Going to PC next week. Any suggestions on Excursions? ATV, Snorkeling, etc. Off the beaten path. Please give company names as well as activities

Be very careful when you go out on the ocean. The local operators are much more concerned about their money than your safety. They do not cancel trips when it is probably too windy. My friend went on a snorkling excursion to Santa Catalina Island where the waves were about 2 feet high. The excursion operators did not provide life jackets. The guy who was supposed to be in charge stayed in the boat. People had to be rescued or they would have drowned. Unless you are a very strong swimmer and experienced snorkler, insist on the life jacket and wait for a calm day.

The same boat had the scuba divers on it. The local divemasters (from Scuba Caribe) were very attentive and professional and I would highly recommend them and the Wall and Aquarium sites we dived. Still though, it was challenging to get into and out of the water when the waves were so high. Bring Dramamine!

We've been on several off-site excursions in Punta Cana and have never seen the scenario that Whopado described. I am sure it can happen though! Reputable tour operators are required to have the safety equipment such as life jackets on board - enough for each passenger. That being said, not all tour operators are reputable.

As Whopado says - be very careful and know who you are booking with. It is highly recommended to book all off-site excursions through your hotel, even those that are not the usual tourist fare. I believe I have seen company name recommendations on www.debbiesdominicantravel.com This is a good website for DR information.

As when traveling anywhere - use your common sense!

we took a day trip to Saona Island - long day but it was beautiful. We also did the island tour where you go through the villages, saw a neat cave, a local housw, a school, horsebak riding and a beach. We booked both in the lobby of the Paradisus. i would say venturing out i would be careful i actually thought some of the people were pushier than in Jamaica.

The year we visted the Punta Cana area, was in early Feb. Weather was not the best, with very cool evenings and high wind days.

We too booked a snorkeling tour from our hotel, which was one of the RIU resorts. It was not good. High winds, guides that spoke no English, not a word. Fortunately my husband and I are experienced snorkelers and due to the high winds and wave action, grabbed a life vest, for those that did not the experience was very tiring. Now with that said there were several days during our trip that the boats were not running due to the winds.

My husband did go out fishing one day with a group from our hotel, incredibly low price which he soon realized the reason. No working navigational instruments on board the boat, the captain just headed to a bouy and said fish! Fortunately everyone got a big laugh out of the day.

One trip that was very enjoyable, was with Outback Jungle Safari. This group made for a fun tour of the countryside.
http://www.outback-safaris.com/

We also took a helicopter tour of the island, which was a total surprise to me as I am terrified of heights, but in the end was amazed.

I admit my entire visit to Punta Cana is clouded from the fact that
#1 we do not enjoy large resorts and there were just way too many people.
#2 my husband spent 3 days in the hospital once we arrived home.

It obviously gets many visitors that much enjoy there adventure.

Oh jeez - Feb isn't the best weather time in DR? Thought it would be warmer than FLA...

I'm going toSecrets wednesday