Ideal for fun and nature-loving students on Spring Break...This sprawling resort of beachside villas is set on a 1.5 km private beach sheltered by a coral reef and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation with mangrove swamps and tropical gardens. All rooms come with 1 king or 2 double beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, full bathroom, hairdryer, satellite and cable TV, direct telephone, safe deposit (extra charge), mini-bar and balcony or terrace. With 941 rooms at the resort, the facilities, restaurants and bars are very extensive… ideal for fun- and nature-loving students on Spring Break. The Bahia Principe San Juan is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, 70 km from Puerto Plata airport.
Boasting the widest beachfront in the area...Paradise Beach is part of the Playa Dorada complex, located in a prime section of Puerto Plata with shopping, a championship golf course and access to a diverse range of activities. Boasting the widest beachfront in the area and a tantalizing selection of restaurants and buffets, the Paradise Beach Resort & Casino is also known for its striking interior gardens and surroundings. It is located 20 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the town of Puerto Plata.
Two fabulous resorts in one...Two fabulous resorts in one, the Paraiso del Sol/Camino del Sol is located on a wide expanse of golden beach close to the popular windsurfing and kite surfing area of Cabarete. Set among mature gardens, the resort is truly a tropical playground. You can lounge by one of two pools, laze on the beach, or join in a game of volleyball. Evenings, you can unwind at the disco, or sit back and enjoy nightly live entertainment on stage. The Paraiso del Sol is a smart, sensibly priced choice for those seeking a piece of paradise... making it ideal for students on Spring Break.
The essence of a true tropical beachfront resort experience...Stretching along 2 km of golden sands at Cofresi Beach, the jewel of the Amber Coast, lays Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort - The essence of a true tropical beachfront resort experience. All rooms come with 1 king or 2 double beds, air conditioning, full bathroom, hairdryer, satellite and cable TV, direct telephone, safety deposit box, mini-fridge and balcony or terrace. Enjoy great dining at one of many restaurants, splash and frolic in its four pools, and end your day at its on-site disco. This resort is all you want in a vacation, from sunning and snorkeling to tennis or jogging, fantastic food, and exciting discos. This high-quality, low-rise Mediterranean-style resort is located just 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Plata.
Nightlife
Lighthouse Lounge
Set atop the main building of Ocean World Casino and Park, the Lighthouse Lounge is the first of its kind in Puerto Plata. It boasts 360-degree floor to ceiling windows, allowing you the most breathtaking views of the island. A state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and excellent DJs make a night at the Lighthouse Lounge one to remember.
Club Mangu
With two locations in the Dominican Republic, Club Mangu has established itself as the #1 nightclub in Puerto Plata. With two rooms, two DJs, four bars and a state-of-the-art sound and light show, Mangu is definitely a nightclub you do not want to miss.
Hemingway’s
One of the most popular resto-bars in Puerto Plata, Hemingway’s serves up international dishes ranging from New York steaks and hamburgers to quesadillas and fresh seafood. Then, after 9 p.m., Hemingway’s transforms into a hot nightspot and rocks with karaoke, live music, merengue dancing, and all-out dance fests.
Under the Sun Activities and Excursions
Freestyle Catamaran
Treat yourself to a fabulous day on a fun catamaran adventure. Experience the island’s best snorkeling among a multitude of rainbow-colored tropical fish in crystal clear waters. Afterwards, relax to the sounds of the Caribbean and enjoy the wind in your hair, the sun on your back, and a “Freestyle” cocktail in your hand. This excursion brings you to paradise!
Bavaro Runners Jungle Safari
Be adventurous for a day and let Breakaway Tours show you the real Dominican Republic. This Jungle Safari takes you through some of the D.R.’s most spectacular scenery, where you will discover exotic tropical forests, rivers, mountains, secluded beaches and villages where time has stood still for hundreds of years! You will also experience the rural lifestyle of “the Dominican” and tour a local cheese factory, quaint villages, a sugar cane plantation, a rum factory and a cigar making plant.
Ocean World Adventure Park
Ocean World is the most advanced marine interaction park of its kind. Guests visiting Ocean World can interact with dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, sharks, exotic birds, and a rare tiger. Walk through rainforests, swim in caves, and see a one-of-a-kind tropical show.
