Dominican fauna. Natural attractions in the Dominican Republic. Plantation Tours
Introductory provisions and terms
The company "Two Bananas" offers travel services, including excursions, tours, trips, visits, recreational and cultural... Any individual, accessing the Site and accepting these Terms and Conditions is the “Buyer”. Hereinafter, “Two Bananas” and the Buyer will be collectively referred to as the “Parties.”
By using the Site, the Buyer agrees to these Terms and Conditions, which immediately enter into legal force at the moment of starting to use the Site.
Any booking made on the Site through the booking form, email or other communication sources provided in the Contacts section automatically means the Buyer’s full agreement with these Terms and Conditions and his obligation to pay the full cost of the Services he has booked.
If you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions, please do not access or use the Site.
It is completely prohibited to copy, reproduce, republish, download, post, broadcast, transmit, make available to the public or in any other way use the content of the Site, including text, images, URLs, pricing information, etc., for except for personal, non-commercial use by the Buyer.
The Buyer may use the Site solely for personal, non-commercial purposes and/or to request a reservation for the Services offered on the Site. Buyer agrees not to use this site to make speculative, fraudulent or false inquiries. The Buyer also agrees not to use robots or other automated means on the Site.
The terms and conditions may be supplemented, changed and published in modified form on the Site at any time and without additional notice.
1. Booking Services
1.1. Booking of Services and the procedure for their confirmation between “Two Bananas” and the Buyer are made electronically, starting from the moment the Buyer sends a request to book an excursion or service. By submitting a booking request, the Buyer understands and accepts the Services as described on the Site and accepts these Terms and Conditions.
1.2. The Service booking process includes the following steps:
“Two Bananas” accepts the application and checks the availability of the date of interest to the Buyer;
After the Parties agree on the dates, “Two Bananas” sends the Buyer instructions on how to pay for the Services (if payment is not provided upon the day of the service or excursion);
The Buyer undertakes to confirm the reservation by making 100% payment for the cost of services, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.
1.3. The reservation is considered completed when “Two Bananas” sends a reservation confirmation by email or other means of communication to the Buyer.
1.4. Prior to completing a booking, the Buyer must disclose any specific needs and services that may be required due to his or her physical condition, otherwise Two Bananas does not assume any special obligation, liability or compensation in relation to such Buyer's needs.
2. Cost and payment
2.1. Prices on the Site are indicated in dollars and if, by agreement of the Parties, the Buyer makes part of the payment on the day the Services begin in another currency, the cost of the Services will be calculated at the rate of the National Bank of the Dominican Republic on the current date.
3. Rights and obligations of “Two Bananas”
3.1. "Two Bananas" undertakes:
Make these Terms and Conditions available to the Buyer by publishing them on the Site.
Provide the Buyer with confirmation of booking of the Services by email or other means of communication after receiving payment for the Services.
Provide the reserved and paid Services in accordance with their description presented on the Site.
Inform the Buyer that Two Bananas is not responsible for services and products provided by third parties.
3.2. "Two Bananas" has the right:
Change the schedule, route or sequence of visits to attractions due to unforeseen, unavoidable or other similar circumstances.
Terminate the provision of Services if the Buyer makes their provision difficult or impossible through rude or indecent behavior. If the “Two Bananas” guides assess the Buyer’s behavior as inappropriate and disturbing the order in places of visit, especially religious and cultural ones, such Buyer will be denied further provision of Services without reimbursement of his expenses and compensation for the cost of the Services.
4. Rights and obligations of the Buyer
4.1. The buyer undertakes:
Agree to the Two Bananas Privacy Policy, booking, payment and cancellation policies as set out in these Terms and Conditions.
Provide the information necessary to make a reservation.
After receiving a booking confirmation, check the information specified in it, and if errors are found, inform Two Bananas immediately.
Purchase travel insurance while visiting the Dominican Republic.
Pay the full cost of the booked Services on the day of the excursion or service.
Arrive at the meeting point with the Two Bananas guides without delay.
It is your personal responsibility to be physically able and willing to participate in any activities/activities included in the Services booked and to wear appropriate clothing.
