Compare Dominican Republic – Heart & Soul of the Caribbean by Discover Corps vs Washington’s San Juan Islands at a Slower Pace by Road Scholar

Days 1-2:

Travellers will arrive to the Dominican Republic on the first day of the trip. Discover Corps staff will meet you at the airport and then travel together to the Home Base, located on the North Coast of this beautiful country. We will learn about current social, political, and cultural issues in the Dominican Republic and the cultural dynamics in the surrounding village. The group will also become oriented with the schedule of activities and projects for the trip over the coming week. We’ll explore the small Dominican town of Playa Las Canas, where we are based, and get to know some of the local people. Spend an afternoon orienting yourself to the local markets sampling local dishes then take the short walk down to the beach, where waves gently crash along the shoreline. We will have a small welcome fiesta and dinner on the first evening with the local staff, introducing you to the easy-going nature of this island.

Most afternoons you'll have time to relax by the beach, enjoy the fine sand and clear blue water. These are some of the most pristine beaches in the world, and are a central economic driver of the local economy which we will learn about from guest speakers. We will also explore the various settings of the North Coast, taking in the rhythms of the island. Take a nature hike to a rural community in the mountains, uncover a crystal clear freshwater lagoon in an ecological preserve, and witness the vast array of tropical flora and fauna that makes up the landscape.

Evenings are reserved for discussion, relaxation and reflection. Enjoy a traditional Dominican style dinner cooked by the local Home Base staff while reminiscing in the day’s activities. Some evenings will feature a guest speaker from a local non-profit or leader in the community. Topics range from sustainable development in the region to the complex colonial history of the island of Hispaniola. Playa Las Canas, the location of our Home Base, is far different from the Dominican Republic that you see stepping off a cruise ship. This is the true Dominican Republic - unspoiled beaches, welcoming local communities, lush mountain landscapes and the true rhythms of island life. Given our unique connections in this community, we are able to work alongside some of the region’s leading organizations and directly immerse ourselves in this quaint island town. In your free time, relax at any of the nearby beaches, take a dip in the warm Caribbean waters, venture into the town’s local markets or hang out by the pool and chat with the local staff at our Home Base. Playa Las Canas - The Unspoiled North Coast The Discover Corps Home Base is a cluster of beautiful, rustic thatched-roof chalets around a swimming pool, walking distance from the beach. This unique eco-lodge was constructed using sustainable building techniques and the design reflects that of the indigenous Taino community from the region.

Our travelers are the only ones staying here, so there is a sense of community and family. Meals are eaten in our thatched roof dining area. Beer and wine are available for purchase and can be enjoyed on the beach. Rooms are double or single occupancy with private bathrooms.

Days 3-6:

Over the next few days you'll roll up your sleeves and be involved in a variety of community projects that all benefit the surrounding towns and revolve around the concept of sustainable development. The projects will include helping to construct schools and health clinics out of discarded plastic bottles, known as “bottle schools” or “bottle clinics”. We will also visit a Haitian batey, or communities of displaced Haitians who come to the other side of the island seeking better economic opportunities, engaging with the women and children of the community on our projects. Each project will provide a hands-on learning experience that will not only impact you and the local community, but also bring you closer to the people you’re working with.

Afternoons will be spent exploring the island’s beaches and mountainous interior. Uncover cool swimming holes and dense jungle trails in the lush Dominican mountain landscapes. Hike to a rural village in the mountains and experience the traditional ways of life. Contrast this with the secluded white sandy beaches that the North Coast is best known for. This is the real Dominican that travelers rarely see.

Day 7:

Today, we’ll head out to a nearby river, the Rio San Juan, to learn about the local ecosystem. Take a boat ride through a mangrove forest and explore a nearby cave system learning about these different environments. We’ll then have lunch on a pristine, secluded beach and spend the afternoon snorkeling over the colorful reefs. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together, reminiscing about the week’s experiences and bidding goodbye to the local community we’ve worked alongside over the past week.

Day 8:

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Puerto Plata or Santiago to board our flights home.

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Seattle D Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration & Orientation: After you have your room assignment, head to the conference room at 5:00 p.m. to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where our Orientation session will take place. You’ll receive a welcome packet with your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you will arrive later than 8:00 p.m., please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the Conference Dining Room, we’ll enjoy a catered buffet meal featuring green salad, an entrée, sides, and a choice of dessert, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 2
Seafarer's Memorial Park, Ferry to San Juan Island
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking approx. 1/2 mile throughout the day; mostly paved trails and paths; periods of standing for less than 1/2 hour. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 100 miles from Seattle to Anacortes; about 2.5 hours. Getting on/off ferry; ride is approx. 20 miles from Anacortes to Friday Harbor; about 1.5 hours. Short shuttle ride from ferry to Friday Harbor hotel.

