Get Buggy in Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic offers many choices for the adventure traveler. From caving to diving, the selection is diverse. But have you ever considered a buggy excursion?

Dune buggy tours are growing in popularity in Punta Cana and there are now several companies offering island tours. A buggy is a modified vehicle with the engine mounted in an open chassis. Die-hard buggy drivers apparently prefer the Volkswagen engine. The wheels are large and the tires wide, specifically designed for sand dunes and beaches. The two basic buggies you will see in Punta Cana are tube-framed buggies and fiberglass buggies. Both are just as fun to drive!

Most Punta Cana hotels can advise a particular buggy tour operator. Be sure to know exactly what you want before choosing. More adventurous people may want to book island tours with an 'extreme' buggy operator and others may want to see just the beaches. Whichever you choose, do not be afraid to ask if they are adequately insured. Some buggy tour operators do allow their customers to drive their own buggy, but you must be over the age of 18. Most of the time the buggies will be manual transmission, so make sure you are comfortable driving standard. The vehicles typically hold four or five, including the driver. If you are a group of five, you may need to book two vehicles.

Buggy tour companies often include lunch and snacks in their prices, especially if it is a full day trip. Tour packages are available at half and full day rates, as well as three and six day excursions. When you book your tour, ask for the itinerary and route you will be taking. Many full day excursions will begin on the beach and then head inland. You will see workers in the rice fields, banana plantations and beautiful farmland. Then perhaps you will drive over to Playa La Vacama, a coconut covered beach. Pick up your own and try some fresh coconut milk! There are miles and miles of beaches to drive along, and as you do, keep an eye on the water for whales. January to March is a great time to catch glimpses of the Humpbacks as they migrate to Silver Shoals.

Ask your tour operator to take you through some of the small villages as you traverse the island. You will see great examples of the exuberant Dominican Republic atmosphere. The people are friendly and love to share their culture with travelers. If you happen to chat with some of the locals, it is not unusual to be invited to their home for a meal.

Buggy tours are a great family activity, but if some members of the group would rather not participate, consider booking your accommodation at one of the many Dominican Republic resorts. The benefit of a resort is that you have most of the amenities you need all under one roof. Non-buggy enthusiasts can spend the day at the spa, or perhaps just lying on the beach. Resorts allow everyone traveling together to do what they want, but not lose touch with each other either.

The Dominican Republic has a reputation of being a dangerous place to drive. The most common form of road transportation is the motoconcho, which is basically a scooter or moped. Road signs are generally ignored and drivers will often go against traffic to get where they are going via a shorter route. Use of car horns is constant, but more as a way of saying 'Hey I am here. Don't hit me.'. The road conditions are rather hazardous as well. There are large potholes even on the main arteries, as well as manholes with their covers missing. It is recommended that if you choose to do any driving in Punta Cana, do it in a buggy and off road. Its more fun anyway!

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by: Robert Nickel Total views: 18 Word Count: 640 Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2011

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