Half-Day Monkeyland, Up To 21 Guests

Punta Cana: Monkeyland Half-Day Safari and Plantation

★ 4.6 1,654 reviews

5 to 5.5 hours, pickup offered, free cancellation.

from $95 per person

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Duration: 5 to 5.5 hours
Group: Standard group: Up to 21 people
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This half-day outing from Runners Adventures splits its time between two very different stops: a plantation area where you learn how coconut oil, coffee and cacao are made, and Monkeyland, a five-acre stretch of land where squirrel monkeys live and move freely around visitors. The whole thing runs about five to five and a half hours, including transport, and includes tastings of roasted coffee, cacao and exotic Caribbean fruit along the way.

The visit begins at the Casa del Coco, a coconut house where guides demonstrate how coconut oil is produced. There is also a stop at a typical Dominican house, which gives some context on local home life and on how coffee and cacao are grown and processed.

The monkey segment is the reason most people book. Guides lead you into the enclosure, and the monkeys come right up to visitors, climb on them and pose for photos. Many reviewers describe this part as the highlight of their trip to Punta Cana. The tour runs in English, Spanish, German and French.

What's Included

Included

Guides
Entrance to Monkeyland
Hotel pick up and drop off
Water

Not Included

Tips

Itinerary

Hotel pickupTransport collects guests from area hotels, in the morning window between 7:00 AM and 8:10 AM or the afternoon window between 1:00 PM and 2:10 PM. Reviewers describe the buses as large and air conditioned.
Casa del CocoA stop at the coconut house to see how coconut oil is produced, followed by a look at a typical Dominican home.
Coffee and cacaoGuides explain coffee and cacao production and demonstrate how chocolate is made. Tastings of roasted coffee, cacao and exotic Caribbean fruit are included, and products are available to buy.
Monkeyland visitA guided walk through five acres of land where squirrel monkeys move freely. The close-up encounter is the centerpiece of the tour.
Return transferThe bus drops guests back at their hotels, finishing within the five to five and a half hour total duration.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this tour, from what not to wear on your skin to how much walking is involved.

Skip the sunscreen. The listing asks guests not to wear sunscreen or insect repellent before the monkey interaction, since the animals climb on you directly. Simply leave both off before the visit.
Comfortable shoes. One reviewer mentions quite a bit of walking around the coffee and cacao portion of the day. Comfortable clothes and shoes are the practical choice.
Bring a camera. The monkeys come very close, and reviewers say there are plenty of chances for photos and video. Bring a camera, plus extra cash for souvenirs and pictures.
Lockers available. Lockers can be rented on site, which is useful if you arrive with more than you want to carry through the grounds.
Sales after tasting. The coffee and cacao segments end with products offered for sale. Some reviewers did not mind this, while others found it sales focused, so go in expecting a pitch and decide accordingly.
Tips not included. Reviews frequently praise the guides by name, which suggests tips are well earned.

Common issues. The listing excludes anyone with heart conditions, mobility problems, epilepsy or upper respiratory infections, and the tour is not available to pregnant women, so check those restrictions before booking. A recurring criticism is that the coffee and cacao segments feel commercially driven, with some travellers asking for shorter, clearly optional shopping time. One reviewer felt the time with the monkeys was a little short at roughly half an hour, even though that amount felt adequate overall. Another noted the driver sped at moments on the transfer, and one found the monkey interaction slightly stressful, though most describe it as relaxed and fun.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop off are included. Morning pickups happen between 7:00 AM and 8:10 AM, and afternoon pickups between 1:00 PM and 2:10 PM. Reviewers report being collected on time in air conditioned buses.

How Long Is The Tour?

The full tour runs five to five and a half hours, including transport to and from your hotel. The monkey portion of the visit is guided and close up, while the rest of the time covers the plantation stops and travel.

What Is Included In The Price?

Guides, entrance to Monkeyland, hotel transport and water are all included. Tastings of coffee, cacao and fruit form part of the visit. Tips are not included, and lockers are available for rent.

Can Pregnant Women Or People With Mobility Problems Go?

No. The listing states the tour is not available to pregnant women or to guests with heart conditions, disability or mobility problems, epilepsy, or upper respiratory infections. If any of these apply, a different excursion is the safer choice.

What Should I Bring?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a camera plus extra cash for souvenirs, pictures and tips. Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent before the monkey interaction, as the animals have direct contact with visitors.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

The listing states you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for anything closer to your travel date.