Drive Dirt Roads, Puddles & River Crossings Near Maimon
Cigar & Cacao Stop
Hand-Rolled Cigars With Organic Chocolate & Coffee Tasting
Port Pickup Included
Round Trip From Amber Cove & Taino Bay Gates
Description
Rated 4.8 stars across 325 Viator reviews, this guided buggy adventure is built for cruise days: pickup is right outside the gates of Amber Cove and Taino Bay, and the home base sits just ten minutes from Amber Cove in the village of Maimon. In three hours you trade the port plaza for muddy backroads, countryside views and a swim at a local beach.
After a short safety briefing and gear fitting at the base, you follow your guide through Maimon village and out into the Dominican countryside. The route crosses dirt tracks, puddles and shallow river water, so expect to get dusty and splashed; that is the fun of it. Along the way the group stops at an authentic little cigar rolling shack, where you watch cigars rolled by hand and sample organic Dominican hot chocolate and coffee grown nearby.
The second stop is a local beach on the Maimon coast with time for a swim before the ride loops back to base. Buggies seat two, both riders can take turns driving, and the pace stays comfortable for first-timers while leaving room to play in the rough stuff. Helmets, goggles, bottled water and the full guided escort are included.
Because the operator runs this route around the cruise schedule, timing is coordinated with your ship's call at Amber Cove or Taino Bay and you are returned to the gate with a comfortable buffer. It is one of the easiest ways to see something real of the Puerto Plata countryside in half a day.
Cruise-day departures sell out ahead of busy port calls. Check availability for your date and lock in your buggy.
Pickup is included from right outside the main gates of both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports. The buggy base is in Maimon village, about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 30 minutes from Taino Bay.
How long is the tour?
Plan on about 3 hours from port pickup to drop-off, including the safety briefing, the countryside ride, the cigar and cacao stop and the beach swim.
What is included?
Port pickup and drop-off, the buggy, helmet, goggles and bottled water are all included, along with your guide for the full route.
Do I need a driver's license to drive the buggy?
Drivers need a valid driver's license and must be adults; passengers do not. Buggies seat two, and you can swap drivers during the tour.
Will I get dirty?
Yes, happily. The route runs dirt roads, puddles and shallow water crossings, so wear clothes and closed shoes you do not mind getting muddy, and pack a change of clothes for the ship.
Will I make it back to my cruise ship on time?
Yes. This is a shore excursion timed to the port schedule at Amber Cove and Taino Bay, and the return is coordinated so you are back at the gate with a comfortable buffer before all-aboard.
What happens at the cigar and cacao stop?
You visit an authentic cigar rolling shack in the countryside, watch cigars rolled by hand and taste organic Dominican hot chocolate and coffee. It is a short cultural stop, not a sales event.
Is there really a beach swim?
Yes. The route stops at a local beach near Maimon where you can swim before riding back, so wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get in.
How much does the tour cost?
Tickets start at around $118 per person. Check availability for current pricing on your date.
Who should not take this tour?
The ride is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries. Otherwise it suits all fitness levels, including first-time buggy drivers.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, closed shoes, a bandana or buff for dust, and a little cash for photos or tips. Bottled water is provided.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour follows our standard policy: free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
Know Before You Book
Minimum Age: 6 years old • Maximum Age: 75 years old
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Your tour costs are refundable if canceled 24 hours before the tour departure. If booking using the Book Now, Pay Later option, the 5% deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.
You will get picked outside of the main gate of Amber Cove.
Duration
15 minutes
Taino Bay Puerto Plata
We pick you up from the front gate of Taino Bay.
Duration
15 minutes
Maimon
The fun adventure starts just 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 30 minutes from Taino Bay in a small village called Maimon.
At the home base you will get your gear and a few safety instructions before you head off into the countryside.
The tour starts with driving through the small local village Maimon. You will explore the Dominican nature and culture with a stop at an authentic little cigar rolling shack where you learn about cigars, sample of organic hot chocolate and coffee. There is a stop at a local beach where you can go for a swim if you would like to.
Please remember to wear clothes that you don't care about, because you will get dusty and dirty.
