Santo Domingo Private Tour from Punta Cana

Far below our expectations

That was a long trip from Punta Cana Bavaro Barcelo resort in a hope to see and learn about the capital of DR. The transportation was OK, driver was very good navigating through uneasy local traffic. But our tour guide, Eugene D, Paole, was a complete frustration. After saying that he speaks 5 languages, he started to talk in all of them simultaneously. In a single statement there were Spanish, Russian, English and German words mixed. For some reason all numbers were said in German. That was a good material for a standup comedy, but not for "Exclusive VIP Excursion". It seems that his only interest was to drag us to Larimar factory to buy some stuff.

Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. However, we must clarify an important point for accuracy and transparency. We did not sell, operate, or provide this tour, nor did we arrange transportation or a tour guide for you. There is no record of your booking with our company, and the experience described does not correspond to any service we offer or any guide working with us. Because the excursion was not purchased through us, we had no involvement in the guide selection, itinerary, or stops mentioned, including the visit to a Larimar factory. For this reason, the issues described are unfortunately outside of our control. We kindly recommend that you contact the company or platform through which this excursion was actually booked so your concerns can be addressed by the responsible provider. We take our reputation seriously and are always open to feedback related to services we genuinely provide. Posting a review for a company that was not involved creates confusion for future travelers and does not help resolve the real issue. Thank you for your understanding.

via Tripadvisor

Could Be Better with More Local Perspective

The tour was okay—not bad, but not particularly memorable either. Our guide was very friendly, which we appreciated, but the information he shared often felt scripted and lacked authenticity. For example, he spoke at length about Christopher Columbus, and we made a quick stop at the Columbus Lighthouse for a photo op. Given how controversial Columbus is in much of the Americas, I asked how he’s viewed in the modern-day Dominican Republic. His response was simply, “People don’t talk about it.” We asked a similar question about Trujillo and his legacy, and received the same response: “People don’t talk about it.” It left me wondering—are guides instructed to avoid certain topics by the government? I was genuinely hoping for a more open and insightful local perspective, but many of the responses felt rehearsed and inauthentic. Another point of feedback: the tour includes stops at three different shops, which wasn’t of interest to us. It would have been nice if the guide had asked first to see whether we preferred to spend that time elsewhere. Overall, the experience was fine, but there’s definitely room for improvement in terms of depth, flexibility, and personal connection.

via Tripadvisor

Scam tour!

Avoid this tour at all cost! Booked and confirmed with the tour guide, but he NEVER showed up! When I messaged him, he said he is on his way. After waiting for almost one hour, he then told me he is feeling sick and in the hospital! It is a total scam.

Response from the operator: Hello , this is true , the guide was food poisen , this is no scam , we ask you to do another day or give your money back , and you were a full refund.

via Tripadvisor

Good time

Overall was a good experience. The drive was comfortable, however, the switching of vehicles was annoying as you had to wait for everyone to arrive.

Response from the operator: Thank you for this wonderful review, we hope to see you back with us soon.

via Tripadvisor

Worst Tour Guide

We were not happy with the tour and tour guide. He COULD NOT SPEAK ENGLISH. His communication was extremely poor and difficult to understand. We had to make him repeat several times. Even then it was difficult to follow. We gave up after sometime. He did not accompany us to the Faro a Colon and give us guidance. We had requested vegetarian food specifically but he told us that his company does not include it. We had to pay for lunch ourselves. We had requested a private tour and paid EXTRA (paid for 3 people but we were only two of us) because we wanted a private guide with knowledge, information and flexibility. Daniel Sanchez was none of that. I had chatted with Viator to confirm ALL my requests and they assured me that this tour will provide it. The driver was friendly and good but he was not the tour guide. It was a very very bad experience and we need a full refund and cost of lunch ($30).

Response from the operator: Hello , we are very sorry that your experience was not as you had expected, your english is not so good either , you pay for 3 people and 2 went because there is a minium for a private Santo Domingo tour and you choose to do that, in our product we offer a Dominican food buffer , it does not say anywhere Vegeterian food , but you option not to eat it and buy your own. there is no refund as you did the tour .

via Viator