REVIEW · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Shore Excursion: V.I.P. DayPass: ATV, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding & Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Country World Adventures · Bookable on Viator
A shore day with real off-road thrills. This VIP DayPass packs ATV driving, an zipline plunge into a pool, and guided horseback riding into one 5.5-hour block near Puerto Plata. The main thing to consider is that the activities run on a schedule and you’ll want a moderate physical fitness level for moving around the park and riding.
I like how this tour feels built for cruise timing: you meet right after arrival (about 45 minutes after the ship docks), then you’re headed straight to the adventure park. I also like that safety gear and instruction are included, so first-timers can jump in without trying to figure everything out on their own. One possible drawback: you’re also dealing with weather, since the experience requires good conditions.
From there, you get a classic Dominican lunch with drinks, plus rum and Coke after the activities. It’s a small-group setup (up to 25 people), which usually means less waiting and more time doing the fun stuff.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth caring about
- Puerto Plata’s Country World Park: the fast, fun shore-day formula
- From your cruise dock to Maimón: how the timing actually works
- ATV off-road ride: adrenaline, plus real instruction
- Zip lines with the pool plunge: the highlight that sets the tone
- Horseback riding: calmer pacing, with horses picked for you
- The Dominican lunch break: what’s included and why it matters
- What’s included, what’s not, and what to bring so nothing annoys you
- Fitness level, age rules, and the small-group advantage (max 25)
- Price and value: is $159.99 a smart buy?
- Who should book this VIP DayPass?
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the VIP DayPass?
- Where is the adventure park located, and how far is it from the cruise areas?
- What activities are included in the pass?
- Do I need zip line experience?
- Can my child drive an ATV?
- Is lunch included, and is it vegetarian friendly?
- What drinks are included?
- What should I know about weather?
Key highlights worth caring about

- ATV off-road ride with safety equipment and staff guidance, including instructions for how to handle the terrain
- 8 ACCT-certified zip lines with more than 8,000 feet of cable, ending with the pool plunge on zip line #9
- Horseback riding matched to your skill level, with extra basic instruction for beginners and children
- Dominican lunch included, vegetarian-friendly, with bottled water and time to refuel
- Transfers from the cruise terminal handled for you, so your shore day stays smooth
Puerto Plata’s Country World Park: the fast, fun shore-day formula

A VIP DayPass like this is basically designed to solve the shore-day problem: you want something active, you don’t want to waste hours, and you still want it to feel safe and organized. Country World Adventure Park in Maimón is close enough to make that work from Puerto Plata cruise areas.
What you’re getting is a three-part “adventure circuit.” You start with off-road ATV time to get your adrenaline going, then you hit zip lines for speed and views, and you wrap with horseback riding for a slower change of pace. That mix matters, because pure adrenaline days can feel one-note. Here, you’ll get variety instead of repeating the same feeling for five hours.
Another smart touch: the park has a structured rhythm. You’ll meet, get briefed, do the activities, and then eat. That’s usually the difference between an excursion that feels chaotic and one that just feels like a good day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic
From your cruise dock to Maimón: how the timing actually works

The pickup timing is built around cruise schedules. You’ll meet at a designated spot about 45 minutes after your ship arrives, then travel to Country World Adventure Park in Maimón.
The park is about:
- 10 minutes from Amber Cove
- 20 minutes from Taino Bay
That travel window is short enough that you don’t feel like the day is disappearing before the fun even starts. It also means the total time on the ground should fit your port day realistically.
You’ll likely do a quick meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar before the activities begin. That’s your moment to understand what’s next, where you need to go, and what to expect from each segment of the day.
ATV off-road ride: adrenaline, plus real instruction

The ATV portion is the “first big hit.” You’ll drive off-road and get a feel for the Dominican countryside and day-to-day life in the area around the park. If you’re picturing a casual ride, expect something more active—this is countryside driving, not a flat loop.
Here’s what makes it work for many people:
- Safety equipment is included
- You get instruction before you head out
- The staff run the experience so first-timers aren’t left guessing
Age and driving rules matter here. The minimum age to drive an ATV is 18, with a valid driver’s license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 can ride as passengers. So if you’re traveling with youth, it’s good to know they can still be part of the ATV moment, even if they won’t be behind the handlebars.
One practical tip: don’t assume you’ll automatically want to drive. If you start and realize it’s not your comfort zone, you may be able to adjust—like one rider who tried driving before deciding to let an instructor take over. In other words: the experience has room for real-life comfort levels.
What to do for smoother ATV time
- Dress for dirt and movement. This is an off-road experience.
- Listen closely during the safety briefing so you feel in control quickly.
- If you’re uneasy about speed or handling, tell your staff early—adjustments are easiest before you get out on the trail.
Zip lines with the pool plunge: the highlight that sets the tone

If the ATV gets things moving, the zip line portion sets the story for the whole excursion.
You’ll tackle a course of 8 ACCT-certified zip lines with a total of more than 8,000 feet of double, galvanized steel cable. That length is one of the reasons this doesn’t feel like a quick photo stop. It’s a real circuit of rides.
Best of all: no experience is required. You’re not signing up for a technical sport. You’re following staff instructions and then enjoying the ride.
One detail I really appreciate is how the braking works. You’re not involved in active breaking techniques—there’s no need to stop using gloves or other gear. That makes it feel simpler and less mentally demanding while you’re going fast.
Then comes the signature moment: zip line #9, part of the “Pool-Zip N’ Splash.” The finish is a plunge directly into a refreshing swimming pool. You should go in expecting to get wet at the end. Plan your clothes accordingly and keep your phone and valuables protected.
What makes this zip line sequence worth it
- The cable length and number of lines make it feel like a full activity, not a quick add-on
- No zip-lining experience needed
- The pool plunge is memorable and different from the standard “finish on a platform” setup
Horseback riding: calmer pacing, with horses picked for you

