An Invitation

My moms told me there's no such thing as a dumb question so here I go!! Would my visits to El Acuario Nacional or Los Tres Ojos count?

The best choice for a moderator!!!!

Keith R said:

JDub,
Sure, as long as the reiew arguably has a dimension relevant to the Environment Forum, I'd welcome it! If it is just a general like/dislike review, it's probably better to post it in the Travel Forum, ok?
Best Regards,
Keith

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Brother Keith, congrats on being the moderator for the environnment forum, they cound not have made a better choice. Since I joined this site you have been a true, unbiased and friendly companero. Because it's you, I will post in that forum. Actually, I will go right now. If you give that forum 1/2 of what you give a person when they need an advice, that forum will be a COMPLETE HIT!!!!!!!. Hurray for Keith.

Hi Keith,

We went whale watching laet February through the "Tourismo" company. We paid $110.00 per person, which I thinkk was a bit pricey. We did make the mistake of booking it through our "tour rep". I'm sure we could have gotten the same trip for much cheaper on the beach or through some 0f the folks on the street in Cabarete. Live and learn.

That being said, we had a great time. We saw lots of whales and really felt that we were not short changed in our time on the water to observe them. I would say that anyone who even "thinks" they might be suseptible to seasickness should aviail themselves of the free dramamine that is offered before the boat departs. I was the only one in our party to do this, and none of us got sick, but lots of others on the boat did. Including one of the "guides". I can;'t even imagine what a miserable day it would have been if one of us had gotten sick.......

They picked us up at our hotel early in the morning and we stopped for breakfast a little after Rio San Juan. The breakfast was good with scrambled eggs, homefries, sausages and bacon and fresh fruit and good coffee. Nothing "exceptional" but a good breakfast. The place was clean with clean bathrooms. Then it was on to Samana where we stopped briefly to take some pictures of Samana bay.

The boat was large, with plenty of room, a decent "head/bathroom". Again,they offered dramamine which I strongly suggest everyone take as a precaution. It can get pretty rough out there, and even if you think you are not suspetible to seasickness, it is worth it.

We spent 2 1/2 to 3 hours on the water and saw lots of whales. Trying to get pictures is another matter LOL. I would suggest that people just sit back and enjoy. The chances of getting pictures are slim to none. I've got lots of pictures of peoples' heads but only one of an actual whale, and that isn't so good anyway.

We certainly felt that we spent lots of time on the water and had lots of time to see the whales.

We then stopped at Caya Laventado (my husband and I had been before) for lunch which was decent, again, nothing to write home about, but good. You can also buy lobsters and such and also a good Pina Colada or Cocoloco. They also provided tickets for bottles water and you could also buy beer(Presidente) which was not outrageously expensive.

Honestly, I love Caya Laventado. You definitely get the feel that "you aren;t in Kansas anymore". It is BEAUTIFUL.

One word of caution though. BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER. That goes for just about any "excursions" off of resort or tourist area. I have become so accustomed to doing this, that I don't really think about it anymore. LOL

They then take you back to your hotel/resort, with a brief stop at a tourist trap that does have "bathroom facilities". Again, if you are squeamish, it would be best if you are prepared.

We really enjoyed our day, even though we felt afterward that we over paid for it. We got what we wanted and enjoyed our day.

Rose

P.S. I would encourage everyone who is staying at an AI to get "off the resort" AT LEAST ONCE to experience the beauty of the country that you are visiting, and most especially, the hospitality of the people of the country that you are visiting. Their advice and friendliness is what makes the DR so special to visit.