Conduct yourself in a manner that is appropriate and respectful of local laws and customs.
Take care of personal belongings independently, because “Two Bananas” is not responsible for the safety of the Buyer’s personal belongings.
Compensate immediately and on the spot for any damage caused to “Two Bananas” and/or third parties during the provision of Services, if the Buyer is responsible for causing such damage.
4.2. The buyer has the right:
Receive Services in accordance with their description on the Site, booking confirmation and these Terms and Conditions.
5. Cancellation, modification of conditions and termination of Services
5.1. Cancellation or modification of Two Bananas Services:
5.1.1. “Two Bananas” may cancel the provision of Services in whole or in part due to circumstances that arose against the will and desire of “Two Bananas”, and which cannot be foreseen or avoided (force majeure), including declared or actual war, civil unrest, acts of government authorities , sanctions, epidemics, blockades, earthquakes, floods, fires and other natural disasters and other similar phenomena that prevent “Two Bananas” from fulfilling its obligations.
5.1.2. “Two Bananas” reserves the right to change the date or time of the start of the provision of Services, as well as the right to change the route, in the event of unforeseen circumstances specified in clause 5.1.1., without incurring obligations to pay compensation and damages to the Buyer.
5.1.3. If the provision of Services was interrupted due to the occurrence of circumstances specified in clause 5.1.1., “Two Bananas” has the right to withhold payment for the Services actually rendered.
5.1.4. If “Two Bananas” cannot complete the provision of Services due to the occurrence of the circumstances specified in clause 5.1.1., then, at the request of the Buyer, “Two Bananas” may reimburse the Buyer part of the amount paid for those Services that were not provided, according to Two Bananas calculations.
5.1.5. "Two Bananas" may terminate the provision of Services without paying compensation to the Buyer if the Buyer makes it impossible to provide the Services through rude and inappropriate behavior. In addition, in this case, the Buyer is obliged to compensate damage caused to “Two Bananas” in the amount of the full cost of the Services and other losses.
5.2. Cancellation of booking and provision of Services by the Buyer:
5.2.1. The Buyer has the right to cancel the booked Services. Cancellation is made by sending a message by email or other means of communication specified in the contacts section. A previously unpaid excursion must be canceled at least two days before it takes place. If the excursion or service has been paid for in advance (as required internal rules company and a cooperation agreement with the contractor “Two Bananas”), a 100% refund is possible if there is a valid reason for canceling an excursion or service, as well as informing “Two Bananas” in advance (at least 4 days).
5.2.2 If on the start date of the tour/trip the Buyer does not appear at the appointed time at the meeting point, then “Two Bananas” reserves the right to withhold the full cost of the Services.
6. Responsibility of the parties and resolution of disputes
6.1. For all issues not regulated by these Terms and Conditions, the Parties agree to be governed by the laws of the Dominican Republic.
6.2. Any complaints from the Buyer must be voiced to the leaders, guides or managers of “Two Bananas” immediately and must include arguments regarding the inconsistency of the Services described on the website and the Services provided to the Buyer. The Buyer agrees to cooperate with Two Bananas and wait for its justified complaint to be resolved locally, and to accept the proposed solutions to continue providing the Services. If the Buyer’s complaint cannot be resolved immediately and on the spot, then the Buyer has the right to send it along with documents confirming his innocence, by email or other means of communication. Two Bananas will consider the complaint within a reasonable time and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. Return cash, after consideration of the complaint, can be carried out in an amount equal to the unprovided part of the Services, according to the calculations of “Two Bananas”, but cannot exceed the full cost of all Services provided.
6.3. "Two Bananas" is not responsible for services/products provided by third parties.
6.4. "Two Bananas" is not responsible for injuries, damages, losses, accidents, delays or deviations from the schedule, expenses or other problems incurred by the Buyer in connection with the violation of obligations on the part of hotels, transportation companies or other companies and persons providing services, included in the Services purchased by the Buyer.
6.5. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable under the laws of the Dominican Republic, it will be deleted from the Terms and Conditions and the remaining provisions of the Terms and Conditions will remain in full force and effect and continue to be binding.
