The Dominican Republic is well known for its beach resorts. However, beyond the-inclusive gates lies an incredibly diverse country, waiting to be explored. The warmth of the Caribbean is present not only in its climate, but also in its people. On our journeys to the Dominican Replublic we see a wide variety of conservation projects in action. We team up with a local NGO, Fundacion Moscoso Puello and actively participate in a bird monitoring project. We visit the highlands, home to the highest peak in the Caribbean and the coastal national parks in the southeast, where turquoise water and sandy beaches give a taste of paradise. A stop off in the Samana Peninsula will allow ample opportunities for horseback riding and whale watching. Many of the Atlantic humpback whales winter in Samana Bay. In addition to the natural back-drop, our trips also visit the colonial section of Santo Domingo (founded in 1498) home to the first cathedral and market area in the new world as well as the palace once belonging to Diego Columbus, Christopher Columbus's son.