Whitewater Rafting
Go whitewater rafting through the rapids of the Yague del Norte River, located in the center of the island. Are you brave enough to join your friends on this heart-pumping experience? It’s an exciting trip that’s sure to get your adrenaline flowing!
Shop Until You Drop
Hop aboard one of our complimentary shuttles to Sosua and Puerto Plata and get ready to bargain at one of the many plazas and flea markets that the D.R. has to offer. A Breakaway Tours Staff member will guide you to the best deals and show you how to bargain your way to great savings…
Breakaway Tours Puerto Plata Olympics
Every year, Breakaway Tours hosts a school-versus-school Olympics day on the beach with an opening ceremony you don’t want to miss. Tournaments include Touch Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Sand Wars, and Beach Volleyball. The winning teams will receive bragging rights and VIP Treatment for the week.
Before Leaving Canada
Entry Requirements
Breakaway Tours would like to inform all 2008 passengers that THE USE OF A VALID CANADIAN PASSPORT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL BREAKAWAY TOURS 2008 TRAVELERS.
Please ensure that you have your passport well in advance, as it may take up to three months to receive.
For further information or a passport application please visit
http://www.ppt.gc.ca
Baggage
For baggage allowance, please visit the website of the airline you are flying with.
Airport Check-in
All Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Arriving in the Dominican
At the Airport
Once you have cleared customs and immigration, Breakaway Tours destination staff will greet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Look for the Breakaway Tours logo!
At the Hotel
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be directed to the Breakaway Tours hotel check-in information meeting. At this time you will be given the rules for the week, general hotel information, identification bracelets, and your room keys.
Leaving the Dominican
Hotel Check-out
Hotel check-out is at 11 a.m. the day of your departure, or 4 hours prior to your departure time if before 11 a.m. (For example, a 10:30 a.m. departure requires a 6:30 a.m. check-out; a 2 p.m. departure requires a 10 a.m. check-out.) All hotel guests sharing a room must present themselves as a group to the front desk to have their hotel bracelets removed. Guests will not be allowed to board the bus transfer to the airport without confirmation of their hotel check-out.
Airport Bus Transfer
A bus transfer to the airport will arrive at your hotel 3 1/2 hours prior to your departure time. If you miss the provided transfer you are responsible for your own transportation to the airport.
Airport Check-in
All Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Important Information
Flying Time
4 hours from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, and Vancouver
Airport
Puerto Plata La Union (POP)
Emergency
Most hotels provide 24-hour health care services with specialists and nurses. The best way to deal with an emergency is to ask your concierge for a doctor or dentist. Notify your destination staff of all emergencies, as they are there to assist you.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Dominican Republic. English is widely spoken and understood in most tourist areas.
Banking
Banking hours are normally between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays only. Please check at your hotel for the nearest branch. Most banks have ATMs that allow you to withdraw funds from your Canadian account. Look for the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of your card.
Currency
The official currency is the Dominican Peso. Traveler’s cheques are honored by most hotels and stores. US dollars are both widely accepted and recommended.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, American Express, and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Tipping
In the Dominican Republic, a 15% tip in restaurants and bars is the norm. It is also common to tip bellboys and maids. The better you tip, the better service you can expect to receive.
Water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking, but can be used to brush your teeth. Please drink bottled water. Water served in bars and restaurants is safe to drink.
Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in the Dominican Republic is 18 years.
Population
Approximately 1 million.
Voltage
Standard 110 V – same as Canada
Time Zone
Dominican is on Central Standard Time year-round.
Public Transportation
Breakaway Tours does not recommend the use of public transportation in the Dominican Republic. Daily transportation to and from all organized day and nighttime events will be provided.
Car/Moped Rentals
Breakaway Tours strongly discourages renting vehicles of any kind! The risk of injury or death is extremely high and the language barrier may present problems when returning the vehicle.
Activities & Excursions
Optional excursions are a great way to enhance your Breakaway Tours package. Choose from a wide variety of activities and excursions available at your destination. For more information please consult your destination staff or your Breakaway Tours Savings Passport
Emergency Numbers
For emergency phone numbers, please contact your hotel operator or available destination staff.