Meet the Tropical Évasion team – Who are we?

A local agency in the Dominican Republic specialized in tailor-made tours

Tropical Évasion is above all the story of a friendship and a shared passion for travel and authenticity. Founded by Bernard and Joy, two tourism experts in love with the Dominican Republic, our local agency offers unique experiences off the beaten path.

⛵ Bernard : the captain passionate about the sea and the islands

Originally from La Rochelle, Bernard has spent a large part of his life on the oceans. Living in the Dominican Republic since 2010, he personally built the Quetzal boat, the result of more than three years of passionate work. You’ll likely meet him on one of our exclusive excursions to Saona or Catalina Island, where he’ll be happy to share his sailing stories and love for the sea.

🐠 Joy : the field expert dedicated to making your travel dreams come true

Also from La Rochelle, Joy discovered the Dominican Republic during a sabbatical year dedicated to scuba diving… and never left! A former excursion guide and seasoned traveler on the island, she knows every corner of the country. Thanks to her deep knowledge of the terrain, she designs tailor-made tours based on your preferences: nature, culture, adventure, relaxation — everything is possible.

🗺️ Our mission: to help you discover an authentic Dominican Republic

At Tropical Évasion, we want to help you discover the Dominican Republic differently:

  • by stepping off classic tourist routes,

  • by prioritizing preserved places, often inaccessible to large groups,

  • by offering you tailor-made tours with careful guidance,

  • and by selecting for you the best local providers.

Our ambition?

👉 To give you an unforgettable journey, far from mass tourism and as close as possible to Dominican culture and nature.

🎯 Pourquoi choisir Tropical Évasion ?

🎯 Why choose Tropical Évasion?

    • A English-speaking team based locally for over 10 years

    • In-depth knowledge of the country’s lesser-known regions

    • Tailor-made tours based on your wishes: beaches, waterfalls, rivers, local encounters…

    • Small-group or private excursions, for more comfort and authenticity

    • Support from A to Z, with a dedicated contact person

With Tropical Évasion, go where others don’t!

🧳 Our practical tips to prepare your trip to the Dominican Republic

Before heading to the Dominican Republic, a few practical tips can make all the difference for a smooth trip. Currency, electricity, safety, health, driving, or even useful Spanish phrases…
Here you’ll find all the essentials for a hassle-free stay, whether you’re choosing a day trip or a tailor-made tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Visitors do not need a visa for tourist stays of less than 30 days. However, you will need to complete the E-Ticket on the immigration website for entry and exit from the country:

https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/

The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season, when the climate is most pleasant.

The months of May to November are pleasant but more humid.

From September to mid-October there is an increased risk of cyclones/storms.

We advise you to check the weather on reliable sites like Windfinder:

https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/punta_cana_la_altagracia_dominican_republic

Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, it is important to take some health precautions to ensure a carefree stay.

It is also essential to protect yourself from mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as chikungunya and dengue fever. Mosquito repellents will suffice.

Tap water is not safe to drink, so it is recommended to drink bottled water.

It is also crucial to have valid health insurance that covers medical care abroad. Insurance to provide you adequate coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuations and other unforeseen events. This ensures you have quick and efficient access to the necessary medical care, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.

You can have a look to:

The official currency is the Dominican peso (DOP).

Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas, but it is advisable to have cash for small businesses and in rural areas as credit card fees apply (between 10 and 28% depending on the merchant).

We advise you to change your currency into the local currency directly in the country, at the exchange offices that you will find near your hotels or in the cities.

One of the most widespread in the country is Caribe Express:

The Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists, but like everywhere, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid showing valuables, be careful at night, and use official taxis or recommended transportation services.

Tips are not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, it is common to leave 10% of the bill.

Porters, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect a small tip.

Be sure to try the “la bandera” (rice, beans and meat), the “mangu” (mashed plantains), the “tostones” (fried plantains), and the fresh seafood. Local drinks such as “mamajuana” and sugar cane juice are also worth trying.

In the Dominican Republic, electrical outlets are mostly type A and B, similar to outlets used in the United States and Canada. They have two parallel flat pins. Therefore, if you’re traveling from these areas, you usually won’t need an adapter to plug in your electrical devices.

 

Driving in the Dominican Republic can be a stressful experience for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions. Roads can be poorly maintained, with sometimes insufficient signage.

In addition, the behavior of other drivers can be unpredictable.

Tourists are advised to consider other transportation options, such as official taxis to avoid the potential hassle of driving in a sometimes chaotic road environment.

Spanish is the official language.

English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few phrases in Spanish can be helpful and appreciated.

The basic vocabulary

Spanish is the official language of the country… but some expressions are very typical of the area…

The basics:

Hello / Good evening : Buenos días / Buenas tardes

Please : por favor

Thank you : gracias

Good bye : adios

I don’t understand : no entiendo

My name is : me llamo

Money : dinero

How much does it cost : Cuánto cuesta ?

1, 2, 3….10 : Un, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diéz

It is too expensive : Es muy caro !

