Jungle Buggies, Meal Included

Overview

This full day pairs two very different activities: a visit to Monkeyland, a five-acre squirrel monkey park where the animals climb onto visitors during feeding, and a drive in jungle buggies along dirt roads, through puddles and out to a river stop. Runners Adventures runs the tour, which lasts 8 hours and caps the group at 55 travellers. Along the way the itinerary also includes a cigar rolling demonstration, a Dominican lunch, and stops covering coffee, coconut and chocolate production. Those side stops are sales pitches as much as demonstrations, and several reviewers flag them as the slowest part of the day.

The order described in reviews runs from the monkeys to the buggy drive, with lunch and the sales stops in between, so it is best to treat the sequence as the operator sets it rather than something to plan around. Reviewers travelling with children and teenagers said the monkeys in particular were a hit with the whole family.

It is a physical, dirty, weather exposed day. Buggy drivers must be at least 18 and carry a valid driving licence. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant travellers or anyone with serious back or heart conditions. Anyone wanting a clean, restful excursion should look elsewhere.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Start pointPickup arrangements for this tour are not specified, so confirm on the live booking page before assuming hotel transport is included.
2. Monkeyland parkTime with the resident squirrel monkeys, which visitors feed while guides from the five-acre monkey park share information about the animals.
3. Cigar rolling houseA walk to a demonstration of hand rolled cigars, followed by time to browse and buy.
4. Dominican lunchA typical Dominican lunch is included, with bottled water provided.
5. Jungle buggy driveAn off road run along dirt tracks and through mud puddles, mixed with stretches on local roads through the countryside.
6. River stopA pause at a river where swimming is possible, though the stop is not long and reviewers describe the water differently.
7. Coffee and chocolate stopPresentations on coffee, coconut and chocolate making, with products sold at the end.
8. ReturnTransport back at the end of the day, with reviewers reporting long waits and several vehicle switches along the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the listing, and they shape the day more than most people expect.

• Expect mud. The buggy route runs along dirt roads and through puddles. Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring a change of outfit if one is available.
• Bring a swimsuit. Several travellers did not know the river swim stop existed and regretted not having swimwear.
• Prepare for waits. Multiple reviews describe long gaps between the monkeys, the cigar session and the buggies, plus vehicle switches and multiple pickup stops. The 8 hour length owes a lot to this downtime, so bring patience.
• Sales stops. The cigar, coffee and chocolate stops include real demonstrations but also sustained selling, and the monkey section ends with a photo viewing and purchase pitch. Reviewers who expected this found it easier to enjoy.
• Rain does not cancel. The buggy run goes ahead in rain, as one reviewer confirmed was stated upfront. It can get cold when wet, so a light layer helps.
• Driver requirements. Anyone driving a buggy must be 18 or older and carry a valid licence in hand. Travellers should also have moderate fitness overall.

Common issues. Downtime and logistics come up in reviews: some travelers mention switching vans several times and waiting between activities. The sales presentations for cigars, coffee, chocolate and photos take up more of the day than some expected. Opinions on the river stop vary, with one reviewer calling the water unappealing. The listing rules out the tour for wheelchair users, pregnant travellers and those with back or heart problems, and caps the group at 55.

Common Questions