The Experience
This is an experience unlike any other in the Dominican Republic. Become part of a rural community on the north coast of the island and give back via a eco-bottle construction project. While only 45 minutes from the tourist resorts, you’ll feel like you are worlds away, experiencing the island as the locals do.
Live surrounded by idyllic beaches, upbeat Caribbean music, and friendly local communities. Explore the tropical countryside hiking to rural villages, snorkeling over the clear Caribbean Sea, and uncovering pristine beaches set amongst lush mountain landscapes. Visit an ecological park where you can explore cool swimming holes and even zip-line through the rainforest. Meet with local micro-enterprises such as a bee keeper who creates locally grown, organic honey for the surrounding communities.
A Purpose-Driven Island Experience
On this Grassroots Expedition, spend a portion of your time lending a hand to an innovative environmental development project. Then explore the lush coast and mountains of this Caribbean island.
Our Impact
A portion of your time will be spent building schools, medical clinics, and houses out of reusable plastic bottles. We’ll collaborate with local communities, including Haitian migrant communities, to create these structures, which help rid the area of waste and teach environmental awareness. Most importantly, they provide a much-needed resource, with many of these rural areas lacking basic infrastructure. To achieve our purpose, lay cement foundations, stack bottles and secure around the walls, or construct a roof – you pick up where the last group left off, so your tasks differ depending on the time of travel.
Where You’ll Stay
Base yourself at a secluded beachfront family-owned hotel, with each room featuring a patio with views of the sea. Complete with tennis and basketball courts, a pool, Jacuzzi, nearby shopping, dining, and of course, surrounded by accessible white-sand beaches, this hotel will give you a true Dominican feel without losing the comforts of home. Enjoy WiFi in the rooms and by the pool, air-conditioning, and a delicious buffet breakfast each morning. Fall asleep to the sounds of the swaying palms and birds nesting in the trees for an unforgettable stay.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive to the tropical north coast of the Dominican Republic and settle in to your beachfront hotel. The following day we’ll begin our bottle project, repurposing plastic bottles to build homes and schools. This will continue for the next few days as we get to know the community members and see the day-to-day rhythms on this corner of the island.
Throughout the week, we’ll also explore the beautiful lagoon and landscapes of Dudu Ecological Park along with a visit to a local bee farm to help construct bee boxes and try the local organic honey. We’ll finish the trip off with a snorkeling trip by boat over the calm Caribbean waters.
Your Expert Local Guide
Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.
Nilsa Espino
Nilsa was born in a small town close to the Haitian border and started to get involved in community service at the age of 14. Her passion was helping people living with HIV-AIDS, deforestation, teen education and more.
Nilsa studied small business management at Wisconsin and is now proud to be guiding Discover Corps groups though the community, translating and showing people the beauty of the island that she calls home.
Traveler’s Journal
Patty Ching
Princeton, NJ
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$3,295 Adult
$3,095 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement (single room in shared enclosed apartment) = $495
What’s Included:
- All meals included: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- 7 nights beachfront lodging in Playa Las Canas
- Airport transfers and all ground transportation
- Volunteer bottle building project: all supplies, materials and connections with the local communities
- An active daily itinerary including excursion to Dudu Ecological Park, boat ride and snorkeling in the Caribbean
- All local tips and tips for your guide and driver
- All gratuities for hotels, meals, baggage & transportation
- All land transportation during the trip with licensed drivers
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline
What’s Not Included:
- International Airfare
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Let us know and we’ll make it happen. (STS = Solo Traveler Savings. Single Supplement Waived on these dates)
2022 Dates
December 26, 2022-January 2, 2023
2023 Dates
February 4-11, 2023 STS
April 15-22, 2023
June 3-10, 2023 STS
July 8-15, 2023
August 5-12, 2023
December 26-January 2, 2024
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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.