After speed and height, horseback riding brings a slower rhythm. It’s also where the tour can feel more personal, because staff choose the horse based on your riding skills and experience.
That means you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re a beginner—or if you’re traveling with children—the team takes time to give basic riding instructions. That matters because horseback riding is one of those activities where confidence comes from knowing how to mount, hold, and respond.
Even if you’re not an expert rider, the setup is designed to get you participating rather than spectating. You’ll get the time you need to feel comfortable before heading out.
If you love a “variety day,” this horseback segment is a strong final act. You’ll likely feel a little spent after the ATV and zip lines, and riding gives you recovery while still being part of the adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic
The Dominican lunch break: what’s included and why it matters

A lot of excursions promise food. This one actually includes a full lunch that fits the region and the day’s energy needs.
Your included meal is home-cooked Dominican food, with items like:
- rice and beans
- chicken
- fried sweet potatoes and yucca
- vegetables and fruits
It’s also listed as vegetarian friendly, which is a huge plus if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t eat meat. Add in bottled water, and you’ve got basics covered for staying comfortable after getting active.
Drinks are handled in two steps:
- water with lunch (included)
- rum and Coke after the activities
That “after” timing is important. You’ll still have fuel for the active parts of the day, and then you get a relaxed payoff when you’re done.
One smart way to use the lunch
Eat like you’re powering the next activity, not like you’re just grabbing a snack. Lunch is part of how the schedule keeps the day feeling fun instead of rushed.
What’s included, what’s not, and what to bring so nothing annoys you

This is where the tour either feels easy or annoying. Here’s what’s included and what you’ll need to plan for.
Included:
- safety equipment
- lunch (vegetarian friendly)
- bottled water
- rum & Coke after the activities
Not included:
- bandanas and goggles
- soda/pop
- lockers
So if you have your own goggles or you know you prefer certain eye protection, bring them. Also think about the pool plunge on zip line #9: you’ll likely want to have a plan for getting wet without ruining your day’s belongings.
Because lockers aren’t included, pack light and keep key items secure. If you bring a bag, pick something you can manage easily through the park and protect from water and dirt.
Fitness level, age rules, and the small-group advantage (max 25)

This tour is intended for people with a moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean you should be able to handle:
- time moving around the park
- getting on/off activity equipment
- the physical basics of ATV riding, zip lines, and horseback riding
The small-group limit of 25 travelers is also a meaningful detail. Smaller groups tend to mean more attention during safety briefings and less waiting between segments.
Age-wise, the big rule is ATV driving:
- 18+ to drive an ATV with a valid driver’s license or permit
- under 18 can ride as passengers
If you’re traveling with teens, that’s still good news. They can still be part of the experience without being blocked out.
Price and value: is $159.99 a smart buy?
At $159.99 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement excursion. The value comes from the fact that you’re paying for a packed day that includes multiple major activities plus lunch and drinks.
You’re getting:
- ATV off-road time (with equipment and instruction)
- 8 ACCT-certified zip lines plus the pool plunge finale
- horseback riding with horses matched to your experience
- a full Dominican lunch with vegetarian-friendly options
- bottled water and rum & Coke after
So you’re not paying extra for each individual activity. For many people, that’s what makes the price feel reasonable: your day is bundled, organized, and you’re not piecing together multiple vendors.
Also, it’s popular—on average it’s booked about 26 days in advance. If your cruise dates are fixed, that’s a sign you should reserve earlier rather than later.
Who should book this VIP DayPass?
I think this one fits best if you want a shore day that feels like a real outing, not a short sightseeing loop.
You’ll likely love it if you:
- want multiple adrenaline activities in one afternoon
- prefer a structured park experience with included safety help
- like the idea of a Dominican lunch at the end of the adventure
- appreciate a smaller group setup (max 25)
You might think twice if you:
- have very limited mobility, since you’ll need moderate physical fitness to participate
- hate getting wet, since zip line #9 ends in a pool plunge
Should you book it?
Book this VIP DayPass if your goal is a high-energy Puerto Plata shore day with three different activities and a solid included meal. The zip lines, especially the pool-plunge finish, are the kind of thing that makes the day feel unforgettable. Add in the safety equipment, clear instruction, and the fact that lunch is included in a real way, and it’s a strong value for a single stop.
If you’re on the fence, my practical advice is simple: decide whether you’re comfortable with a moderate active day and the pool-plunge moment. If yes, this is a great match.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the VIP DayPass?
It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Where is the adventure park located, and how far is it from the cruise areas?
Country World Adventure Park is in Maimón. It’s about 10 minutes from Amber Cove and 20 minutes from Taino Bay.
What activities are included in the pass?
You get an ATV off-road ride, 8 zip lines (ending with a plunge into a pool on zip line #9), and horseback riding, plus lunch.
Do I need zip line experience?
No. The zip line course requires no experience.
Can my child drive an ATV?
Driving requires a minimum age of 18 and a valid driver’s license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 can drive as passengers.
Is lunch included, and is it vegetarian friendly?
Yes. Lunch is included and is listed as vegetarian friendly. It includes items like rice, beans, chicken, sweet potatoes, and yucca, plus vegetables and fruits.
What drinks are included?
You’ll have bottled water included, and rum & Coke after the activities.
What should I know about weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.





































