Expedition to the Dominican Republic
February 23 - March 2, 2026
$1300
Delve into the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural heritage in scenic Santo Domingo! Then journey to Samaná and experience its pristine beaches and wild natural spaces. Visit three of Seacology’s unique conservation projects, where you’ll meet local beekeepers, kayak through wildlife-filled mangrove reserves, and see migrating humpback whales. We’ll hear from the people protecting these natural marvels and see how Seacology empowers their conservation.
¡Bienvenidos a la República Dominicana!
Seacology, the world’s leading island habitat and cultural conservation organization, is delighted to invite you on our expedition to the Caribbean island nation of the Dominican Republic!
We will explore two remarkable parts of the island, historic Santo Domingo and the Samaná Peninsula, as well as some small communities where Seacology funds mangrove and seagrass conservation. We’ll walk through a historic city, paddle through verdant mangroves, and search for whales in our own privately chartered boat.
Like any Seacology trip, we’ll find fascinating wildlife, learn about the region’s natural and cultural history, and meet Seacology’s partners who work to protect threatened island habitats. All the while, we’ll enjoy fresh and delicious Dominican cuisine. Every day will have time dedicated to a group event, as well as individual time to enjoy the Dominican Republic’s splendor at your own pace.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Santo Domingo and Las Calderas
Our expedition begins in the elegant Zona Colonial, the Dominican Republic’s historical hub, where we’ll spend two nights. On our first full day we’ll explore Santo Domingo, the Western Hemisphere’s oldest city, where past and present cultures mix in delightful and surprising ways. Our second day will start with a day trip to Las Calderas, where we’ll meet local beekeepers who are guardians of the area’s mangroves and seagrass. We’ll also kayak through stunning Las Calderas Bay on a guided paddle while admiring animals like the frigatebirds who call the coast their home, or the plethora of ocean creatures like queen conchs that live among the mangroves and seagrass below.
Seacology project: Las Calderas Bay
Seacology has partnered with local beekeepers, who protect hundreds of acres of climate-resilient mangroves and seagrass as they grow their businesses among the mangroves. The beekeepers depend on the mangrove forest and are dedicated to keeping it healthy. With specialized training and tools, they produce high-quality honey, which we’ll get to taste!
Whale watching, Samaná, and mangroves exploration
On our third day we’ll take a comfortable drive to the town of Las Galeras, on the Samaná Peninsula, overlooking Samaná Bay. We’ll spend the next three days watching humpback whales, enjoying local beaches and food, and taking a kayak trip through Los Haitises National Park. Samaná is a world-renowned whale watching location, one of the few places in the western hemisphere where you can marvel at breaching humpbacks during their annual migrations.
See conservation in action and meet our local partners
Seacology project: San Lorenzo Bay
Seacology is helping to protect nearly 3,000 acres of critically important mangrove ecosystems in Los Haitises National Park. The local fishers’ cooperative we’re partnered with focuses on sustainable fishing, selling environmentally friendly fishing gear, and leading kayak tours through the mangroves. They will take us on a paddle along the craggy Los Haitises coast, where we’ll see lush jungle, extensive mangroves, pelican and cormorant colonies, and maybe even an endangered manatee or two floating among the seagrass.
Seacology project: La Playita
Not far from Las Galeras is La Playita (“little beach”). On a day trip, you can see its brilliant white sands, gentle waves, and the seagrass meadow lovingly protected by locals. Community members of La Playita have pledged to protect the seagrass and mangrove patches, and in exchange, Seacology is funding their pledge through buoys, a partnership with a fisherman-led monitoring co-op, conservation training, and by providing sports equipment for schoolchildren in the nearby community. La Playita is a classic Seacology project, protected by, and providing for, the entire local community.
Itinerary
Monday, Feb. 23
Arrive in Santo Domingo and check into Hodelpa Nicolas De Ovando.
Tuesday, Feb. 24
City sightseeing and group tour. Free afternoon before welcome dinner at Pate Palo.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
Day trip to Las Calderas for Seacology project visit, honey tasting, and kayaking.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Half-day sightseeing drive to Las Galeras and Villa Serena
check-in.
Friday, Feb. 27
Whale watching tour to see humpbacks during peak whale season.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Day trip to Sanchez, kayak through mangroves in Los Haitises National Park’s San Lorenzo Bay, and Seacology project visit.
Sunday, Mar. 1
Optional day trip to nearby scenic beach and Seacology project, La Playita. Free half-day to further enjoy the beach or explore Las Galeras. End with goodbye dinner at Villa Serena.
Monday, Mar. 2
Head to the airport after a remarkable week with Seacology in the Dominican Republic…if you’re not tempted to stay longer!
Accommodations
Hodelpa Nicolas De Ovando, Santo Domingo
A renovated luxurious hotel in the heart of Zona Colonial, Hodelpa Nicolas celebrates historic styling with modern comforts. The ideal place to start our journey, Hodelpa’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you ease into comfort or suggest the perfect little adventure in the Dominican capital.
Villa Serena, Samaná
On the elegant Samaná peninsula, the Villa Serena is tucked between brilliant white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the modest village of Las Galeras a short distance away. The perfect place to rest and enjoy island vacationing, the Villa’s yoga, pool, and beaches offer plenty of ways to rest your way.
Book your spot
Seacology trips are intimate and personalized experiences for our guests to delve into the culture they’re appreciating. We capped this trip at 10 guests maximum to insure a quality and unique experience for all attendees.
$1,300 per person
To reserve your spot today with a nonrefundable $500 deposit (due by November 25, 2025), fill out the form below. The balance is due by December 31,2025.
With quick response times and human support we’ll get you booked in no time!
Price includes:
• Two kayak excursions
• Whale watching excursion
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• On-island transportation (van transportation with English-speaking drivers, WiFi, and light refreshments)
• Meals on Feb. 23, 25, 27, and 28, and Mar. 1.
• Seacology staff guide throughout expedition
Does not Include:
• Airfare
• Meals not indicated in itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Hotel rooms (Seacology will let you know how to make your own hotel reservations so that you can get exactly the category of rooms you want.)
• Early arrival/late departure transit (available for an additional fee)