Flora
The tropical country of the Dominican Republic is different unique landscapes and landscapes, as well as the richness of flora and fauna. You will have to spend more than one year studying the extraordinary flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic. From official data it is clear that there are about 8,000 plant species here, of which 1,800 are unique plants that are not found anywhere else on the planet. The total number of plant species in the Dominican Republic is three times the number of plant species in all of Europe.
The island of Haiti, where the Dominican Republic is located, is characterized by a stable state of late spring throughout the year, because of this, flowers are constantly blooming here and the trees are always covered with greenery. On the coastal islands, mainly cacti and thorny bushes grow, since drought prevails here most of the time. But on the rest of the territory of the Republic, plants characteristic of temperate latitudes and tropical trees get along quite well with each other, which is a very rare phenomenon and does not occur anywhere else in the world. Shrubs, dwarf trees, flowers grow on the flat surface, and along each beach there are coconut trees and mangrove trees, thanks to which the coast is protected from hurricanes.
There are about 3,000 species of exotic flowers growing in the Dominican Republic. Among this variety of colors and smells, the orchid occupies the main stage. A huge number of orchids are grown here, including a special species that is considered national value; exporting it outside the country is prohibited.
Agricultural plants grown here include bananas, coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, chocolate and coffee trees, coconut palms, pineapple and orange groves, and many different tropical fruits. Tree cutting in Dominican Republic prohibited by law.
Animal world
The extraordinary and exceptional nature of the Dominican Republic was almost completely destroyed due to wars and civilization, which very quickly spread across the island thanks to colonization. All large mammals on the island were exterminated. Many species of animals are protected by the state. However, the Dominican Republic can surprise any tourist with the variety of marine life in its lagoons. There are no sharks here because they are protected by coral reefs, thanks to which marine inhabitants are provided with food and the opportunity to reproduce. Here you can find incredibly beautiful colorful fish, shrimp, lobsters, and crabs. An incredible sight to see - humpback whales in their natural environment. Here they produce offspring, there are favorable conditions for this, there is a lot of food and warm water Samana Bay. Sea cows and dolphins also live in the Dominican coast.
There are several species of turtles found on land, including the rare leatherback turtle, which is an endangered species. Turtles emerge to lay eggs in the sand. Eggs laid by leatherback turtles are carefully protected by the state by law.
There are approximately 250 species of birds in the Dominican Republic. Unique species of albatrosses, flamingos, herons, cranes, Amazon parrots, hummingbirds, stonechat and others.
There are no poisonous snakes in the Dominican Republic. Among the reptiles, here you can see six-meter boa constrictors, unique specimens of lizards, crocodiles, and rhinoceros iguanas. And this is far from full list animals living in the Dominican Republic.
- a state in the West Indies, occupies two-thirds of the island of Haiti. In the west it borders with the Republic of Haiti, in the north it is washed by Atlantic Ocean, in the south - the Caribbean Sea, in the east - the Mona Strait.
The name of the country comes from the main city of the country, Santo Domingo.
Official name: Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic)
Capital: Santo Domingo
Territory area: 48.7 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 9.79 million people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 29 provinces and 1 national district.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: President.
Population composition: 73% are mestizos and mulattoes, 16% are Europeans, 11% are blacks.
Official language: Spanish. French is maintained on the border with Haiti. English is spoken in mountainous areas where former slaves from the southern United States once immigrated, such as San Pedro de Macoris and Samana. Most Dominicans involved in the tourism business speak English, German or Italian.
Religion: 95% are Catholics.
Internet domain: .do
Mains voltage: ~110 V, 60 Hz
Country dialing code: +1-809, 1-829
Country barcode: 746
Climate
The climate in the Dominican Republic is marine tropical. Throughout the year, the relative air humidity is high here - 70-80%. The hottest are summer months and September, throughout the country temperatures at this time reach +32..+34 degrees, at night they do not fall below +22 degrees. In the remaining months, it is about +30 degrees during the day, and +18..+20 at night. It is a little cooler in the mountains; in winter, slightly negative temperatures are sometimes observed at night.
