About the tour
The Yásica River and La Boca area on the north coast of the Dominican Republic offer a perfect balance of nature, relaxation, and discovery. As you glide along the calm, emerald-green waters of the river toward the ocean, you’ll be surrounded by lush mangroves, tropical birds, and peaceful scenery that capture the region’s authentic natural charm.
At the Rugama Ecolodge, you’ll explore a fascinating tropical garden and encounter animals such as iguanas, turtles, and crocodiles — making it a day full of insight, adventure, and connection with the island’s biodiversity.

 

Itinerary

Our day begins at the Rugama Ecolodge, a truly special place full of life and knowledge. Here, Rudy, the owner and passionate plant expert, welcomes us for a captivating garden tour through his tropical paradise. You’ll discover how local plants are used — from medicinal and healing species to those that you better avoid — and learn about fruits and crops grown in the region, including bananas, limes, avocados, pineapples, mangoes, cocoa, and coffee trees.

Rudy also demonstrates the many uses of the coconut, from opening it the traditional way to showing its versatility in daily life. Throughout the walk, we’ll encounter ponds and terrariums housing crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, snakes, and crabs, as well as parrots, chickens, guinea pigs, and goats — a lively, educational experience for nature lovers of all ages.

Next, we board Rudy’s riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Yásica River, surrounded by tropical jungle and stunning natural landscapes. At La Boca de Yásica, where the river meets the sea, we’ll stop at a beautiful sandbank — ocean waves on one side and calm river waters on the other. Here, you can take a refreshing swim and soak in this truly unforgettable setting.

After returning to the ecolodge, a delicious traditional Dominican meal will be waiting for us — served in a treehouse setting overlooking nature. Finally, you can unwind in the eco-lodge’s pool area, a tranquil oasis perfect for relaxing, disconnecting, and fully embracing the tropical atmosphere before we head back home.