Well known as a famous producer of tobacco, coffee, cocoa, sugar, mango, and bananas, Dominican Republic doesn’t lack in the aspect of tourism, too. It’s the Caribbean’s most visited city and is among America’s top 5. It hosts over six million tourists each year. It’s a huge figure, folks!
We all know the Dominican Republic is famous for offering thrilling water sports experiences, ranging from white water rafting, sailing, and parasailing to surfing, diving, and more. This article is about white water rafting Dominican Republic and how you can make the most of your excursion. Let’s dive right into it to explore more!
Where Can You Go White Water Rafting Dominican Republic?
There’s only one place in the entire Caribbean where you can enjoy the exhilarating experience of white water rafting Dominican Republic. Curious to discover what that is? It’s in the Central Highlands of the Dominican Republic.
Right where strikingly high mountains, stunning rivers, and dense forests find a home. This place is world-famous among tourists for being the electrifying center of the Dominican Republic. It offers most of the adrenaline-pumping day trips of the DR lead.
Source: @aguasbravasraftingYaque del Norte River
Stretching across 300 km (186 miles), Yaque del Norte River offers a challenging white water rafting experience, and it’s surely not for beginners. Expert rafters can experience an instant adrenaline rush when rafting on the rapid turns and currents of this furious river. Besides all this exoticness, you also get to explore the hidden gems of the Dominican Republic.
Source: @ranchojarabacoaWhat’s the Best Time to Go White Water Rafting Dominican Republic?
Due to high water levels, summer months are considered the best time to go water rafting Dominican Republic. Keep in mind that the weather in Central Highlands is much colder than in the resort destinations. Moreover, windproof and waterproof clothing is a must on such exhilarating trips.
What to Expect from White Water Rafting Dominican Republic Tour?
The best way to enjoy white water rafting Dominican Republic is to book a tour. Most tours include the resort pickup and drop-off. On reaching the spots, you will be provided with the safety equipment, and the guide will thoroughly give you instructions.
Starting from 518m (1700 feet) above sea level in the Jarabacoa mountains, the guide will take you through the trip via the safest route. Meanwhile, you have to paddle only when the guide asks. After spending an exciting morning rafting, you will have a quick stop for lunch and unwinding in the pristine area.
On the way down the river, you will conquer some serious rapids named Class II, Class III, the Toilet, the Cemetery, the Mike Tyson, and the El Hoyo. Not only this, some even furious rapids await down the river, but to ensure safety, most tour guides don’t go that much farther.
What you get in extras is the camera crew that keeps capturing you when you raft along on the adventurous rapids. Although the tour price doesn’t include the video, you can buy it at the end for just US $35. When the tour ends, the entire rafting group is taken to a local bar in the Jarabacoa to enjoy watching the video of their adventure while sipping beer.
The picturesque scenery, the thrill, the adventurous river, and the wild rapids; everything will ensure to give you goosebumps!
Source: @ranchojarabacoaWhat Does White Water Rafting Dominican Republic Cost?
Expect the white water rafting Dominican Republic to cost $50 per person. However, you can find cheap tour offers in Jarabacoa and Puerto Plata. As explained earlier, the video is available to purchase for $35. Believe it is worth every penny as you can take your memories along to cherish later.
Which Tour Companies Should You Prefer?
White water rafting Dominican Republic is undoubtedly a worthwhile experience, but the risks can’t be overlooked. This is why you must be very careful when selecting a tour company. In search of a cheaper tour, you should not ignore your safety.
The Rancho Baiguate and Rancho Jarabacoa are the tour companies you can blindly rely on for a safe and worthwhile experience, too.
Source: @ranchojarabacoaEssential Tips for White Water Rafting
Here are some essential tips you should consider when going for white water rafting. Let’s have a quick read at them!
Dress Accordingly
Skip wearing jeans or cotton clothes; quick-drying sports shots will work best. Do wear a tank top over a bathing suit. However, materials like fiber piles, polar fleece, and wool must be preferred if you are going rafting in winter. For shoes, you should not wear flip-flops; river sandals, water shoes, and old sneakers can be the best choice.
Keep Your Helmet and Jacket Secured & Trust your Guide!
Let’s face it, most of us are guilty of not listening to the guide’s instructions whenever going on tours. Don’t repeat the mistake in this case, as the tour will be a bit riskier, so you must stick to your guide’s instructions. Moreover, keep your helmet and life jacket appropriately secured. If in any case, you fall out of the raft, the only lifesaver will be your life-saving jacket, approved by the Coast Guard!
Paddle Harder!
Do you anticipate that the water currents will lead you through the rapids? You get it wrong, folk! These are the rafters that make sure each of the rapid navigate effectively. When your guide shouts, “paddle,” they mean it!
Don’t Take Your Valuables
Ensure not to bring your valuables like jewels along when going for white water rafting. If you carry cameras along to capture the picturesque vistas, make sure to carry waterproof ones.
Wrapping Up
This article is all about the white water rafting Dominican Republic experience. In it, we have described it all: where you can go water rafting, the best time to go there, the expectations you should have from this experience, and the essential tips to consider. You will surely find it worth reading!
