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Trip Highlights

• All group Airport Transfers Included!
• Stay in the Sport Beach town of Cabarete!
• Accommodations provided in Windsurf Resort (triple occupancy) with kitchens!
• Arrival Dinner Party at Blue Moon!
• Rutgers Community Service Project!
• Full Day Cascading Tour Included!
• Full Day Giant Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling Included!
• Amazing Optional Adventures and Excursions Available!
• Farewell Dinner Party!
• Travel & Medical Insurance Included!

Trip Descriptive Itinerary

Day 1: March 14, 2008 (Friday)

• Arrival to Puerto Plata Airport (POP)
• Airport transfer to Cabarete (25 minutes)
• Check-in to hotel
• Arrival Dinner Party up in the hills at Blue Moon Retreat. Authentic East Indian feast served on banana leaves in the open air in the middle of 36-acres of mountaintop back country.
• First night out on Cabarete Beach

Day 2: March 15, 2008 (Saturday)

Optional Adventures:

• National Park Hike & Caves of BUMBA (morning tour with lunch)
  
• Surfing Package (first session available any day)
  
• Kiteboarding 3-Day Lesson Package (first session available any day)
• Dominican Dance Lesson (evening happy hour session)

Day 3: March 16, 2008 (Sunday)

• Community Service with DREAM Project
  Spend half a day with the Dominican Republic Education And Mentoring Project helping to foster education for children in the Cabarete area.
• Dominican Lunch at El Tigre

Optional Adventures:

• Horseback Riding on the Beach (afternoon tour)
• Wakeboarding Pull and Lesson (afternoon tour)
• Remote Beach Bonfire Dinner (evening dinner)

Day 4: March 17, 2008 (Monday)

• Cascading I: 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
  Join us on a true adventure hiking up to the top of the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua tasting tropical fruit from the trees and learning about this amazing natural phenomenon along the way.Hold your breath! After a short rest, we jump and slide the entire 27 waterfalls back down from heights of 1 to 10 meters! Includes round-trip transportation, morning snack, drinking water, professional guides, and Dominican lunch. Rating: Intermediate-Advance hikers looking for an intense experience. Swimmers only. Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
  

Day 5: March 18, 2008 (Tuesday)

Optional Adventures:

• Cascading IIL Ciguapa Falls (full day tour)
  
• North Coast Explore (full day tour with lunch)
  
• Quads & Buggies Half Day Dirt Tour (morning tour)
  

Day 6: March 19, 2008 (Wednesday)

Optional Adventures:

• Drive-Your-Own Jeep Wrangler Adventure
• Mountain Biking Downhill (full day tour with lunch)
  
• Horseback Riding in the Mountains & River Tubing (full day tour with lunch)
  
• Deep Sea Fishing (full day tour with lunch)
  

Day 7: March 20, 2008 (Thursday)

• Full Day Giant Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling
  Join us for a day of smooth downwind sailing exploring the remote coastal areas between Maimon Bay and Luperon. "Peace and Tranquility Rule" aboard the luxurious and spacious 24-meter Tip Top with 180m2 of roomy deck space. Start the day off right with a refreshing welcome drink and Caribbean rhythms soaking up the sun and magnificent landscapes on our way to an amazing coral head for snorkeling. An authentic Dominican feast awaits a little farther west on Cambiaso Beach. We'll have plenty of time to explore the serene community living in isolated tropical paradise, relax and swim before boarding the Tip Top for our final downwinder to the Luperon Yacht Club nestled among the mangroves in the naturally-formed harbor.

Day 8: March 21, 2008 (Friday)

• Optional Adventures:

  • Canyoning II: The Big Bastard (full day tour)
    
  • White Water Rafting (full day tour with lunch)
    
  • VIP Paradise Island (very full day all-inclusive tour)
  • Ultralite Flight (morning flights)
  • Wakeboarding Pull and Lesson (afternoon tour)

Day 9: March 22, 2008 (Saturday)

• Farewell Dinner Party at Bliss. Let's get funky at the hidden supper club in the hood.

Optional Adventures:

• Zip Line-Canopy Tour (full day tour)
• Ultralite Flight (morning flights)
• Wakeboarding Pull and Lesson (morning tour)
  
• Quads & Buggies Half Day Dirt Tour (morning tour)
• Horseback Riding on the Beach (morning or afternoon tour)
  

Day 10: March 23, 2008 (Sunday)

• Airport transfer to Puerto Plata Airport (POP)
• Departure

Accommodations

Windsurf Resort, Cabarete

Windsurf Resort calls the oceanside sport town of Cabarete its home. One-bedroom condo units are fully appointed and contain fold-out couch which makes them capable of holding 4 people. Plus, all units have full kitchens, one bathroom, a combined living and dining area, and an outside balcony facing the pool.

