Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch

The best part of this Puerto Plata shore trip is its packed mix of action and local flavor. At Country World Adventure Park, you ride an ATV through the Dominican countryside, take eight zip lines, plunge into a pool from the ninth, and finish with horseback riding and a home-cooked lunch.

I like two things right away: the park sits only about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 20 minutes from Taino Bay, and the package includes transport, safety equipment, lunch, water, and a drink after the activities. The main catch is the pace. Five and a half hours of ATV riding, zip lines, horseback riding, and a pool stop calls for moderate fitness, and you may want to bring your own bandana and goggles.

Key points at a glance

• The ninth zip line ends in a pool: The eight main lines lead to a final Pool-Zip N’ Splash ride, where getting wet is part of the plan.
• ATV drivers must be 18 or older: You need a valid driver’s license or permit, while younger riders can join as passengers.
• The zip lines use automatic braking: You do not stop yourself with gloves, which keeps the focus on the ride rather than braking technique.
• Lunch is a full Dominican meal: Expect rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, fruit, and more.
• The park is close to both cruise ports: The drive is about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 20 minutes from Taino Bay.
• The group can reach 25 people: That is small enough for a shared outing, though the day still follows a set group schedule.

A five-hour Puerto Plata adventure day

This is not a single-activity shore stop. It is a full activity circuit, with several ways to enjoy the countryside around Maimón. You get off the ship, meet at the stated pickup point 45 minutes after arrival, and ride to Country World Adventure Park.

The park is in Maimón, close to both main cruise facilities. That short transfer matters. You spend less of your port day sitting in a van, and a 5-hour 30-minute tour leaves time for several activities without turning the day into a long cross-country outing.

Once you arrive, the welcome and briefing take place at the Country House Bar. You receive information about the schedule, activity instructions, and the safety equipment used during the day. The exact order can vary, so plan to follow the park’s flow rather than expecting to choose any activity at any moment.

The maximum group size is 25 people. That is worth noting if you want a private-feeling outing. This is a shared adventure, but it is not designed as a huge bus excursion with one short stop and a long wait.

ATV riding through the Dominican countryside

The ATV section gives you the most direct connection with the area around the park. Instead of looking at the countryside through a vehicle window, you ride off-road and pass closer to nature and daily life in the Dominican Republic.

The activity is open to both drivers and passengers, but the rules are clear. You must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver’s license or permit to operate an ATV. Teenagers and children under 18 may ride as passengers. If you are not sure about handling the machine, you can choose to ride with someone else.

That choice matters. One person who tried to drive decided not to continue once the ride began, and Cuba took over the driving. The practical lesson is simple: do not feel pressured to operate the ATV. A passenger can still enjoy the route, and the staff can help match the arrangement to your comfort level.

The ATV ride is also the part most likely to feel physical. Expect an off-road route rather than a polished road tour. You should be comfortable with movement, changing ground, and a day that keeps you active. The tour calls for a moderate fitness level, so it may not suit anyone looking for a gentle sightseeing ride.

Safety equipment and instruction are included. The staff are described as serious about the job, which is exactly what you want around motorized vehicles. Still, follow the briefing closely and wear practical clothing that can handle dust or splashes.

Bandanas and goggles are not included. Bring your own if you want extra protection for your face and eyes. Lockers are also not included, so think carefully about what you carry and how you will secure it during the activities.

Nine zip lines, including a pool finish

The zip-line course is the tour’s biggest burst of adrenaline. The first eight lines use more than 8,000 feet of double, galvanized steel cable, and the course is ACCT certified. No previous zip-line experience is required.

A useful detail is the braking system. You are not expected to stop yourself by dragging a gloved hand along the cable. That means you can focus on the ride and the views rather than worrying about active braking technique.

The ninth line is different. It is called Pool-Zip N’ Splash, and the ride ends with a plunge into the swimming pool. You cannot finish this line without getting wet, so save it for a point in the day when you are ready for a swim.

That pool ending makes the zip-line section appealing for people who want more than a standard cable ride. It also creates a practical packing issue. Bring a swimsuit or clothes that can get wet, and allow time for drying before you move on to horseback riding or lunch. The provided details do not state whether changing rooms or towels are available, so do not count on either unless the operator confirms it.

The course does not require prior experience, but you still need to manage heights and a fairly active schedule. If you are uneasy with heights, the automatic braking removes one technical concern, but it does not remove the height itself. You may want to decide in advance how comfortable you are before booking.

Horseback riding for beginners and families

The horseback section slows the day down after the motors and cables. The park matches horses to riding ability and experience, with basic riding instruction for beginners and children.

That makes this more approachable than a ride designed only for experienced riders. You do not need to arrive with a riding background. The staff take time to explain the basics, and the right horse is selected according to your level.

Still, horseback riding is not passive sightseeing. You will need enough balance and mobility to sit comfortably on a horse and follow basic instructions. The tour’s moderate fitness recommendation applies here as well as to the ATV and zip lines.

The route offers a different look at the Dominican countryside. The ATV ride is noisy and active; horseback riding gives you a calmer way to notice the surroundings. If you are traveling with a mixed group, this section helps balance the day for people who enjoy animals more than speed.

