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

The biggest draw here is the mix of ATVs, zip lines, and horseback riding in one shore excursion. You move from dusty country roads to high cables and then to a slower ride on horseback, with a pool plunge waiting at the end of the zip course.

I like that the pass includes a proper Dominican meal, not just a snack, and that the zip lines use automatic braking rather than asking you to stop yourself with gloved hands. I also like the careful staff approach. Cuba helped one first-time rider when driving an ATV felt like too much, and the team kept the day moving without making beginners feel out of place.

The main consideration is pace. Five and a half hours gives you plenty to do, but this is an active day with several transfers between activities. You need moderate fitness, and the ATV driving age limit means children and teenagers ride as passengers.

Key points to know before booking

• Three major activities in one pass: Ride an ATV off-road, complete eight certified zip lines, take a pool plunge, and go horseback riding.
• The zip course ends with a splash: Zip line number nine finishes in a swimming pool, so bring a change of clothes or plan to get wet.
• A real Dominican lunch is included: Expect rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, fruit, and drinks.
• Convenient for cruise passengers: The park is about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 20 minutes from Taino Bay, with pickup after the ship arrives.
• ATV drivers must be adults: You must be at least 18 and hold a valid driver license or permit to drive.
• Small enough to feel organized: The maximum group size is 25 people, and all safety gear and instructions are provided.

Why this Puerto Plata combo works

Many shore excursions ask you to choose between speed, scenery, animals, or food. This one gives you a taste of all four. The ATV ride brings you into the Dominican countryside, the zip course supplies the big thrill, horseback riding slows the pace, and lunch gives you time to sit down and eat.

That variety is the best reason to book. If you are traveling with a mixed group, one person can enjoy the ATV while another prefers horseback riding. The activities are not identical in effort or mood, so the day does not feel like five straight hours of one repeated stunt.

The park is called Country World Adventure Park and is located in Maimón. From Amber Cove, the drive is about 10 minutes. From Taino Bay, allow about 20 minutes. Those short transfers matter on a cruise day because you spend more time doing activities and less time riding in a van.

Pickup takes place at a meeting point 45 minutes after the ship arrives. You then head to the park for a meet and greet at the Country House Bar, where the staff explains the plan for the day. That gap after arrival is worth noting when you compare this with ship time. You need to follow the stated meeting instructions closely and leave enough room to return to the port.

ATV riding through the Dominican countryside

The ATV segment is the most direct way to get out into the countryside. You drive off-road and get a closer look at rural surroundings and daily life than you would from a vehicle on the main road. The point is not a polished sightseeing route. It is a hands-on ride over country terrain.

All safety equipment and instruction are included. That is especially useful if you have never handled an ATV. The staff takes the machines seriously and explains how the ride works before setting off. One first-time rider decided not to drive after getting started, and Cuba took over the ride. That detail tells you something important: you are not trapped into driving just because you initially said yes.

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver license or permit to drive. Teenagers and children under 18 can ride as passengers. This makes the activity workable for families, but it also means you should think about who in your group will actually be behind the handlebars.

The ATV ride is not a passive sightseeing stop. You should expect dust, movement, and a moderate level of physical effort. Bandanas and goggles are not included, so you may want to bring your own protection for your face and eyes. The operator specifically lists those items as extras, along with lockers, so do not assume your belongings will be stored free of charge.

Eight zip lines and the final pool plunge

The zip course provides the day’s clearest adrenaline hit. It includes eight ACCT-certified zip lines with more than 8,000 feet of double galvanized steel cable. No previous experience is required, which makes this a reasonable first zip-line outing for someone who wants a thrill without having to learn advanced braking.

The braking system is a useful feature. You do not actively stop yourself with gloves. Instead, the setup handles the braking, allowing you to focus on the ride and the view rather than worrying about your hands and timing.

Then comes zip line number nine, called Pool-Zip N’ Splash. The finish is not a platform. You plunge into the swimming pool. This is a fun finale, but it changes what you should wear and carry. You may want swimwear under your clothes and a dry change of clothing for the ride back to the ship.

The course is a strong match for anyone who wants a clear start and finish to the high-energy part of the day. At the same time, you should be comfortable with heights and getting wet. The description does not promise a dry alternative for the pool line, so ask the staff on arrival if you need to skip it.

Horseback riding for a slower change of pace

Horseback riding gives the schedule a welcome change of speed. The route takes you through the countryside, and the staff matches horses to riding ability and experience. Beginners and children receive basic riding instruction before setting out.

That matching process matters. A first ride can feel awkward if you are handed a horse and expected to figure it out alone. Here, the stated plan includes time for basic instruction, which makes this part more approachable for people who have never ridden.

