Punta Cana Tours — Local services in Higüey

We purchased 2 different excursions for our vacation to Punta Cana March 23rd and March 24th, 2018. Our first excursion was the half day Safari excursion. Our voucher listed our pick up time as 845 am from the Riu Bavaro Palace. We received an email the day before for confirmation and requesting our room number. We responded with the room number and a See You Tomorrow. We came to the lobby at 835 am and saw the Safari bus pulling away. I assumed there would be another one for our pick up. As it passed 845, I called the number listed on our voucher and got a voice mail, so I left a message. After no return call after another 5 minutes, I went over to a rep in the hotel and asked for help. He was able to get a hold of someone. As I talked with him, he told me that our pickup time was 835 and we weren't there so the driver left. My daughter was in tears as I told the guy on the call what our voucher said and our confirmation email said. He then put me on hold and called the driver. The driver then did come back and get us, however, my daughter was already upset and we are all very stressed out. The reason for the 2 stars is that the host of the excursion was excellent. Now, Day 2 for our second excursion. We did the email confirmation AGAIN, and went down even extra early to meet the driver. AGAIN, no pick up. I called the number AGAIN and left a message, no return call. I went to a hotel rep and they called and got a hold of someone. The gentlemen I talked with told me that he was running late and was currently at the Iberostar picking up other guests and would be at our hotel to pick us up after them in about 5 minutes. We waited over 15 minutes and he showed up. He did not have any other guests with him and had not picked up other guests. He did tell us that he didn't know we had an excursion scheduled. We were taken to meet the other people, which appeared upset as they had to set and wait on us, making us feel uncomfortable. This excursion was to Saona Island. There seemed to be a lot of confusion as to what boat we were going to take, etc. We had done this excursion with another company 2 years ago and it went much smoother. We did our snorkeling first. The boat was packed with people and we were in the back. By the time we got into the water, we were only able to snorkel 5 minutes. My husband didn't even get to snorkel as he couldn't even get through to get to the water. We were looking for him in the water and couldn't find him and finally saw him in the boat behind several people unable to get down the aisle. We then went to the sand bar, which was beautiful. We then spent the rest of the tour on the island, which was beautiful. I would not recommend this company as we spent a lot of money for 3 people and did not get what we paid for. To be left, not once, but twice, is unacceptable. And the stress on my daughter and the tears both mornings were uncalled for while we are on vacation trying to relax and enjoy ourselves. I gave it 2 stars as the hosts were excellent and would do anything to please the tourists. I also left information on their facebook page and sent a few emails regarding our experience and did not get...

Most amazing tour I have ever been on! I highly recommend! As a solo traveler, I felt completely catered to. It was just a quick ride over to the airport and the plane seated about 35 people. Once we reached Samana, Eduardo spotted me in the crowd of 30+ non English speaking touristas. He proceeded to tell me that he would be my private guide, translator and best buddy for the day! And he really was!! The. Next person who approached me was the photographer. He asked everyone if he could take pictures of them (60$ per couple or $50 for singles). I was the only one to request the photo package so I also had my own personal paparazzi! He took over 140 FANTASTIC shots too!! We took a beautiful trip into the countryside and made our way to a plantation/farm where I was schooled about cacao, pineapple, cigars and of course MAMJUANA! All are available for purchase. The prices are super reasonable and you have the chance to shop after the horse ride and waterfall. next I was fitted for my helmet and boots. Then we got in the jeep and drive to the back of the farm where we were paired up with our horse and guide. This young man never left my side & even ran with Dinéro (my horse)& I many times as we galloped on the way to the waterfall. (I was sure to tell Them I was an experienced rider so that I was given a larger, more fiesty horse that wasn't afraid to move and pass others). The waterfall was breathtaking and worth the muddy, steep 80 steps you have to hike down!!! (Just remember, you have to walk back up too!! Take your time. It's not for anyone Who is not in decent physical condition), we swam in the waterfall for about half an hour, climbed the stairs back up and mounted the horses again back to the plantation. I did tip my horse guide $20 as it was WELL EARNED. I saw a few people give their boys $5 or $10 & they seemed happy with it. The plantation had an amazing lunch of breads, rice, potatos, chicken, fish and fresh fruits were provided by the owner & workers. Very TASTY! They also provided a rum and coke drink, or soda and waterfront the cooler on the tour truck. After lunch we boarded the tour truck again and headed to the other side of the mountain. (From buying cigars and tipping, I needed more cash. they were happy to stop at the ATM!!) We then boarded the boat to the island for a fun, 15 minute ride over to the island where we were welcomed with fresh pina colodas and coco locos in the fruit and shell!! These drinks were $5 each but you were also allowed a beer or soda for no charge. We spent an hour and a half on the white sandy beach. There is a little market place with local art for purchase and a few guys walking around with snorkel gear to rent as well. Our day came to a close with a short ride back in the boat and a quick ride in the truck back to the airport. Honestly, I was treated like a princess all day and these guys really work so hard to show everyone their beautiful countryside and share their blessings. Worth every penny. Best day ever! I'd take this trip 100 more times. Thank you Eduardo &...

This was the perfect adventure. I would do it again. Please be sure to bring money to tip your guide who guides you to the water falls. They are absolutely the best and deserve a huge tip for going the whole way on foot while you are on horseback. Our guides were Timon and Eduardo. If you get them hook them up please! Our main tour guide was Joaquin and he did an excellent job of keeping us abreast of where we were and the history. He was very patient with us. Our photographer was the best. Because of him our memories will forever be with us. Be sure to bring enough money to tip your guides. Our hotel pickup was very timely. We were a little late so I am glad that they waited a few minutes. The plane ride to Samana was comfortable and the views were amazing. From there we were taken to a house where cigars were made. It was cool to watch it being done, but we aren’t smokers so we didn’t partake. From there we were driven to a ranch where we picked up out horses for the trail to the waterfalls. This was a long tail and our guides did a great job of keeping our horses on the trail. I am still tripping off of the fact that our guides walked the whole way. Our photographer kept up with us as well and kept snapping photos. I thought that was awesome. We reached the water falls and I couldn’t believe the amount of water that was cascading down from the mountain. We got a chance to jump in. and it was there that I proposed to my lady. Everyone around us cheered. After the falls we had to go back up this long flight of stairs to get to our horses for the ride back. Keep in mind that you have to be in relatively good shape to get back up those stairs without taking a bunch of breaks. Once we reached the ranch we had a tasty lunch of fish, chicken, lobster (which is extra) rice and salad. After our lunch we were taken to downtown Samana where we were allowed to get to an ATM and to get some peso's to tip our people and pay for some items that we purchased back at the ranch. I wish that we would have known to bring tip money beforehand. Once that was done we hopped onto a boat that took us to Cayo Levantado or Bacardi Island. Not much to do there but get approached by more vendors, drink and play in the water. Our photographer took more shots of us but after an hour I was spent and ready to be heading home. I spent the remainder of the time on the island relaxing until we had to take the boat back. The drive from the dock to the airport was a little harrowing, but the driver knew his way around those narrow roads. I would suggest taking the rum and coke before the driving starts. Your nerves will be thanking you. For my money I was completely pleased with this trip and would do it again. I think that it ran well. There were parts that were dirty and being in good shape helped. I felt safe the whole but this is definitely an excursion filled with adventure. Great job to our guides, the driver,...