Breakfast: In the Conference Room, the extensive breakfast buffet features a variety of choices, including an egg dish, breakfast meats and breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: On our way to San Juan Island via motorcoach after checking out of the hotel, we’ll stop at the Seafarer's Memorial Park in Anacortes, WA. At Seafarer's Park, we'll learn from a local resident expert about the evolution and importance of Anacortes' maritime industries.

Lunch: At Seafarer's Park in Anacortes, WA, we’ll have a catered picnic lunch served buffet-style, with soft drinks, juice, water.

Afternoon: We'll then board the Washington State ferry bound for San Juan Island. You may wish to enjoy the view of the National Scenic Byway through a tapestry of Islands from the inside passenger cabins or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5 hour journey through the archipelago to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival at the dock in the late afternoon, we’ll make a quick transfer via shuttle check into the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal featuring salad, a main entrée, sides, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, hot and iced tea, milk, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Evening: We’ll then be joined in the hotel conference room by a local resident expert who will offer an insider’s look at contemporary life in the Islands and explores issues affecting island life.

Day 3
San Juan Island History, Inter-Island Ferry Trip
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking approx. 1/2 mile to/from ferry; mostly paved walkways and sidewalks. Getting on/off a ferry; ride is approximately 3 hours; some stairs aboard.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with choices including an egg dish, hot and cold cereals, breakfast breads and spreads, and a variety of fresh fruits, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Through a visit from a local wildlife expert, we’ll settle into the hotel conference room to learn about the natural history of the San Juan Islands. After a short break, we’ll walk to the San Juan Island Historical Museum to view artifacts from days gone by, learn more from the executive director of the museum about the industries of San Juan Island, and visit historic buildings on the grounds.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal featuring a soup of the day, salad, and dessert, topped off with coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Afternoon: We’ll then set out from the hotel and walk approx. 5 blocks to the dock where we will board the inter-island ferry for a field trip as it chugs through the islands. On-deck narration will be provided by a naturalist who will be happy to answer any questions you may have while also helping to spot marine and wildlife as we cruise the islands.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal featuring salad, an entrée, sides, and dessert, plus coffee, hot and iced tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Evening: Gathering in the conference room with a local resident expert associated with the Port of Friday Harbor, we’ll engage in a presentation on the history of the water trade in the San Juan Islands. We’ll focus on some legitimate business trade and some smuggling, both of which had significant impacts on the archipelago.

Day 4
San Juan Island Excursion, Musical Farewell Program
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; some paved, some uneven pathways, dirt trails with exposed rock and tree roots. Getting on/off mini-buses; driving approx. 55 miles total; 5 ride segments of about 1/2 hour each between stops.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Then, we’ll set out via mini-buses for a field trip with our Group Leader around the south end of San Juan Island to American Camp National Park where we will stop at the Visitor’s Center for an overview of the Pig War, during which both American and British troops occupied the island. Afterwards, we’ll walk to the redoubt area and view the remaining American Camp structures. Next, we’ll head to Pelindaba Lavender Farm where we will hear first-hand from the owner/operator about how this Lavender Farm came to be, why the farm fills an unserved niche, and how it sustains the local community. Additionally, we learn how the lavender is grown, harvested and how it is used in final products. As we cross the island toward Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife along the scenic west coast of the island.

Lunch: At the Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll have sack lunches featuring a sandwich, fruit, chips, bakery treat, and bottled water.

Afternoon: Our field trip will continue with our Group Leader at Limekiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to view whales from land, and home to Orca research outpost and lighthouse. Keeping an eye out for the whales as they search for their main food source, salmon, we’ll make our way with our Group Leader to the lighthouse research center to see the studies being done on Orcas. Continuing, we'll travel to the northern tip of San Juan Island to explore the National Historical Park at English Camp with our Group Leader. While here, we’ll see the parade grounds, formal garden, historical buildings, and the blockhouse, all of which remain from the times of British occupation. As we look around, we’ll take note of contrasts with the American encampment we saw earlier on the south end of the island. We'll then return to Friday Harbor where the remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration. You may wish to visit the Whale Museum, explore the town, or just relax.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a tasty buffet meal for our farewell dinner, with, coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: Joined by a beloved local musician in the hotel conference room, we’ll be treated to an exclusive musical performance to round out our program. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 5
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 7:15 a.m. Ferry transfer to Anacortes, WA, is approx. 20 miles; about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 100 miles from Anacortes to Seattle; about 2.5 hours. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel will be at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively. Scheduling outbound flights after 2:30 p.m. is advised.

Breakfast: Early hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked-out of the hotel, we’ll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, via the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking in Anacortes, we’ll transfer to a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!