Because the schedule includes several activities, do not expect a long, specialized riding lesson. The emphasis is on giving beginners a safe introduction as part of a broad adventure day.

A home-cooked Dominican lunch

Lunch is one of the strongest value points in the package. You receive a traditional Dominican meal with rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, fruit, and other items.

This is more useful than a basic snack. After ATV riding, zip lines, and horseback riding, you need a proper meal. The menu also gives you a taste of everyday Dominican cooking instead of leaving you to buy an expensive meal near the port.

The lunch is vegetarian friendly, though the supplied details do not specify the exact vegetarian menu. If you need a strict or medically necessary diet, ask the operator what substitutions are available before booking.

Bottled water is included. Alcoholic drinks, specifically rum and Coke, are provided after the activities. Soda and pop are not included, so bring that expectation with you. The timing of the alcoholic drink is helpful because it comes after the active portions rather than before them.

What the $159.99 price really covers

At $159.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Puerto Plata. The value depends on whether you would otherwise pay separately for several activities.

Your price covers the round-trip transfer from the meeting point, ATV access, the zip-line course, horseback riding, the pool zip, safety equipment, Dominican lunch, bottled water, and rum and Coke after the activities. It also removes much of the planning work on a port day.

The short drive improves the calculation. A tour that spends an hour or more each way on transportation would leave less time for the activities. Here, the stated drive is about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 20 minutes from Taino Bay.

You should still budget for excluded items. Bandanas, goggles, lockers, and soda cost extra or require you to bring your own. The tour does not state that photo packages, towels, or other optional purchases are included, so ask before assuming they are part of the price.

The package makes the most financial sense if you want all four main elements. If you only want an ATV ride, you may be paying for activities you will not use. If you want an active port day and would normally book several separate attractions, the bundled price is easier to justify.

Timing, transfers, and cruise-day planning

The pickup is scheduled for 45 minutes after the ship’s arrival. Read that timing carefully. You are not leaving the ship the instant it docks. You need to allow time to disembark, reach the meeting point, and be ready for the transfer.

The tour accepts mobile tickets, which is convenient on a ship day. Keep the booking details easy to access, and confirm the precise meeting instructions before leaving the ship. The stated pickup information refers to a meeting point, while the park welcome takes place at the Country House Bar, so these are two different steps in the outing.

The total duration is about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Weather and minimum participation affect the schedule. The tour requires good weather, and it can also be canceled if the minimum number is not met. In either case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

For a cruise passenger, the key issue is return timing. The supplied details explain the pickup and tour length but do not state an exact return time to the ship. Ask the operator how much buffer is planned before your ship’s departure. That is a sensible question for any port excursion.

Who should book this adventure park pass

This works best for an active family, a couple, or a group of friends who want several kinds of fun in one outing. You can drive or ride an ATV, use a zip line without prior experience, get wet on the pool finish, and try horseback riding without needing advanced riding skills.

It is also a good fit for a mixed group. One person may prefer the ATV, another the horses, and someone else may be happiest on the zip lines. The lunch and short transfer make the day easier to manage than arranging each part on your own.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet cultural tour, a long beach stop, or a flexible day with plenty of free time. This is a structured, active program. You will not have unlimited time to linger, shop, or change the order of activities.

Anyone with mobility concerns should review the moderate fitness requirement before booking. Service animals are allowed, and the park is near public transportation, but the information provided does not explain how a service animal can participate in each activity. Contact the operator if that applies to you.

Should you book the Country World Adventure Park pass?

Book it if you want maximum activity close to the cruise ports and like the idea of getting several experiences for one price. The Pool-Zip N’ Splash, full Dominican lunch, and short transfer give this excursion more character than a basic zip-line outing.

Skip it if you dislike heights, off-road driving, horseback riding, or getting wet. Also think twice if you want a private tour or an unhurried day. At roughly $160, the value is strongest when you take part in nearly everything included.

Before you go, bring clothes that can get dirty or wet, and pack goggles or a bandana if you want them. Confirm the pickup point, ask about return timing, and remember that the tour is free to cancel up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, changes and refunds are not accepted.

FAQ

Where is Country World Adventure Park located?

The park is in Maimón in the Dominican Republic. It is about a 10-minute drive from Amber Cove and about 20 minutes from Taino Bay.

How long does the shore excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

When is pickup scheduled?

Pickup takes place at the meeting point 45 minutes after the ship’s arrival.

How old must you be to drive an ATV?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license or permit to drive an ATV.

Can children and teenagers ride an ATV?

Yes. Teenagers and children under 18 may ride as ATV passengers, but they may not drive.

Do I need previous zip-line experience?

No. The zip-line course does not require previous experience.

How many zip lines are included?

The course includes eight ACCT certified zip lines plus a ninth Pool-Zip N’ Splash line that ends in a swimming pool.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes Dominican-style food such as rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, and fruit. The meal is vegetarian friendly.

What is included with the tour?

Safety equipment, lunch, bottled water, transportation from the meeting point, and rum and Coke after the activities are included.

What is not included?

Bandanas, goggles, soda or pop, and lockers are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.