Monkey Paradise Experience och Puerto Plata stadsrundtur

My family, along with some friends, visited Puerto Plata during an MSC Ocean cruise. Our travel agent booked Ismael Tours and this was one of our stops. If you are animal lovers, like us, and enjoy being outdoors in different locations, then I would highly recommend this Monkey Experience, which is more than just seeing those wonderful little fellows run, scurry, and jump about in their compound. We were first greeted by our team of tour guides. I believe the lead guide was a young man named Shelby, and of his co-workers was named Shander. I really wanted to get their names right because they were wonderful guides, warm, friendly, intelligent, and attentive. We were first taken to a little section in their reserve that had benches and different tools to use with their famous Caco bean, which this island is known to have in large supply. We were treated to our choice of hot cocoa or hot coffee. Both were delicious. The temperature was warm, but not crazy, and there always seemed to be a slight breeze in the shady area. After our liquid treat, we walked though a nice garden of native plants and trees and Shander talked about each type of plant/tree, educating us on their history with the Dominican Republic's people. The highlight for me was the mango tree. We then went to the Monkey compound. My kids loved this and we ordered photos from this experience. My kids loved that we enlarged them and hung some up. The monkeys were really chill, and we felt completely safe the entire time. You could tell they were used to having humans come around, and would playfully jump on your back, lap or head, trying to get some food. There were so small and cute. After the Monkey area, we went to the gift shop and they had a nice selection of items made with the native precious stone called Larimar, which is a light blue stone. They also had Opals, and lots of other jewelry, collectibles, and snacks in the little shop. Everyone was very kind and accommodating at this venue. It was an experience that will be a fond memory the family and I will look back on. I think younger kids would really enjoy it, because of the close interaction with the monkeys and the hot cocoa. Given our great tour bus, the drive through the countryside to get to this place, was enjoyable and freeing. Thank you, gentleman!

The monkey experience was fabulous. The guide was amazing, we had plenty of time to interact with the monkeys. These are squirrel monkeys - the absolute cutest. The driver who took us (Remy) was great too. Very polite. Took us to the sights and gave us some good information. The car was clean and air conditioned. I would highly recommend this excursion.

This tour was great from start to finish. Our awesome driver Alex, was waiting for us with a sign when we exited the port at Amber Cove. The van was clean, cool and in great condition. Alex was the best! He was patient and took us to all the places we wanted to go, starting with the Monkey Home where we had plenty of time to interact with the monkeys! All of the guys at the Monkey Home were fun, informative and went above and beyond to make sure each person had plenty of interaction time with the monkeys. We then got to watch a cigar rolling demonstration, sample amazing hot cocoa, coffee, and the traditional dominican Mama Juana spiced wine. They have a nice little shop for souvenirs, and you can also buy the professional pics they took of you with the monkeys (very reasonably priced). Then we were off for the city tour where we parked and walked a short distance to all of the local landmarks. Alex helped my friend find the right shop to buy a specific ring she was looking for. I 100% recommend this tour!

This was a wonderful tour, and really gave us a good overview of Puerto Plata, as well as a delightful monkey experience. Our driver was excellent and the logistics were very smooth.

Our tour guide Elvin was waiting for us just outside the port enterance holding a sign with our name! It was a perfect day,as we drove, (In a CLEAN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE) Elvin told us much of the history and people of D.R. We had a once in a lifetime monkey visit! It included a demonstration on coffee grinding, a taste test of local coffee and chocolate drinks. The monkey experience was fabulous! Afterwards there was a cigar rolling demo too with the opportunity to browse the gift shop. The city tour was next..so informative and such a friendly city. I was impressed. We took a minute to go see an overview of the city and cruise port from high in the mountain, such a lovely view. Our driver/ guide Elvin Tineo spoke English very well and was extremely knowledgeable of his country. We are 2 seniors and found this 100% do-able. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS EXCURSION FOR ANYONE