In addition to amenities the Windsurf Resort also provides:

Optional Adventure Excursions

• Canyoning I: Magic Mushroom
  This is one trip that will forever change your perspective of a walk in the woods. Big rappels and big jumps in the Enchanted Forest. Includes professional guides, refreshments and fruit, equipment (wet suit, harness, belay device, and helmet), a day of guaranteed adventure, and round-trip transportation. Rating: Intermediate-Advance hikers looking for an intense experience. Swimmers only. Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).  US$79/guest.
• Canyoning II: The Big Bastard
  Rappel down a 50 meter waterfall to enjoy challenging jumps from as high as 12 meters. The name says it all. Includes professional guides, refreshments and fruit, equipment (wet suit, harness, belay device, and helmet), a day of guaranteed adventure, and round-trip transportation. Rating: Intermediate-Advance hikers looking for an intense experience. Swimmers only. Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).  US$99/guest.
• Cascading II: Ciguapa Falls
  Journey with us into the remote Río Blanco Canyon for an unforgettable day of cascading in the waterfalls believed to be home to the mythical Dominican Ciguapa.  Ciguapas are supernatural female creatures known to live high in the mountains of the Dominican Republic.  They have blue skin, knee-length hair worn about themselves and have feet turned backwards which makes them extremely difficult to follow; not that you would want to!  Ciguapas, though nocturnal and generally weary of humans, have enchanted backwoods trespassers into never leaving the canyon with their deep black eyes.  Fortunately for us jumps from 1 to 13-meters into fresh, pristine pools keep us pretty busy and the ciguapas have allowed us to share in the beauty of their jungle homes.  Includes: roundtrip transportation, snack, guides, helmet, wet suit and traditional Domincan stew lunch.  Rated: athletic beginners and intermediate hikers.  Swimmers only. Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)   US$75/guest.

