Buggy & Quad Tour – Sunset Special
Buggy and Quad from Punta Cana and Bayahibe
An off-the-beaten-path adventure – Quetzal Excursions Exclusive!
Dive into the heart of the Dominican Republic with our buggy and quad tour from Punta Cana or Bayahibe. Much more than a simple ride, this outing takes you to discover the Dominican backcountry, far from the crowds and tourist clichés.
In a small group, set off on an adventure in an all-terrain buggy or a quad, through vast sugar cane fields, typical small villages, and breathtaking landscapes. This buggy safari is a full immersion into local culture, featuring authentic encounters with locals, river swim breaks, and tastings of artisanal products.
And to top off this unique day, board a private platform boat for an unforgettable evening on the legendary Chavón River: drinks, traditional dinner along the water in a magical atmosphere.
An experience by quad or buggy you won’t forget!
Quetzal Excursions offers you a thrilling family adventure through the backcountry with comfortable two-seater buggies and quads…
Departure from Bayahibe on board a safari truck heading to the ranch located about fifteen minutes away. Upon arrival at the ranch, you’ll receive a warm welcome: all the excursion’s safety protocols and details will be explained to you, then you’ll be directed to your respective buggies to head out along the sugar cane trails…
1st stop: the weighing station, a must-see spot where sugar cane cutters bring their daily harvest to be transported to the processing plant! You’ll also get the chance to taste pure sugar cane juice!!
🚜 Embark on an unforgettable buggy tour through the heart of the Dominican countryside
If you’re looking for a thrilling activity from Bayahibe, far from the classic tourist routes, our buggy and quad tour is made for you! Discover the Dominican backcountry like never before: between sugar cane fields, authentic villages, and river swimming, this all-terrain buggy adventure immerses you in local life.
👉 Departure from our Bayahibe office, aboard a safari truck, heading to our ranch located just 15 minutes away. A warm welcome is guaranteed! Our team will explain all the safety instructions before handing you the controls of your flamboyant all-terrain buggy.
🗺️ Buggy & Quad Tour Itinerary
The Weigh Station
After about 30 minutes of driving in a buggy along long dirt roads, bordered by lush landscapes and palm trees as far as the eye can see, you’ll reach a symbolic place of Dominican agricultural life: the sugarcane weigh station.
This site lies at the heart of a vast agricultural area belonging to Central Romana, one of the largest sugar groups on the island, still active today. Every day, hundreds of sugarcane cutters drop off their harvest here, which is carefully weighed before being sent to the processing plant.
Your English-speaking guide will take the time to explain the history of sugarcane cultivation in the Dominican Republic, its economic importance, as well as the living conditions of the workers and the organization of this industry.
You’ll also have the chance to taste freshly cut sugarcane: a naturally sweet and smooth stalk that is chewed to extract its juice. A true local delight!
Surrounded by endless fields and the peacefulness of the rural environment, this first stop is a true journey into the heart of everyday life in the Dominican countryside, far from the tourist beaches.
Visit to a Batey
After leaving the weigh station, you’ll get back into your buggies to cross an even more authentic and remote area, until you reach one of the many Bateyes in the region.
Bateyes are traditional farming villages that emerged around sugarcane fields. Historically inhabited by agricultural workers, many of Haitian origin, these villages remain a reflection of a simple, deeply human, and welcoming way of life.
During this stop, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the locals, especially the children of the village, always smiling and curious. Your guide will take this opportunity to explain the living conditions in the Bateyes, their history, and how families organize their daily lives.
💛 This moment is also a symbol of sharing: if you wish, you may bring donations – school supplies, clothing, sweets, hygiene products, or toys – that will brighten the children’s day. You’ll be able to interact with them, take souvenir photos, and experience a moment that is deeply human, authentic, and respectful.
After this emotional exchange, you’ll continue for 5 minutes by vehicle until reaching our transition point, where you’ll leave the buggies to take your quads. This vehicle change will allow you to explore a different type of terrain, better suited to reach the magnificent Chavón River. A new adventure begins, in a landscape that becomes ever wilder and more exuberant!
🌴 Immersion in the Chavón River and Authentic Encounter with Locals
After about 20 minutes of riding a quad through lush vegetation, we reach the majestic Chavón River, a true natural gem of the southeast Dominican Republic. This iconic waterway, over 100 kilometers long, originates in the northern mountains and winds its way to La Romana, where it flows into the Caribbean Sea. Rich in history, the Chavón River was once a major transport route for timber and natural resources, and even served as a filming location for famous movies like Apocalypse Now and Rambo 2, thanks to its wild, dense jungle atmosphere.
Upon arrival, it’s time for a refreshing swim in its calm, warm waters, surrounded by green cliffs and tropical trees. A soothing and revitalizing moment, perfect for washing off the dust from the buggy ride and floating in the heart of this majestic nature.
