Dominican Republic: Caribbean Community

Trip Name
Dominican Republic: Caribbean Community

Who It’s For
High school students (grades 9–12)

2026 Sessions
Session 1 (High School): June 22 – July 5, 2026
Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

Location
San Pedro de Macorís and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Trip Length
14 Days

Service Hours
25–35

Tuition
$6,295

This is the plan—but plans can shift. Weather, group energy, and new opportunities sometimes lead us to make changes. No two trips are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes the experience so memorable.

Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo
We arrive in Santo Domingo where our leaders will be ready and waiting. Students on the escorted flight meet their trip leader in the U.S. and fly together. After a short transfer to our accommodation, we explore the Colonial Zone, a historic UNESCO World Heritage site filled with music, food, and vibrant culture. We end the night with a traditional Dominican dinner and dance show.

Day 2: Explore San Pedro de Macorís
We head east to San Pedro de Macorís to learn about one of the island’s first settlements and the start of the sugar industry. At the local museum, we explore the history of the cocolos—African-descended migrants who worked in the sugar fields. We have lunch at Rincón Cocolo, a restaurant preserving cocolo cuisine. In the afternoon, we meet our service partners, visit the bateyes (sugar worker communities), and hear directly from local residents about the challenges they face.

Days 3–5: Community Service in the Bateyes
We spend three days working alongside local partners on infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions. Depending on the stage of the project, we may dig foundations, mix and pour cement, lay cinder blocks, or paint and plaster. We may also work on latrines, floors, or lead educational exchanges with local kids.

Day 6: Cueva de las Maravillas
We take a guided tour through the Cueva de las Maravillas, a stunning cave system filled with ancient Taíno rock art. We learn about both natural formations and indigenous history as we explore this underground marvel. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the countryside.

Day 7: Beach Day in Juan Dolio
Today is a chance to unwind on the southern coast. We swim, play games, and enjoy the sun and sand of Juan Dolio’s laid-back beaches.

Days 8–10: Health Project in the Bateyes
We partner with a local NGO to support community health initiatives. We help weigh and measure children, distribute vitamins, and run health workshops for youth. We also reflect on what we’re learning, using public health case studies to better understand the challenges this region faces.

Day 11: Catamaran to Isla Saona
We travel to Bayahibe and take a catamaran to Isla Saona, known for its turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches. We snorkel, explore the coastline, and enjoy the slower pace of this seaside town.

Day 12: Playa Magallanes & Hoyo Claro
We start the day snorkeling at Playa Magallanes, a quiet beach with calm, clear water and colorful marine life. After lunch, we head to Hoyo Claro, a stunning freshwater swimming hole in the jungle. We cool off, relax, and soak in the natural surroundings.

Day 13: Return to Santo Domingo
We return to Santo Domingo and spend the afternoon exploring shops, galleries, and street life in the Colonial Zone. We end the day with a final dinner at Maison Kreyol, the country’s best-known Haitian-Caribbean restaurant, and reflect on our two weeks together.

Day 14: Homeward Bound
We say our final goodbyes and head home—carrying stories, memories, and a deeper understanding of the Dominican Republic.

We stay in rustic hotels and volunteer centers throughout the trip.

Rustic Hotels Or Volunteer Centers
Participants sleep indoors in shared rooms or rotating beds, organized by gender identity. In some locations, they use sleeping bags on provided mattresses or pads.

Rustic Facilities
Bathrooms range from flush toilets to latrines. Showers are available every few days, often shared and basic.

Setup & Breakdown
While accommodations are already in place, the group shares daily responsibilities like tidying shared spaces and helping with meal prep.

What to Expect
Sleeping simply, adjusting to new routines, and finding comfort in community—whether that’s a bunk bed, a concrete floor, or a mosquito net under the stars.

All meals are prepared by local partners and shared with the community.

Cook Crew
Participants help with prep and cleanup on rotation, supporting our hosts in kitchen tasks and meal setup.

Simple + Fresh
Meals reflect local flavors—expect rice and beans, plantains, fresh fruit, grilled meats, and Cocolo-inspired dishes.

All Diets Welcome
We can accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergies.

Snacks + Hydration
Water and snacks are provided daily, especially on service days and during excursions

Flights
Families book flights to and from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ).
Do not book your flight until you receive the required travel windows from our team.

Escorted Flight Option
An optional group flight with an RLT leader is available from the New York area.

Unaccompanied Minor Info
If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, we’ll provide all necessary check-in and pick-up details after enrollment.

Packing
We send a detailed packing list well in advance. Everything fits in a duffel or backpack.
Key items include:

Sleeping bag

Lightweight sleeping pad

Headlamp

Modest swimwear

Lightweight clothing for hot weather

Closed-toe shoes and sandals

Luggage Note
We recommend one checked bag and one small carry-on backpack.

Once enrolled, you'll receive access to your RLT portal with required forms:

Health history and medical forms

Participant agreement and waiver

Emergency contact info

These must be submitted before your trip.

Medical Clearance
No doctor’s appointment needed unless your teen has a new or complex medical condition. We review all forms to ensure we’re prepared to support every participant.

Medications
All medications must be listed on your medical form. Leaders manage and administer all medications as needed.

Behavioral Expectations
We’ll send a Code of Conduct to review with your teen. This ensures everyone feels safe, supported, and respected.

Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is required for all international trips. You’re welcome to use any third-party provider. We also share recommendations in our FAQ.

Vaccinations
We follow CDC guidelines for travel to the Dominican Republic. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. No additional vaccines are required unless advised by your provider.

Passport
A valid passport is required for this program. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.

Device-Free Philosophy
Our trips are intentionally phone-free. On Day 1, leaders collect all phones and personal electronics. Devices are stored safely and returned at the end of the trip.

Why?
Because disconnecting helps teens:

Build deeper relationships

Be present in their surroundings

Gain confidence without constant tech

Cameras Welcome
Teens may bring a digital camera or GoPro—anything that doesn’t connect to the internet. Leaders also take photos and share a gallery with families after the trip.

Communication
We’ll provide updates to families during the trip. In case of emergency, our on-call team is available 24/7.