• Deep Sea Fishing
  36” and 34” fishing cruisers for up to 6 guests fishing plus 5 observers.  With an expert crew, your own rod and live bait you have the best chance to bring back the big one.  Includes roundtrip transport, guide, bait, snacks, open bar and lunch.  Rating: All levels.  Full Day (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).  US$104/fishing guest.   US$65/observer.
• Dominican Dance Lesson
  Get ready for those Latin night by learning the basic steps to Merrengue, Bachata and Salsa with Tony Dancer. Happy Hour Session. US$17/person.
• Horseback Riding on the Beach
  This 3-hour ride just before sunset is what true Caribbean memories are made of.  Includes roundtrip transportation, horse, and guide.  Rating: All levels.  US$45/guest.
• Horseback Riding in the Mountains with River Tubing
  Enjoy your day in the foothills of the northern most mountain range in the Dominican Republic while on horseback, along with tubing in the Yásica River. This ride starts way out in the back county, and includes roundtrip transportation, refreshments, a light meal, guides, and round-trip transportation. Rating: All riding levels. Not recommended for first time riders. Swimmers only.  Full Day (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).  US$80/guest.
• Kiteboarding 3-Day Lesson Package (first session available any day)
  There is no short cut to learning to Kiteboarding.  No previous experience necessary, this lesson package brings you to you point of practicing on your own on the water in just three days!  Day One: the equipment, launching, landing and flying a 4-line kite.  Day Two: body dragging in the water hooked and unhooked and one-hand kite piloting.  Day Three: water start and riding the board.  All this with the only school on the water using radio helmets for easy communication between you and your instructor.  Includes 3 4-hour classes of instruction and all equipment beginning around noon or when the wind picks up.  Rating: beginner.  Swimmers Only.  US$359.  Please note we recommend that you enroll in this package on your first full day for the best chance of wind conditions throughout your stay.
• Mountain Biking Downhill
  An exhilarating day of fun. Join Iguana Mama and her expert guides on an adventure through the interior of the Dominican Republic.  After breakfast at the summit of the Cibao Valley, cycle with us down winding mountain roads as we glimpse into one of the most lush valleys in the world. Sample exotic fruits and learn about Dominican culture and vegetation as we bike through Dominican villages.  Includes roundtrip transportation, breakfast, fruit snack, lunch, equipment, instruction and guides.  Rating: All levels.  Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).  US$85/guest.
• National Park Hike & Caves of BUMBA
  Join us on a true walking-adventure into the past in discovery of the real Dominican Republic. Following red-earth paths walked by the Arawak Indians winding through small Dominican communities and tropical rain forest we hike up to our own hidden spot for a fresh fruit snack and an incredible view of the 8 kilometer long Cabarete lagoon. Enjoy authentic, locally grown Dominican coffee while learning about the 36 species of birds and 862 species of plants thriving around you. Venture with us down into the mysterious Caves of BUMBA for glimpses into prehistory and take a cool swim in a local watering whole. Includes: roundtrip transport, park entrance, fruit snack, guides and drinking water.  Rating: Athletic beginners.  US$35/person.
• North Coast Explore
  Heading east from Cabarete along the North Coast road, we venture to the lazy-paced town of Rio San Juan. This small fishing village and quiet tourist town is best known for its five beaches and the Gri Gri Lagoon with its towering labyrinth of mangrove trees. After a journey through the lagoon and along the Atlantic Coast, we have the opportunity search out sea-life by snorkeling or scuba diving. Our own buffet lunch is served on the sprawling and beautiful Playa Grande Beach.  Before returning home we have plenty of time to play in the waves and collect sea shells.  Includes: roundtrip transport, equipment, instruction, guide, snacks, and lunch.  Rating: All levels. No prior snorkeling experience necessary.  Certification required for scuba diving.  Full Day (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)  US$85/guest.
• Quads Half Day Dirt Tour
  Come to get dirty!  Tear it up in the sugar cane fields of Puerto Plata, and then hit the beaches of Bergantine and Playa Río before visiting a local Haitian Village and functioning sugar mill.  Includes roundtrip transportation, equipment, instruction and guide for 3-hour tour.  Rating:  All levels.  No prior experience necessary.  Half Day (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 n. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).  US$95/single Quad.  US$110/shared Quad for 2 guests.
• Remote Beach Bonfire Dinner & Yásica River Explorations
  A short distance from the Laguna Cabarete & Goleta park office, on the banks of the Islabon River, Wilson Zapeta has a small ranch of wildlife in temporary captivity. Here we have the opportunity to see some of the Dominican Republic's more elusive wilderness creatures, such as the Carey Turtle, Boa Serpent, Tarantula, Rhinoceros Iguana, North American Crocodile, Turkey Vulture, Sparrow Hawk, and Mongoose. From there you board a boat for a leisurely float down the Wilson River to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean. Your dinner this evening is served on the beach, amongst the sand dunes and a roaring bonfire. US$35/person.
• Scuba Diving Intro Course and Open Water Dive
  P.A.D.I. Discover Scuba Diving (D.S.D) course for beginners includes a morning class in a pool and an afternoon shallow water (15 meters) dive in Sosua Bay. The D.S.D. certifies participants for shallow-water dives accompanied by a Dive Master for a period of 14 days. Two-hour instructional class generally begins at 9:00 a.m. Open water dive at 2:45 p.m. In between time is your to relax, eat lunch, and explore the town and beaches of Sosua. Includes roundtrip ground transportation, boat to the reefs, Dive Master, and all equipment.  Rating: All levels.  FullDay (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) US$80/guest.
• Surfing Package (first session available any day)
  5-day board rental includes daily roundtrip transport from your hotel to Encuentro Surf Beach, 2  3-hour surfing lessons, and drinking water.  Learn the basics of surfing including board care, entering and exiting the water, paddling, duck diving, catching the right wave, taking off and riding waves.  Rating: beginners through intermediate.  Swimmers only.  Half Day (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon).  US$89/person. 
• Ultralite Flight
  Available for both the adventurer on vacation and aerial photographer, nothing is quite like flying in an Ultralite. See Cabarete and the National Park from a bird’s-eye view.  Includes: roundtrip transportation and 20-minute flight with experienced pilot.  Rating: All levels.  Not recommended for those with a severe fear of heights.  US$99/guest.
• VIP Paradise Island
  Get ready to be pampered! Begin where Columbus settled the first town in the “New World”, La Isabela. A relaxing coastal cruise with VIP service and champagne awaits you. Swim in Mother Nature’s crystal clear waters at the most beautiful beach of the North Coast. VIP lunch will be served on the beach at Punta Rusia before heading out to the beauty of Paradise Island where the colorful undersea world of tropical reefs awaits you. Both of our exclusive yachts, Paradise and Minglewood, are equipped with flybridge, air-conditioned state room, bar and bathroom. Exclusive tour includes roundtrip transportation in modern coach with a/c; light breakfast, snacks and drinks on the yacht; delicious hot lunch with fresh salad and fruit and drinks at Punta Rusia; sandwiches, fruit and drinks on the island; and visits to El Castillo beach, Ensenada beach, Punta Rusia beach, Paradise Island and mangroves of National Park of Monti Cristi. Rating: Exclusive. Very Full Day (6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.).  US$150/guest.
• Wakeboarding Pull & Lesson Warm waters, glassy conditions and pro UK wakeboarders welcoming all levels of riders to learn to rip it up. 10 to 20-minute ride with up to 6 guests onboard. Instruction provided for all throughout. US$40/person.
• White Water Rafting
  A beautiful adventure in breathtaking surroundings. The Yaque del Norte river is the longest in the DR, and offers fantastic rapids, demanding technical stretches, a narrow canyon, and adrenalizing drops. Rapids are soft and gentle in the beginning allowing enough time to learn skills and commands. The second part offers rafting at its best with awesome drops, like Mike Tyson and the Mother-in-law. Includes round-trip transportation, boat, equipment, guides, instruction, light breakfast, and lunch. Rating: Class III. Swimmers only. Full Day (7:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) US$85/guest.
• Zip Line Canopy Tour
  10 platforms, 8 cables, 50 to 100 meters off the ground, speeds up to 30 mph.  ‘Nough said.  Top notch installation, equipment and guides provide an experience and perspective of the DR you are not soon to forget.  Includes roundtrip transportation, helmet, harness and technical equipment, instruction, guides, lunch and a beautiful day in the mountains of the Septentrional Range.  Rating: All levels ages 8 and up between 80 and 260 pounds.  US$95/guest.

Dates

March 14 (Friday) through March 23 (Sunday), 2008

CONTACT THE RUTGERS LEADER FOR MORE INFORMATION