Baní Essential — Dunes, Salt Flats and Flavors of the South
Discover one of the most surprising landscapes in the Dominican Republic without driving or planning the route yourself. Travel from Santo Domingo in an air-conditioned van with water, Wi-Fi and a maximum of eight passengers to explore the Baní Dunes, Las Salinas and enjoy a coastal lunch.
Book my seatWhat you will see in Baní
A 15-kilometre desert, with 35-metre dunes
The Baní Dunes are a Natural Monument and the largest dune field in the Caribbean: fifteen kilometres of sand from east to west, with crests reaching 35 metres. You walk up and come down however you like — most people end up running or rolling down. From the top you see the desert, the bay and the mountains all at once.
The mountains of salt, and water that sometimes turns pink
At Las Salinas they still take salt from the sea the old way: the water evaporates in ponds and the salt is piled into white mountains visible from the road. With enough sun and enough salt, a tiny alga turns those ponds pink. It does not happen every day or all year, so if you catch it, count yourself lucky.
Playa Salinas: the Caribbean ten minutes from the desert
That is the odd thing about this day: you go from dry desert sand to the Caribbean sea in the same drive. Playa Salinas sits in a sheltered bay with calm water, and that is where your free time goes after lunch.
The mango city, and the sweets that made it famous
Baní is known as the mango city: its banilejo mango is famous nationwide and has its own fair each year. On the way we stop where the traditional sweets are made — coconut, milk, guava — which is what everyone takes home from here. The stop is included; whatever you buy is not.
Your day in Baní
7:00 AM
Pickups begin
Your hotel, Airbnb or residence in Santo Domingo
8:00 AM
Departure for Baní
Route to Peravia in an air-conditioned van
10:00 AM
Baní Dunes
Visit to the Baní Dunes. Then Las Salinas and lunch
Free time
Departure from Baní
Departure from Baní to Santo Domingo at 4:00 PM
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Stop at Las Marías and return
Stop at Las Marías on the way back, to explore and buy local products. Then, return to pickup point
What your US$75 include
US$75 per person
- Free pickup in the authorized zones of the Polígono Central
- Round-trip ground transport between Santo Domingo and Baní
- Air-conditioned van
- Maximum 8 passengers per van
- Identified driver
- Water and internet on the van
- Visit to the Baní Dunes
- Visit to Las Salinas
- Lunch
- Stop at Las Marías on the way back
- Return to the pickup point
Not included: alcoholic drinks, purchases at las marías (the stop is included, purchases are not), optional activities at the destination, souvenirs and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
What do the US$75 include?
Round-trip transport from Santo Domingo in an air-conditioned van seating up to eight, the visit to the Baní Dunes with its entrance fee, Las Salinas, lunch with a main course, a side and a non-alcoholic drink, free time at Playa Salinas and the stop for the traditional sweets. Taxes included.
Can I book a single seat?
Yes. You can book from one person and you will share the van with other passengers. The departure is confirmed once that date has at least two paid passengers.
Is lunch included?
Yes. It includes a main course, a side and one non-alcoholic drink, and it is arranged in advance so no time is lost waiting. You do not pay for it separately.
Is the sweets stop included?
The stop is. Whatever you buy there is optional and at your own expense.
What time do pickups start?
From 7:00 AM, within our pickup areas in Santo Domingo. We depart at 8:00 AM, leave the beach area at 4:00 PM and you are back in Santo Domingo around 6:00 PM. Times are estimates and may vary with traffic.
Can I swim at Playa Salinas?
Yes, whenever the sea and safety conditions of the day allow it.
How many people travel in the van?
Eight passengers per van at most, with door-to-door pickup. Once a van's eight seats are taken, we open another one subject to availability.
Start your journey to Baní
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Adults-only service · No children allowed
Ready to discover Baní?
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