The greatest amount of precipitation falls in May and November. The average annual precipitation is 1000-1500 mm, the windward slopes of the mountains receive up to 2000 mm of precipitation, and it is driest on south coast. At the end of summer, typhoons are frequent in the Dominican Republic, the approach of which is reported by local media.
The water temperature does not drop below +26 degrees throughout the year.
Geography
State total area 48.7 thousand sq. km. located in the West Indies, in the center of the Great Antilles, occupying eastern part islands of Haiti (formerly called Hispaniola).
In the north it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the south by the Caribbean Sea, in the east the Mona Strait separates the country from Puerto Rico, in the west it borders the Republic of Haiti.
The relief of the island is very diverse. More than half of the country's territory is occupied by 4 mountain range, crossing the island from northwest to southeast, as well as the Sierra de Baoruco plateau in the southwest. The highest point of the country is Duarte Peak in the northwest (3175 m).
The coastal zone and intermountain valleys are occupied by vast savannas (most of them have long been used for farmland) and tropical forests.
Flora and fauna
Flora
The flora of the Dominican Republic includes 1,800 species of unique plants not found anywhere else. In total, there are 8,000 species of vegetation on the islands. In this unique corner Tropical trees and trees of temperate latitudes easily coexist. Nature is constantly in a state of late spring, thanks to which the territory of the Dominican Republic is covered with lush greenery all year round.
The islands are surrounded by the luxury of exotic flowers. Nature was generous with colors and created indescribable palettes. Orchids are a special pride of the Dominican Republic. There are about 3,000 species of these exotic flowers on the islands. Some of them were equated to national values and were prohibited from being exported from the territory of the Republic.
Very common are caesalpinias - shrubs with bright large flowers. Bouganvillea and Trinitaria bloom luxuriantly throughout the area.
Tropical forests, which have been preserved in only a small amount, grow mainly on the most high points islands. The trees that previously covered the entire plain were destroyed. But what remains is amazing. The proximity of pine trees and palm trees, mahogany and pine nuts, and logwood cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Everything around is covered with epiphytic plants - regulars of tropical flora. Ferns, dwarf palms and various exotic flowers grow wildly on the plains, pleasing the eye with an abundance of colors.
Mangroves stretch along the Dominican beaches. This vegetation has adapted to existence in salt water, giving many birds and sea creatures not only a safe shelter, but also an abundance of food. Mangrove vegetation also protects the coast from hurricanes.
The arid areas found on the Dominican Islands are covered with gigantic cacti and thorny bushes.
The nature of the Dominican Republic is quite interesting from an agricultural point of view. It was from this paradise that potatoes and tobacco were exported, which became very widespread and popular throughout Europe. Various tropical fruits grow here in abundance.
The main crop exported is sugar cane, brought to the islands by the Spaniards and has taken root well in the fertile soil of the Dominican Republic. Sugar cane plantations are popular among tourists.
Next to cane in terms of importance are banana plantations. This crop was also introduced to the Dominican Republic and, like sugar cane, took root here remarkably well, becoming one of the main agricultural crops.
Coffee is another crop introduced from outside. Dominican coffee is valued for its taste. He quickly gained worldwide popularity. Now Dominican coffees are among the most expensive in the world.
The Dominican Republic has long been one of the largest suppliers of cocoa beans in the world. These capricious trees on the islands are in an ideal climate for themselves - warm and very humid. As protection from direct sunlight, which harms cocoa trees, coconut palms or mangroves are planted mixed with the crop.
Rural crops grown for domestic use do not stand out as anything special. Corn, rice and other unremarkable plants used for food are grown here. Most of them were brought by Europeans.
Fruit crops include orange trees, passion fruit, papaya, pineapples, mangoes and many others. Most of these plants are sufficient natural environment for normal development, so they are not even domesticated.
Because wildlife There were no more animals left on the territory of the Dominican Republic; nature reserves began to be created. Cutting down trees is prohibited by law. The authorities are trying their best to preserve at least the memory of the former luxury of the Dominican Islands.