You should still expect to use your balance and legs. Horseback riding is not physically demanding in the same way as the ATV or zip lines, but it is not simply sitting on an animal. Comfortable clothes and closed shoes make sense, although the operator does not provide a specific clothing list.

For a mixed-age group, horseback riding can be the part that lets everyone take a breath. Younger riders can participate as long as they meet the activity requirements set by the park, and beginners are not expected to arrive with riding skills.

A Dominican lunch with the day’s best pause

Lunch is one of the stronger inclusions because it turns the outing into a full half-day experience rather than a string of paid add-ons. The meal is home-cooked and includes rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, fruit, and more.

This gives you a useful taste of familiar Dominican staples in a casual setting. The meal is vegetarian-friendly, although the details of the vegetarian serving are not specified, so you should confirm your needs with the operator when booking or at the park.

Bottled water is included. Alcoholic drinks, specifically rum and Coke, are provided after the activities. That timing is sensible. You can finish the ATV, zip lines, and horseback riding before having the included alcoholic drink.

Soda is not included. If you prefer soft drinks, budget for that separately. Lunch and drinks are a meaningful part of the $159.99 price because you are not paying for a separate meal during your limited port day.

What the $159.99 price includes

At $159.99 per person, this is not the cheapest Puerto Plata shore activity. The value comes from the number of major components packed into the half-day: transportation, safety equipment, ATV riding, a nine-line zip experience, horseback riding, lunch, bottled water, and post-activity rum and Coke.

If you paid separately for three adventure activities, food, and transfers, the price would be easier to justify. You are also buying convenience. The park is close to both major cruise ports, and the operator arranges pickup rather than leaving you to find transport in an unfamiliar place.

The value is strongest for active visitors who plan to use every part of the pass. If you only want a gentle horseback ride or one short zip line, this will feel expensive. If you want several activities in one booking and enjoy a full schedule, the price is more reasonable.

The group maximum is 25 people. That is large enough for a social outing but small enough to be more manageable than a huge cruise-bus excursion. The exact pace can still vary, since several activities must be coordinated, but the stated limit helps keep the park experience from feeling unstructured.

The experience is commonly booked about 26 days ahead. That is useful planning information for cruise passengers. You do not have to wait until the week of your sailing, especially if your party needs several places.

Who should book this shore excursion

I would recommend this for adults, families with older children, and groups that want variety more than relaxation. It is a good choice if you like active days, do not mind getting dusty or wet, and want to see a little countryside beyond the port area.

It also suits first-timers. Instruction is included for all activities, the zip lines require no prior experience, and beginners receive horseback riding guidance. The staff’s willingness to take over an ATV when one rider changed their mind is reassuring for anyone who is curious but not fully confident.

I would be more cautious if your group has limited mobility, dislikes heights, or wants a quiet cultural tour. The published information calls for moderate physical fitness, and the day includes climbing, riding, balancing, and a pool splash. Service animals are allowed, but the activities themselves may not suit every animal or every mobility need, so check directly with the operator before booking.

The package is also less ideal for anyone who wants complete control over the schedule. You are moving through several activities as part of a coordinated day. That is the trade-off for fitting so much into one outing.

Timing, packing, and practical details

The total duration is about five hours and 30 minutes. Pickup begins 45 minutes after the ship arrives, followed by the short ride to the park. The port transfer is easy on paper, but you still need to allow time to meet the group and return to the ship.

Bring clothing that can handle dust and water. The pool plunge makes a dry change of clothes a smart choice. Bandanas and goggles are not included, so pack them if you want extra protection during the ATV ride. Lockers are also not included, so bring only what you need and ask the park about securing personal items.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, with the same type of alternative or refund if that minimum is not met.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling inside that window means no refund, and changes made within 24 hours are not accepted. The cutoff uses local time.

Should you book Country World Adventure Park?

Book it if you want a busy, active shore day with several different experiences and a meal included. The short drive from both Amber Cove and Taino Bay is a real advantage, and the combination of automatic-braking zip lines, an optional-feeling ATV experience, beginner instruction, and a pool finish makes the day easy to recommend for adventurous first-timers.

Skip it if you want a slow cultural outing, dislike getting wet, or would only use one of the activities. At $159.99, the pass earns its value when you take part in the full mix. For an active group that wants to make every hour in Puerto Plata count, it is a strong all-in-one choice.

FAQ

How long does the shore excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

Where is Country World Adventure Park?

The park is in Maimón, about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and about 20 minutes from Taino Bay.

What activities are included?

The pass includes an off-road ATV ride, eight ACCT-certified zip lines, zip line number nine with a pool plunge, and a horseback riding tour.

What is the minimum age to drive an ATV?

You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 may ride as passengers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included meal is a home-cooked Dominican lunch with rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, fruit, and other items. It is vegetarian-friendly.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.