SaintTaris
The 4x4 excursion was offered directly by the hotel, not by our signature representative. In the main lobby of the hotel, you'll see men walking around with brochures and folders offering various excursions offered by the hotel. There is also a building on the beach - the same buiding you go for towels - where you can go directly to book your excursions during your stay.
First you are taken to the vehicles, and are given a short briefing on how to operate them. Acceration is controlled by a lever with your right thumb, brakes are similar to those on a bycicle, shifting gears are done with by a lever which you activate with your left foot. Don't worry if you cannot drive standard - simply leave the vehicle in 5th gear (you won't get as much low end torque/power) but it will drive just like an automatic.
The tour starts by leaving your hotel onto the city streets. One guide is at the beginning of the line periodically looking back at you. He will guesture a thumbs up so make sure you acknowledge him and return the guesture so your guide knows that everything is OK. Another guide is always at the end of the pack, and has a constant eye on the group as they make their way through rural traffic.
On the way to the destination, you'll experience a lot of traffic, tour busses, minivans, cars, mopeds, motorcycles. Since the 4x4's have a limited top speed, a lot of the traffic will weave around you - potentially dangerous -. It helps if you have someone riding with you to check your blindspots periodically.
Clean air isn't regulated as in north america, and since many of the vehicles still use diesel fuel : the exhaust from other vehicles might bother some people. Wear sunglasses to and keep your mouth closed when other vehicles approach/pass you.
When we arrived at the banana plantation, we were welcomed by a friendly dominican family. We saw their crops : banana plants, papaya, mango trees, various citrus trees, ect. They had a tree/plant that produces a red fruit which the locals use as a food coloring. All the ladies on the excursion got a face painting using fingers and the dye extracted from this plant.
Over a long windy dirt road, we arrived at a beach where we saw other 4 wheelers. Through the beach our guide took us through a forest/jungle trail where the vehicles powered through rock, mud, and pools of water with ease. This part of the trail is rough so wear closed shoes, as your sandles will fall off during this part of the excursion.
As we exited the forest we approached the most magificent beach where rock cliffs seem to drop straight into the ocean. To the left there were miles of open beach. Just behind the beach, inland just a few feet, there are windy sand trails with mixed with palms and coconut trees where you can really have a lot of fun if you are adventurous.
Here you will have 40 minutes of free time. The guide told us to meet back at a certain time. Going full throttle along the shoreline is a thrill. You can go very fast through the beach trails. Time flys when you're having fun. So much so, that we lost track of time. They even had to come out and search for us.
As you return from the beach, we were approached by a young local boy offering coconuts. Even if you don't want one, offer him a few dollars.
On the way back to your resort, we stopped off at a local shop to have a coke. At the same time you'll have a chance to buy some gifts/souveniers.
Passed more farms, a coffee drying operation, lots of scenery.
This was by far one of the best excursions we've been on.
Dougie48
Sorry to hear about your power problems in your suite. I agree the front desk service was horrible.
Hope you had fun
(10)
Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach - H10/Hodelpha