Animal world
The nature of the Dominican Republic is unique and inimitable. But wars and the rapid spread of civilization led to the fact that there were no large mammals left on the islands. The isolation of the territories also contributed to their disappearance. However, the fauna in this paradise is still capable of surprising tourists with exotic representatives of the animal world. The rarest species of reptiles and birds are perfectly preserved here, and the underwater inhabitants delight with their diversity. Many animals are on the verge of extinction and are protected by the authorities (although sometimes protection is carried out only on paper).
Marine inhabitants amaze visitors with their diversity. The lagoon is surrounded by coral reefs, which reliably protect it from sharks, and the abundance of food allows the inhabitants to live and reproduce without problems. Large tropical fish, generously decorated by nature in the most bizarre colors, can surprise even seasoned diving enthusiasts with their beauty. Water Caribbean Sea rich in shrimp, lobsters and crabs.
The most breathtaking sight is the humpback whales. These giants are attracted to the warm and safe waters of Samana Bay. Whales come here to give birth. Near the coast of the Dominican Republic there are all conditions for their reproduction, including an abundance of food. Humpback whales are very playful creatures, constantly on the move and love to leap out of the water in spectacular fashion. Watching them in natural conditions is a real pleasure.
Quite often, American manatees (sea cows) are found in the coastal waters of the Dominican Republic. These animals can only live in warm climates, since they lack a fat layer. They feed on marine vegetation, which abounds in the Caribbean Sea near Dominican Islands. Sometimes manatees eat small invertebrate animals or fish. The absence of enemies makes the life of sea cows serene.
Dolphins are often found among the large mammals of the sea. Like everyone else, they are attracted here by the safety and abundance of food. Flocks of these beauties happily accompany ships going out to sea, putting on amazing performances for tourists.
The sandy shores of the Dominican Islands have been favored by several species of sea turtles such as perfect place for laying eggs. The largest representative of sea turtles, the leatherback turtle, has become a real treasure of the Dominican Republic. An individual of this species can reach 3 meters in length and weigh up to 900 kg. Leatherback turtles are on the verge of extinction. The population was hit hard by the 2006 tsunami, which destroyed a significant part of the beaches on which these animals laid their eggs. It was after this tragedy that they migrated to the waters of the Dominican Republic. In the Dominican Republic, leatherback turtle eggs are under the strictest protection of the authorities.
Birds are no less interesting and feathered representatives of the Dominican fauna. There are about 250 species of birds, many of which live on the islands permanently. The island of Hispaniola is especially loved by birds. It is here that unique species found nowhere else in the world, such as the waved albatross, settled. These huge birds chose the island's rocks as an ideal nesting site.
Royal flamingos decorate the shores of small bodies of water with their appearance, painting them in the most incredible shades of pink. Herons and cranes live in the neighborhood. Large parrots are colorful and delight tourists with their ability to speak. Amazon parrots are especially distinguished by this skill. Tiny hummingbirds, rivaling exotic butterflies in beauty, are one of the most amazing creatures that attract tourists.
Among the colorful species of birds inhabiting the territory of the Dominican Republic, there lives an inconspicuous bird - the palmchat. Outwardly, it resembles a sparrow, but is significantly larger in size. An adult reaches 18 cm in length. Palm mints are very interesting because of their nesting method. Birds gather in flocks and build one nest for all, making a separate entrance for each pair. The mints build their homes at the base of palm leaves.
Reptiles The Dominican Republic differs from other tropical places in the complete absence of poisonous snakes. But there are boa constrictors here. These long, up to 6 meters, snakes have an interesting color. In addition to boas, there are 4 more species of snakes on the territory that do not pose any danger to humans.
The islands are rich in rare specimens of lizards, including unique specimens.
Lake Enriquillo is home to the world's largest crocodile reserve. It is home to the largest population of American crocodiles - the largest of all species. These animals feel great in the salty water of the lake, going out to drink at fresh springs.
The marine iguana also lives on the coast. It feeds on algae, which it collects at the bottom of the sea. The body of this lizard is designed in such a way that the animal not only swims without difficulty, but also dives, staying under water for as long as it needs to collect food. From time to time, marine iguanas crawl onto the rocks to warm themselves in the sun.
