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

REVIEW · DUNE BUGGY & ATV TOURS

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

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  • From $159.99
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Operated by Country World Adventures · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (16)Price from$159.99Operated byCountry World AdventuresBook viaViator

Country World Adventure Park is the kind of shore day that flies by. This V.I.P. DayPass stacks ATV off-road, a zipline course (including a pool plunge), and horseback riding, then tops it off with a Dominican lunch and drinks. I like that it’s built for first-timers too—safety gear and instructions are part of the deal, so you’re not left guessing.

The two parts I’d highlight most are the zipline circuit with the Pool-Zip N’ Splash finale and the home-cooked lunch after you’re done getting dusty and sandy. One consideration: if you want to drive the ATV, the minimum age is 18 with a valid driver’s license or permit, so younger riders will be passengers.

Where this is, and why the timing matters

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Where this is, and why the timing matters
You’ll start at the cruise area and head to Country World Adventure Park in Maimón, about a 10-minute drive from Amber Cove and around 20 minutes from Taino Bay. Pickup is scheduled 45 minutes after your ship arrives, and the full outing runs about 5.5 hours—long enough for a real adventure, not so long it swallows your whole day.

A small group size also helps. This experience caps at 25 travelers, which means you spend less time waiting around and more time doing the fun parts.

Key things to know before you go

  • Zip line #9 ends in Pool-Zip N’ Splash so you can expect a real splash, not just a photo stop
  • 8 ACCT-certified zip lines with 8,000+ feet of double galvanized steel cable
  • ATV rules are strict for drivers: 18+ to drive; teens/children under 18 can ride as passengers
  • Horseback riding matches your experience level and beginners/kids get full basics
  • Lunch is included and vegetarian-friendly, plus bottled water and rum & Coke after the activities

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic

Country World Adventure Park: why this combo works in Puerto Plata

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Country World Adventure Park: why this combo works in Puerto Plata
This day pass is popular because it gives you variety. In one morning-afternoon block, you get speed, height, animals, and food—so you’re not stuck on a bus waiting for one attraction to finish. The park setting in the countryside around Maimón also helps. Even though you’re on a shore excursion, the vibe feels more like a working adventure park than a staged tourist line.

The “V.I.P.” part is mostly about the flow: transfers are handled, safety gear is included, and you’re not piecing together multiple separate tours. For a port stop, that matters. You’ll usually lose time coordinating—here, you’re already bundled into one plan.

If you’re the type who likes staying active, this package hits the sweet spot. You’re moving throughout the day instead of just sitting with a view. And if you’re new to adventure travel, the biggest win is that the staff provides safety equipment and instruction before you go.

One quick practical note from the ATV experience: if you’re nervous about driving, you can still end up enjoying the ride. In one case, a staff member named Cuba took over the rider’s ATV once they decided not to drive. That’s not a promise for every situation, but it’s a good sign that the team understands people have different comfort levels.

Getting from Amber Cove or Taino Bay to Maimón in time for fun

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Getting from Amber Cove or Taino Bay to Maimón in time for fun
Logistics can make or break a shore excursion. Here, pickup is offered, and the schedule is built around your ship’s arrival. You’ll be picked up about 45 minutes after the ship docks. That buffer is real-world important: it gives you time to get off the boat, find the meeting area, and not sprint through the port.

From the cruise terminals, it’s a quick hop:

  • Amber Cove: about 10 minutes to the park
  • Taino Bay: about 20 minutes to the park

This short drive helps you start sooner and keep your adrenaline higher. It also reduces the chance that one small delay turns into a shortened experience.

Meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar and safety setup

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar and safety setup
When you arrive, you’ll do a meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar. That’s more than just a name on a map. This is where you typically get the day’s orientation, then you’re guided into the activities without a lot of confusing back-and-forth.

Before you touch any of the equipment, you’ll get safety equipment and instruction. The reviews hint at a team that takes safety seriously—professional, focused, and straightforward. That’s a big deal on ATV and zip lines. You want staff who explain how things work and help you feel confident, not people who rush you through.