The addiion please : la cuenta por favor

Directions:

Left : izquierda

Right : derecha

North/South/East/West : Norte / Sur / Este / Oeste

Days of the week : Lunes, Martes, Miércoles, Jueves, Viernes, Sábado, Domingo

Colmado: It is a popular store, type local trade, ideal to go buy at a lower cost souvenirs such as rum, coffee … But be careful in the evening this small business often turns into a music bar.

Gua-gua: This is the public bus… No bus stop, you are waiting on the side of the road… it will eventually pass!

Motochoncho : Preferred means of transport for Dominicans, it is a motorcycle taxi … 1, 2, 3 passengers… You will be surprised how many people can be ridden on a motorcycle!

Pica Pollo : fried chicken sold in the “Comedor” (fast food), very economical (count between 150 and 200 Dominican pesos)

Un chin : a litlle

Banco :  Bank – Be careful not to confuse with Banca which are the lotteries

Find us on the social media and live the experience of an unforgettable trip!

Saurez-vous trouver la sortie ? 👀🔍

On vous présente notre nouvelle excursion au départ de La Romana ou Bayahíbe, disponible tous les mardis en petit groupe de maximum 10 personnes pour une expérience vraiment privilégiée.

En demi-journée, explorez les Cuevas Maravillas, un site naturel impressionnant, puis amusez-vous dans un labyrinthe mystérieux qui plaira autant aux adultes qu’aux enfants.

👉 Parfait en famille ou pour ceux qui veulent une activité captivante sans y passer toute la journée !

Prêts à relever le défi et trouver la sortie ?

Will YOU find the way out? 👀🔍

Here’s our brand-new excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe, available every Tuesday in a small group of up to 10 people for a more exclusive experience.

This half-day adventure takes you through the stunning Cuevas Maravillas and into a fun, mysterious labyrinth—perfect for families or anyone looking for an exciting activity without spending the whole day out.

Are you ready to take on the challenge and find the exit? ✨

#republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #excursion #bayahibe #maze #fun #halfdaytours #laromana

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Vous aviez promis de découvrir de nouveaux horizons… Mais la République dominicaine a conquis votre cœur 🙈🇩🇴

Entre jungle, mer et sérénité, la République dominicaine vous rappellera toujours!
Laissez-nous créer votre prochaine évasion dominicaine, unique et sur mesure.

#républiquedominicaine #saona #vacances #dr #caraïbes

You promised to discover new horizons... But the Dominican Republic has won your heart 🙈🇩🇴

Between jungle, sea and serenity, the Dominican Republic will always remind you!

Let us create your next Dominican getaway, unique and tailor-made.

#Dominican republic #saona #holidays #dr #caribbean

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Personne ne t’emmène ici...
Et c’est bien pour ça que c’est magique ✨

Une expérience unique depuis Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Petite équipe, max 14 personnes, pour une journée hors du commun.

☀️ Cano Hondo : petit-déj, cascades, baignade, déjeuner local.
🚤 Puis cap sur Los Haitises : grottes, nature brute & plage sauvage.

📅 Chaque mercredi — guide 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up dès 6h30 / retour vers 19h

👉 Le genre d’endroit que les autres n’osent pas montrer.
Réserve ici : https://tropicalevasion.com/cascade-cano-hondo-et-parc-national-los-haitises/

An exclusive experience from Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Small group — max 14 people — for a day off the beaten path.

☀️ Cano Hondo: local breakfast, waterfalls, swim & Dominican lunch.
🚤 Then off to Los Haitises: caves, wild beach & pure nature.

📅 Every Wednesday — guides in 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up from 6:30 AM / back around 7 PM.

👉 The kind of place no one else will show you.
Book now: https://tropicalevasion.com/en/cano-hondo-waterfall-haitises-national-park/

#voyage #republiquedominicaine #caraibes #vacances #aventure #nature #evasion #decouverte #puntacana #bayahibe #loshaitises #naturelovers #bucketlist #secretspot #hiddenparadise #exclusiveexperience #smallgrouptravel #offthebeatenpath

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Le vrai paradis n’est pas dans les resorts 😱

Tu veux voir la vraie République Dominicaine ? 🇩🇴
Avec Tropical Evasion, pars pour 4 jours et 3 nuits, tout compris, d’aventure au cœur du Parc National Los Haitises.

🌿 Balade en mangrove, exploration de grottes mystiques, cascades naturelles, observation des oiseaux, et nuits dans un écolodge en pleine nature.

Une immersion entre authenticité, nature et émotions, parfaite pour une première expérience en circuit ou pour sortir du tout inclus le temps d’une escapade inoubliable.

👉 Laisse tomber les buffets, viens goûter le vrai goût de l’aventure !

The real paradise isn’t in the resorts.

Want to see the real Dominican Republic? 🇩🇴
With Tropical Evasion, set off on a 4-day, 3-night all-inclusive adventure deep inside Los Haitises National Park.
🌿 Explore mangroves, mystical caves, hidden waterfalls, enjoy bird-watching, and spend your nights in an eco-lodge surrounded by nature.

An immersion of authenticity, nature, and emotion — perfect for a first adventure experience or for stepping away from the all-inclusive routine into something unforgettable.

👉 Skip the buffets — come taste the real flavor of adventure!

#loshaitises #cañohondo #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #shortstay #dominicanrepublic🇩🇴 #realparadise #adventuretravels #voyagederêve

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