Next to these giants is the smallest lizard in the world. Its length is only 16 mm. It was discovered quite recently, but is already on the verge of destruction. Having disappeared from the Dominican Islands, this animal will disappear from the planet, because this species is not found anywhere else.
The mammal world in the Dominican Republic is truly sparse. Large animals such as giraffes, hippos or elephants are completely absent from the islands. But among the remaining ones there are rare animals, for example the Haitian slittooth. This animal feeds on insects. Outwardly, it resembles a large rat, but has a very elongated muzzle, which allows it to easily obtain food for itself. The gaptooth is one of the few mammals whose bite is poisonous.
Huti lives in the branches of trees growing in the Dominican Republic. These cute animals with brown fur feed on tree leaves and rarely come to the ground. The lifestyle of the Gaguti is still a mystery. No one has ever been able to study these not very noticeable animals.
During the colonization of the Dominican Republic by the Spaniards, mongooses were brought to the islands. This was done to exterminate small rodents. However, in beautiful climatic conditions islands, these animals quickly multiplied, causing irreparable harm to nature. Now they exterminate not only rodents, but also snakes, rare birds and lizards. These animals have become a real threat to the wildlife of the Dominican Republic.
Unfortunately, not much remains of the pristine nature of the Dominican Republic. But what has been preserved amazes tourists with its beauty and exoticism.
Attractions
The Dominican Republic is an exotic land of luxurious nature, hundreds of kilometers snow-white beaches, rich coral reefs, picturesque landscapes, clean rivers, unique culture and friendly people. Christopher Columbus, who discovered Hispaniola (as he named the island) in 1492, considered this land the most beautiful of all that man had set foot on. And today it is one of the most rapidly developing resort areas in the Caribbean, receiving hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Banks and currency
The official currency of the country is the Dominican Peso. It is equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pesos and coins of 1 and 5 pesos and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. Tourists also accept US dollars as payment, but it is better to pay with local money.
Banks operate in weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00.
Currency can be exchanged at the airport, hotel or any exchange office(casas de cambio). Reverse exchange at the airport is possible if you have a certificate of currency exchange from a local bank, but usually no more than 30% of the original amount. The country also accepts credit cards for payment.
Useful information for tourists
The country's tourist areas offer vacationers numerous boutiques and souvenir shops where you can purchase various products made of wood, bone, amber, larimar, ceramics, coffee, rum, cigars, souvenirs of the Secret Indians, and Creole dolls. Cassettes with merengue and salza melodies are especially recommended.
In Santo Domingo there are the largest commercial centers where you can buy clothes, shoes, light industry products from national and foreign companies good quality and at affordable prices. You can bargain when purchasing.
The cost of service in hotels partially includes tips. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of 10% of the order price. The maids or porter will be grateful for 1-2 dollars.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. It is not recommended to drink tap water. You should avoid fresh fruits washed with non-boiled water and ice made from running water.
The fauna of the Dominican Republic is not rich, due to the island’s isolation from the mainland and the high population density. Animals of the Dominican Republic are mostly small representatives of the fauna, such as parrots (many rare species), green igyanas (lizards), American crocodiles (living in the world's largest reserve, on Lake Enriquillo). There are a great many nesting on the island various types birds, for example, if you look into one of the many National Parks of the Dominican Republic, you can see: hummingbirds (the smallest bird), nightingales, parrots, palm cranes, pelicans, herons and handsome pink flamingos. In the Dominican Republic, tourists leading an active lifestyle can relax, since the snakes that live on the island are not poisonous. There's a lot here bats(especially in caves), butterflies and insects. The Spanish conquerors brought goats here, which eventually became wild.
The marine fauna is home to: dolphins, manatees and humpback whales, which swim into Samana Bay to reproduce. Tourists from all over the country specially come to this spectacle to watch the mating games of these giants.
Tourists involved in underwater sports and simply diving enthusiasts can swim in complete safety - there are no sharks in the coastal waters of the Dominican Republic, since the coral reefs growing near the coast reliably protect against predatory uninvited guests. But there are a lot of turtles, large tropical fish, crabs, lobsters, lobsters, and shrimps here, which attracts divers from all over the world.