Also, remember the pace. This is a combo pass, not a single activity. So you’ll be switching between modes—ATV to ziplines to horses to lunch—rather quickly. If you like structure, you’ll appreciate how the day is laid out. If you prefer slow and wandering, you might find the schedule full.

ATV off-road riding: the Dominican countryside feel (and ATV rules)

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - ATV off-road riding: the Dominican countryside feel (and ATV rules)
The ATV portion is all about off-road driving through the countryside and closer contact with day-to-day life in the area. The goal isn’t just to ride in circles—it’s to get you into the feeling of the landscape around Puerto Plata.

Here’s the key rules piece you should plan around before you go:

  • Minimum age to drive an ATV: 18
  • You need a valid driver’s license or permit
  • Teenagers and children under 18 can ride as passengers

So if you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, check your plans early. It’s a smart move to decide who will drive and who will ride passenger before you’re in a line with everyone watching.

On the ground, pay attention when they explain how to handle the ATV on uneven terrain. Off-road driving can feel different from normal roads fast—so listen closely and move at the pace the staff sets. And if you don’t want to drive, tell them. One rider’s experience shows that the team can adapt once you’re started.

What to expect in practice:

  • You’ll get instruction and safety equipment before going out
  • You’ll spend time on rougher ground, so dust is part of the deal
  • You’ll transition right into zipline gear after, so keep your timing in mind

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic

Zip line circuit with 8 lines and the Pool-Zip N’ Splash plunge

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Zip line circuit with 8 lines and the Pool-Zip N’ Splash plunge
If you want one moment that makes the whole day feel like a real adventure, this is it: zip line #9 ends with the Pool-Zip N’ Splash plunge.

This zipline course includes 8 ACCT-certified zip lines and more than 8,000 feet of double, galvanized steel cable. And you don’t need prior experience. The staff provides guidance so you’re not learning by trial and error.

One detail I appreciate: you’re not involved in active breaking—no extra steps like using gloves to stop. That means the staff controls the stop process and you focus on the ride itself.

You should still show up ready for height and motion. Even when you’re not stopping yourself, zip lines require you to stay calm, follow instructions, and keep your balance as you move from platform to platform. If you’re afraid of heights, this might be a tough one. If you’re excited by the idea, it’s one of the most memorable ways to see the park from above.

And that pool plunge? It’s not a gentle finish. It’s the end point you’ll remember on the way home—because it’s wet, it’s fun, and it changes your mood instantly from “zipline wow” to “okay, now let’s laugh at this.”

Horseback riding: matching the horse to your skill level

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Horseback riding: matching the horse to your skill level
After zip lines, the pace shifts. Horseback riding is calmer, slower, and a great contrast to the high-speed zipline portion. It’s also where the excursion becomes more human-scale—watching how the horses move, and taking in the countryside at a different speed.

The park matches horses based on your riding skills and experience. That matters because it avoids the common problem where everyone gets the same horse and the same instruction, no matter their comfort level.

They also provide full basic riding instructions for:

  • beginners
  • children

So if you’re traveling with younger riders or you’re simply not confident on a saddle, this is a plus. You won’t be expected to know everything beforehand.

One thing to keep in mind: horseback riding is still physical. You’ll need a moderate fitness level. If you have mobility limitations, this part may be uncomfortable. But for most people, it’s a good way to relax the adrenaline just enough before lunch.

Home-cooked Dominican lunch and rum & Coke after the activities

Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch - Home-cooked Dominican lunch and rum & Coke after the activities
Let’s talk food, because this tour gets the base right: home-cooked Dominican lunch after you work up an appetite.

The meal includes:

  • rice
  • beans
  • chicken
  • fried sweet potatoes and yucca
  • vegetables
  • fruits and more

It’s also vegetarian-friendly, which is important on excursions where food is often a last-minute afterthought. There’s also bottled water included.

