks can be paid for locally in the bar/restaurant.

Accommodation

You will stay in one of 2 comfortable accommodations that overlook the beautiful beaches of the Las Terrenas area of the northern Dominican coast. You will stay in double or twin rooms, but larger rooms with 3-6 beds are available for groups. Each room has air conditioning and a private bathroom.

The hotels are ideally located on the beach, just a short distance from the town as well. There are swimming pools at both, as well as a bar and restaurant facilities too.

Itineraries

Beach & Forest Trail (7 nights) Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

A visit to Haitises National Park is offered on the rest day, where you can discover ancient petroglyphs in the caves.

Alternatively you can take a whale watching trip (in season) or visit the market or go snorkelling. Extra excursions are additional cost, payable locally.

There is some free time when not riding where you can use the hotel pool or visit the beach. Your hotel also offers other beach-based activities, such as snorkelling or scuba diving (at extra cost).

Travel

Samana airport (El Catey) is the closest to the hotel (c. 25mins) but if you cannot find good flights to Samana than Santo Domingo is 1 hour 45 mins from your hotel. Transfers are possible from both airports and are included in the price.

There are no direct flights from the UK to these two airports, but there are options with 1 stop via Europe (Air Europa, Iberia, Air France), America (Delta, British Airways) or Mexico.

Testimonials

Sheena E., Feb. 10, 2023

Great horses, fabulous staff, great experience of beaches and forests as well as the opportunity to see the real Dominican life. Favourite memory? Galloping on the beach with freshly grilled lobster served for lunch break. Horses? Loved our horses. We were well matched to our ability. Owner gave me her own horse which she said was only reserved for experienced riders. It was a joy to ride her. Simon had two different horses then was able to choose his favourite. Tack was very good and very comfortable. Even tack worn for swimming in sea (plastic bridle with rope reins) was good quality and comfortable for horse and rider.


Robin R, May 17, 2018

It was very enjoyable. The riding was good and it was a relaxing and nice way to a bit of the country away from the main tourist areas. I also very much enjoyed riding through the countryside and forests. The accommodation was simple but comfortable. The food at the hotel was very good (calamari cooked to perfection, the pasta al dente etc) and the picnic food was good too. I had a very comfortable and responsive horse. The Western saddle was also comfortable. In my view, the horses were well cared for, receiving a nice shower with the hose pipe at the end of each ride.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be collected from the airport - either Las Americas (Santo Domingo) or El Catey (Samana) airport and transferred to your hotel in Las Terrenas. The journey is 1hr 45 minutes from Las Americas and 25 minutes from El Catey. After a welcome drink, you will have dinner or a snack if you arrive late.

Day 2

Riding: 4 hours

After breakfast and your short transfer to the hacienda, you set off riding to an organic farm. On arrival you'll visit the farm and enjoy a lunch prepared by the owners before being offered an earth-friendly activity. Head back to the ranch and your hotel for dinner.

Day 3

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Rejoin your horses for a fabulous day of canters and gallops on the deserted beaches of Limon. Picnic on the beach with lobster (in winter) before heading home.

Day 4

Riding: No riding.

Today is a non-riding day and you have the option to set off on an excursion to the Los Haitises National Park. Taino Indians used to live here and you will discover petroglyphs and pictograms on the cave walls. You will explore the mangroves and stop for lunch in either an eco-lodge or cantina. Return to the hotel for dinner and to overnight. If you prefer, then you can plan to go whale watching (Jan 20th-Mar 10th), or take a trip to Samana market. Some excursions are an extra cost (payable locally).

Day 5

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Transfer back to the horses after breakfast and set off riding. Ride through the tropical forest to the deserted Anclon beach where you may be able to swim with the horses! Don't forget your swimsuit! Ride back in time for tea.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Set off for a day of riding amongst the inland hills and forests before returning to the ranch in the afternoon.

Day 7

Riding: 3 hours

A final morning ride with your trusty steed, before heading out on foot (c. 2 hours) to the famous Limon waterfalls. Returning to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

Depending on the time of your flight you may be able to relax and use the hotel pool or beaches, or even do some shopping before your transfer to the airport.

NB. Please note that the itinerary is a guide and may need to be altered due to local conditions, but always with your best interests at heart.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be capable of riding in all paces across varied terrain. There are opportunities for fast riding on the two beach days.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - March 25, 2024

At any time during: April 7, 2024 - Oct. 31, 2024

At any time during: Dec. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024

Feb. 2, 2025 - Feb. 9, 2025  (Confirmed date for others to join (single travellers welcome))

Pricing

2024
Rider; Sharing double/twin room		 £1540 $1950 €1850
2024
Sole rider		 £1790 $2265 €2145
(includes small group & single supplement)
2024
Rider; Single room		 £1735 $2200 €2085
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared twin/double rooms, all meals from dinner on arrival day until breakfast on departure day (except lunch on rest day), 5 days of riding as per the itinerary and return airport transfers.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, lunch on rest day, drinks, optional excursions/activities (including on rest day), tips and other personal expenses.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.