Right by the river, a local resident welcomes us to his countryside home, perched above the water. He’ll offer a tasting of traditional Dominican products: cassava, seasonal tropical fruits, plantains, and other specialties. This warm moment of exchange is a chance to toast your vacation in a peaceful, authentic setting. For the curious, your guide will offer a mini-tour of the garden where fruit trees, medicinal plants, and local herbs grow.
After this beautiful encounter, we’ll hit the road again for about 40 minutes to return to the ranch, where the safari truck will be waiting to wrap up this unforgettable experience.
🛶 Traditional Boat Cruise on the Chavón River – Drinks, Sunset & Dominican Dinner
In the late afternoon, after returning your quads at the ranch, your adventure continues in an even more enchanting setting. On board our safari truck, you’ll be taken to another access point of the famous Chavón River, for a moment suspended in time.
Awaiting you there is our traditional Dominican barge, a spacious and rustic platform boat, perfect for a cruise through the heart of tropical nature. As soon as you board, it’s time for an aperitif! Drink in hand, you’ll gently cruise along the calm river waters, surrounded by lush and spectacular vegetation. The golden rays of the setting sun will kiss the water’s surface – the perfect moment to take out your camera.
For the more adventurous, a rope hanging from a branch will let you swing into the water like Tarzan! Laughter and thrills guaranteed.
As the light fades, we continue sailing in a warm atmosphere with a typical Dominican dinner served on board: a generous buffet featuring creole rice, fried plantains, cassava, grilled chicken, shrimp, and local salads – all prepared with love and freshness for a truly convivial moment.
And the evening wouldn’t be complete without a touch of local music and dance: bachata, merengue… your guide will be happy to introduce you to these captivating rhythms that make the Dominican Republic come alive.
Around 9 p.m., you’ll board the safari truck again for the ride back to your hotels, your heart full of memories and emotions. An intense and authentic day, the kind you rarely experience!
🚜 Why Choose the Quetzal Buggy Tour?
🌟 A Quetzal Exclusive from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.:
A full and intense afternoon to enjoy a true immersion in the Dominican Republic, far from the usual circuits and rushed excursions. Here, we take our time, we live in the moment.
🛞 Extended driving time in buggy and quad:
Make the most of the thrills! Between sugar cane trails, crossing local villages, wild paths and privileged access to the Chavón River, this tour guarantees an authentic and fun ride throughout the experience.
🤝 Genuine and heartfelt encounters:
At every stop, our passionate guides share the history of the places, local traditions, and introduce you to the locals. During the visit to a Batey, you’ll discover the real life of sugar cane workers and may donate to the children – a moving moment, full of smiles and humanity.
🌿 A refreshing swim in an exceptional natural setting:
The famous Chavón River, known as a movie set, awaits you for a refreshing swim in a lush jungle atmosphere.
🏡 A stop at a local’s home:
By the river, a local resident opens the doors of his countryside home for a tasting of local products.
🚤 Sunset drinks & dinner cruise on the Chavón River:
The day ends beautifully aboard a traditional Dominican boat for a peaceful sunset cruise. A generous Dominican dinner is served onboard, with music, a friendly atmosphere, and even a short bachata or merengue lesson to wrap it all up with a festive touch.
Summary of Your Buggy Tour in Video
Important Information
Availability: TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY
Activity available from hotels in:
Bayahibe,
Punta Cana / Bavaro,
La Romana,
Boca Chica / Juan Dolio
Departure Time:
The excursion starts at 2:00 p.m.
A safari truck will pick you up in front of your hotel between 30 and 45 minutes before the start of the excursion.
Return to hotel: 9:30 p.m.
Duration:
+/- 8h
Included:
Full-face protective helmet
Protective bandana
Special goggles
Soft drinks throughout the ride
Rum-type alcohol and beers after the driving session
Pick-up by safari truck from hotels in Bayahibe / Dominicus
Not Included:
Taxi from hotels in Punta Cana / Boca Chica / La Romana
Photos
To Bring:
Towels
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Dark-colored clothing
Change of clothes
Pocket money for personal expenses
Possibility to rent a buggy alone – a $40 US supplement will be applied
Included
Protective goggles, protective scarf, soft drinks throughout the ride, glass of rum at the end of the excursion
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Please specify any dietary requirements at the time of booking. Transfer duration is approximate; exact timing depends on time of day and traffic conditions. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Operates in all weather conditions – please dress appropriately, and don’t forget your sunglasses, towels, and sunscreen.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before departure, a 50 percent cancellation fee applies. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of departure, a 100 percent cancellation fee applies.
Related trips
”Land and Sea” Combo
Saona Island – Budget Tours
Saona Speedboat Tour from Bayahibe and Punta Cana
Whale Watching
Safari Discovery