Then, after the activities, there are alcoholic beverages: rum & Coke. You’re not getting a full bar—think more like a celebratory drink after you’re done moving. If you don’t drink, the main win is that water and lunch are included either way.

From a value standpoint, this is where the price makes sense. Many adventure tours give you a snack and a vague promise of lunch. Here, you’re getting a full plate with Dominican staples plus fruit.

What to bring (and what’s not included) for a smoother day

Since you’re doing ATV, zip lines, and horseback riding—and zip line #9 ends in a pool—you should plan for getting wet and dusty.

What you should know is not included:

  • bandanas and goggles
  • soda/pop
  • lockers

You’ll need to handle your own storage without locker access. So pack smart. Bring a small bag you can close, and keep valuables minimal. If you have a phone or camera, bring a waterproof plan.

For comfort, think in terms of two phases: getting dirty on the ATV, then getting wet at the pool plunge, then riding horses while everything dries (or doesn’t). I’d personally plan on a change of clothes in your cruise day bag, since the pool finish is real.

Also, wear footwear you can stand/walk in for periods on uneven ground. You’ll spend time moving between activity zones.

Price and value: does $159.99 pay off?

At $159.99 per person, you’re paying for a lot of components that would cost more if booked separately: ATV off-road, a multi-line certified zipline course, horseback riding, lunch, bottled water, and safety gear plus staff instruction. You also get transfers from the cruise terminal, which can be expensive and time-consuming to arrange alone.

Here’s the value logic I’d use:

  • ATV alone often comes with safety gear and staff, but not usually a full zipline + horseback combo
  • Zipline courses are typically priced separately, and the Pool-Zip finish is a standout add-on
  • Lunch is included and vegetarian-friendly, and the meal listed is a full Dominican plate rather than a small boxed option

If you want one shore day that packs in real activities without multiple tickets and multiple meetings, this price can be fair. If your goal is only one highlight—like just zip lines—then you might feel it’s higher than you need.

Weather, fitness, and who this excursion suits best

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor and it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because ATV and zip lines are the type of activities that don’t do well in heavy rain or unsafe conditions.

You also need moderate physical fitness. Most people can manage with average mobility, but if you have trouble with steps, uneven ground, or getting on/off equipment, consider that ahead of time.

Two more practical fit checks:

  • ATV driving requires 18+ plus a license/permit; kids can ride as passengers
  • Service animals are allowed

For families: the horseback instruction for beginners and children is a big plus, but the ATV driver rule is something you must plan around.

For adventure seekers: this is built for you. The reviews describe a day that starts strong and keeps its momentum, with staff who show professionalism and keep things moving.

Should you book the V.I.P. DayPass?

If you want a shore excursion that actually feels like an experience—not just a commute to one attraction—this is a strong choice. I’d book it if you:

  • want ATV + zip lines + horseback in one day
  • like the idea of a bigger-than-average zipline finish with a pool plunge
  • appreciate included lunch that’s more than an afterthought
  • value hassle-free transfers and a group capped at 25

I’d think twice if you:

  • mainly want a relaxed day with minimal physical activity
  • need ATV driving as part of the plan for someone under 18
  • have strong fear of heights or don’t handle active outdoor conditions well

FAQ

FAQ

What’s included in the V.I.P. DayPass?

The pass includes an off-road ATV ride, a zipline course with Pool-Zip N’ Splash, horseback riding, and a traditional Dominican lunch. Bottled water is included, plus rum & Coke after the activities. Safety equipment and instruction are provided.

How long is the excursion?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

How old do you have to be to drive the ATV?

You must be at least 18 to drive an ATV and have a valid driver’s license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 can drive as passengers.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

Yes. Lunch is listed as vegetarian friendly.

Is prior experience needed for zip lines or ATVs?

No experience is required for the zipline course. You will receive detailed information and safety equipment for the activities. Safety instruction is part of the day.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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