Reviewed · VIP
Route Of The South VIP Private Eagles Bay 2 Day All Inclusive
Bahia de las Aguilas is the headline here, but the real treat is the long route south. Over two days, you move from Santo Domingo through Barahona’s river pools and coastal towns to one of the Dominican Republic’s most striking beaches. I especially like the mix of freshwater swimming stops and quiet coastal scenery, plus the fact that your meals are built into the price. The main thing to weigh is the packed schedule and long bus time.
I also like the private format. Your group travels together rather than joining strangers at every stop, and pickup is available from Sambil Santo Domingo, your hotel, or another preferred zone in Santo Domingo. Still, this trip depends heavily on the group atmosphere. Some people have praised the staff, food, timing, and friendly mood, while others have complained about loud explicit music, alcohol use by some people on the bus, and poor schedule control.
In This Review
- Key points at a glance
- Why this southern route is worth your time
- From Sambil Santo Domingo to Barahona
- Spa the Virgin and Los Pósitos
- Los Patos, where river meets beach
- Los Cocos Wind Farm and Arroyo Salado
- Pedernales and the Haitian border
- Three hours at Bahia de las Aguilas
- San Rafael closes the journey
- Food, transport, and the private format
- Who should book this trip
- Is the $390 price fair?
- Should you book Route Of The South?
- FAQ
- How long is Route Of The South VIP Private Eagles Bay?
- Where can pickup take place?
- Is Bahia de las Aguilas admission included?
- Which meals are included?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key points at a glance

- Bahia de las Aguilas gets three full hours, enough time to swim, take photos, and enjoy its white sand and turquoise water.
- The first day is packed with water stops, including Spa the Virgin, Los Pósitos, Los Patos, and Arroyo Salado.
- Meals are included, with dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches listed in the package.
- You see far more than one beach, including the Barahona and Pedernales malecóns, Los Cocos Wind Farm, and the Haiti border market.
- This is a private activity, so only your group participates, though the transport and social mood can still vary.
- Snorkeling gear costs extra, so bring your own equipment or plan to rent it separately.
Why this southern route is worth your time

Many Dominican Republic excursions keep you near Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, or the better-known resort coast. This one sends you deep into the country’s southwest, where the reward is a slower, more scenic route and a much stronger sense of place.
The trip begins in Santo Domingo and heads toward Barahona, then continues to Pedernales near the Haitian border. That is a serious amount of road for two days. You should expect an early start, repeated stops, and a schedule that favors variety over long, lazy hours in one place.
For me, the value comes from seeing how many different settings fit into one journey. You get coastal viewpoints, small natural pools, a tiny river, a wind farm, a lake-side freshwater stop, a border market, and finally Bahia de las Aguilas. The beach is the star, but the route gives the trip its character.
The $390 price per person also covers the main meals: dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches. That matters on a remote route, where buying food at every stop could quickly add up. The package is not fully carefree, though. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and you should clarify the exact accommodation arrangements before booking if the overnight details matter to you.
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From Sambil Santo Domingo to Barahona

Pickup starts at Sambil Santo Domingo, with hotel pickup or another zone in Santo Domingo also offered. The stated first stop allows 30 minutes, which gives the group time to gather before the long drive south.
Barahona’s Malecón is the first photo stop. You get about 15 minutes by the colorful city letters, a quick chance to stretch and take a picture beside the coast. Do not expect a full town visit here. It is a brief orientation stop, useful for breaking up the drive rather than for sightseeing on its own.
The south begins to feel different as you leave the capital behind. Barahona is known in this tour for its water, hills, and open coastal views. The stops that follow are less about formal attractions and more about enjoying local swimming places at an easy pace.
Spa the Virgin and Los Pósitos

Spa the Virgin gives you about an hour in a natural setting with refreshing water and attractive scenery. This is the kind of stop that makes the long drive worthwhile. You can cool off, take photos, and enjoy a setting that feels more local and informal than a large commercial beach club.
After that comes Spa Los Pósitos in Paraiso. The stop lasts about an hour and offers both beach and river options. That choice is useful because people in the same group may want different things. You can sit by the water, take pictures, or swim in the natural pool.
The word spa here does not mean a polished hotel facility. These are natural bathing places. Expect simple surroundings and outdoor swimming rather than changing rooms, treatment rooms, or resort service. Bring a towel, dry clothes, sandals, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
Los Patos, where river meets beach

Los Patos receives the longest stop on the first day, about two hours. It combines a river and a beach, and the river is described as the smallest in the Antilles. That unusual detail gives the place a memorable identity, even if you spend most of your time simply enjoying the cool, clear water.
This is one of the most practical stops for a swim because you have time to do more than take a quick photo. You can try the river, walk toward the beach, and settle into the setting without watching the clock every few minutes.
Food is another part of the appeal here. Comments about the trip have singled out the food, with especially warm praise for a meal at Los Patos. Since lunch is included, this stop can serve as both a meal break and one of the best water experiences of the day.
The setting is not designed for luxury. That is part of the charm, but it also means you should be ready for basic facilities and a wet, active stop. Keep valuables limited and pack clothing that dries quickly.
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Los Cocos Wind Farm and Arroyo Salado

