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

All our adventures in the Dominican Republic

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!

traveltodominicanrepublic

169 1,980

40 ans, les pieds dans le sable et toujours autant de projets dans la tête. 🌴

Finalement, grandir c’est pas si mal.
Continuer à parcourir cette île, découvrir des endroits pour vous encore et encore pas et surtout vous donner envie de voir la République dominicaine autrement. 🇩🇴

Vieillir par contre… j’ai trouvé la parade. 😂
39 ➡️ 38

40 years old, my feet in the sand and still so many projects on my mind. 🌴

Turns out, growing up isn’t so bad after all.
I’ll keep exploring this island, discovering new places to share with you again and again, and above all, inspiring you to experience the Dominican Republic differently. 🇩🇴

Getting older, though… I’ve found a way around that. 😂
39 ➡️ 38

#happybirthday #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #traveltips #instamood

18 11
Open post by traveltodominicanrepublic with ID 18117409456941896
40 ans, les pieds dans le sable et toujours autant de projets dans la tête. 🌴 Finalement, grandir c’est pas si mal. Continuer à parcourir cette île, découvrir des endroits pour vous encore et encore pas et surtout vous donner envie de voir la République dominicaine autrement. 🇩🇴 Vieillir par contre… j’ai trouvé la parade. 😂 39 ➡️ 38 40 years old, my feet in the sand and still so many projects on my mind. 🌴 Turns out, growing up isn’t so bad after all. I’ll keep exploring this island, discovering new places to share with you again and again, and above all, inspiring you to experience the Dominican Republic differently. 🇩🇴 Getting older, though… I’ve found a way around that. 😂 39 ➡️ 38 #happybirthday #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #traveltips #instamood

…

18 11

They always show you the same Dominican Republic…

We prefer this one. 🇩🇴

On vous montre toujours la même République dominicaine…

Nous, on préfère celle-ci. 🇩🇴

1 0
Open post by traveltodominicanrepublic with ID 18625451791053533
They always show you the same Dominican Republic… We prefer this one. 🇩🇴 On vous montre toujours la même République dominicaine… Nous, on préfère celle-ci. 🇩🇴

…

1 0

Le Merengue pour les nuls…

Apprends à danser le merengue avec nous en 30 secondes!

En République dominicaine, le merengue ne s’apprend pas vraiment : il se vit ! Musique, déhanché et surtout beaucoup de bonne humeur. 🇩🇴🕺

Chez Tropical Évasion, on aime aussi vous faire découvrir le pays comme ça : ses traditions, son ambiance et tous ces petits moments qui font la vraie vie dominicaine. 🌴

Alors, qui pense pouvoir faire mieux ? 😂👇

Merengue for Dummies 🇩🇴😂

Learn how to dance merengue in 30 seconds with us… well, in theory. 😅

In the Dominican Republic, merengue isn’t really something you learn — it’s something you feel! Music, hip moves, and most importantly, lots of good vibes. 🇩🇴🕺

At Tropical Évasion, this is also how we love to show you the country: its traditions, its atmosphere, and all those little moments that are part of real Dominican life. 🌴

So… who thinks they can do better? 😂👇

#danse #merengue #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #dominicanstyle

14 4
Open post by traveltodominicanrepublic with ID 18114674885002791
Le Merengue pour les nuls… Apprends à danser le merengue avec nous en 30 secondes! En République dominicaine, le merengue ne s’apprend pas vraiment : il se vit ! Musique, déhanché et surtout beaucoup de bonne humeur. 🇩🇴🕺 Chez Tropical Évasion, on aime aussi vous faire découvrir le pays comme ça : ses traditions, son ambiance et tous ces petits moments qui font la vraie vie dominicaine. 🌴 Alors, qui pense pouvoir faire mieux ? 😂👇 Merengue for Dummies 🇩🇴😂 Learn how to dance merengue in 30 seconds with us… well, in theory. 😅 In the Dominican Republic, merengue isn’t really something you learn — it’s something you feel! Music, hip moves, and most importantly, lots of good vibes. 🇩🇴🕺 At Tropical Évasion, this is also how we love to show you the country: its traditions, its atmosphere, and all those little moments that are part of real Dominican life. 🌴 So… who thinks they can do better? 😂👇 #danse #merengue #republiquedominicaine #voyagerautrement #dominicanstyle

…

14 4

Ton Resort t’a menti sur la République dominicaine 🇩🇴

La RD, c’est bien plus qu’une plage d’hôtel. Nous, on la choisit pour toi, expérience par expérience…

La RD es mucho más que la playa del hotel. La elegimos para ti, experiencia por experiencia…

DR is so much more than a hotel beach. We hand-pick it for you, one experience at a time…

#altosdechavon #saonaisland #montecristi #playafronton

14 2
Open post by traveltodominicanrepublic with ID 17966506910962175
Ton Resort t’a menti sur la République dominicaine 🇩🇴 La RD, c’est bien plus qu’une plage d’hôtel. Nous, on la choisit pour toi, expérience par expérience… La RD es mucho más que la playa del hotel. La elegimos para ti, experiencia por experiencia… DR is so much more than a hotel beach. We hand-pick it for you, one experience at a time… #altosdechavon #saonaisland #montecristi #playafronton

…

14 2