The Los Cocos Wind Farm is a 20-minute photo stop. Its tall turbines create a sharp contrast with the Caribbean coast, and the unusual sight makes a good break from the water stops. You are not visiting a museum or taking a long guided tour of the facility. This is a short stop for pictures and a look at an important local energy site.
Next comes Spa Arroyo Salado near Lake Oviedo, with about an hour to enjoy its clear water and surrounding vegetation. The name suggests a lake connection, but the actual stop is a natural bathing place rather than a standard lake cruise. If you like freshwater swimming, this is another strong part of the day.
By this point, the schedule has already included several swimming locations. You do not need to enter every pool. I would choose two or three water stops for a proper swim and use the others for photographs or a short rest. That approach keeps the day enjoyable instead of turning it into a race to change clothes.
Pedernales and the Haitian border

The route continues to Pedernales, where you make a short stop at the Haiti border. The tour describes a bilateral market that supports trade between Haiti and Pedernales. You get about 20 minutes here, so think of it as a brief look at a frontier town and its commercial life, not an extended border visit.
This is an unusual addition to a beach trip. It gives the journey a wider view of the southwest, where the border is part of daily life and local trade. The stop may feel more interesting to people who want to see something beyond beaches and resort areas.
A second stop at the Pedernales Malecón lasts about 30 minutes. The colorful provincial letters provide another photo opportunity, while the coastline gives you a chance to stretch after the road. You then settle in for the overnight portion of the trip.
The exact hotel details are not provided in the tour information. Previous comments describe the accommodation as decent, but I would still ask the operator what room arrangement is included, especially if you are booking as a couple, family, or solo participant.
Three hours at Bahia de las Aguilas

Day two centers on Bahia de las Aguilas, with three hours at the beach and admission included. That is the right amount of time for the main attraction. You can swim in the clear turquoise water, walk across the white sand, and take photographs without being rushed through the stop.
The beach is remote in feel and visually dramatic. The appeal is not a line of shops or a program of organized activities. It is the simplicity of pale sand, open water, and a broad natural setting. If your idea of a great beach day is a quiet place with room to look around, this is the strongest reason to book.
The claim that Bahia de las Aguilas is the most crystal clear beach in the world is promotional language, not a measurable title. Still, the water and scenery are clearly the central draw, and the beach receives enough time to make the long journey feel worthwhile.
Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own if you have it, or ask before departure about rental options. Even if you plan only to swim, pack sun protection and a change of clothes. The tour does not state that beach chairs, lockers, or other facilities are included, so do not assume resort-style amenities.
San Rafael closes the journey

The final listed stop is San Rafael Spa, about one hour from Bahia de las Aguilas. Like several earlier stops, it has both a beach and a river, with a clear river that is especially popular in the region.
Ending with another water stop makes sense after a major beach visit. You can cool down, take a final swim, and enjoy a less formal last stop before returning. It also gives the second day more variety than simply driving straight back to Santo Domingo.
The downside is time. After Bahia de las Aguilas, San Rafael adds another stop when you may already be tired from the road and sun. If you prefer a slower beach day, the full route may feel overplanned. If you like collecting different places in one trip, it will feel generous.
Food, transport, and the private format
The package includes dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches. That is a meaningful part of the $390 value, especially because the tour covers two days and reaches areas where food choices may be limited. Food has been one of the strongest parts of the experience, with specific praise for fresh meals and the food served at Los Patos.
The private format means only your group participates in the activity. That is useful if you want to travel with family or friends and avoid being assigned to a mixed sightseeing group. Pickup is flexible within Santo Domingo, and the tour is near public transportation for those arranging their own way to the meeting point.
At the same time, private does not always mean quiet or polished. The vehicle atmosphere depends on the people in your group and how the crew manages the ride. Some feedback describes good service, a friendly mood, responsible handling, and well-planned timing. Other feedback raises serious concerns about loud, explicit music, disruptive drinking, guides drinking alcohol, mediocre food or lodging, and schedules not being respected.
I would address those points before departure. Ask what music policy applies, how alcohol is handled on the bus, what the exact pickup time is, and how closely the schedule is normally followed. Those questions are not minor on a two-day road trip.
Who should book this trip
This tour suits you if you want to see a broad slice of the Dominican Republic’s southwest in a short window. It is especially good for people who enjoy natural swimming places, road scenery, casual local stops, and a full schedule.
Families can participate, and the activity information says most people can take part. Children may enjoy the water stops, but the long bus hours and many changes of location could test young kids. You should also consider how comfortable your group is with simple natural bathing places rather than resort facilities.
Solo visitors can fit into the private format if they arrange a suitable group booking, and the social atmosphere may be welcoming. Couples will appreciate the included meals and the chance to reach Bahia de las Aguilas without organizing every transfer themselves.
You should think twice if you want luxury accommodation, a quiet vehicle, a slow pace, or a beach-only excursion. This is a road adventure with a lot packed into two days. Its value lies in the range of places you see, not in polished resort service.
Is the $390 price fair?
At $390 per person, the tour is not cheap in absolute terms, but the package covers a large amount of transport, meals, admission to Bahia de las Aguilas, and a two-day route from Santo Domingo to the far southwest. Paying separately for private transport, food, and visits to several natural sites could cost as much or more.
The price looks strongest if you use the full route. A person who only wants Bahia de las Aguilas may find the long list of extra stops tiring and may prefer a simpler trip. A person who wants Barahona, Pedernales, river pools, the border, and the famous beach will get more from the same price.
Group discounts are available, which may improve the value for families and friends. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund, so keep the deadline in mind.
Should you book Route Of The South?
Book it if you want a busy, water-filled journey to Bahia de las Aguilas and value having meals and transport arranged. The best features are the variety of stops, the three hours at the main beach, the included meals, and the chance to see a less familiar part of the Dominican Republic.
Before paying, contact Bahia de las Aguilas Tours and confirm the pickup, overnight accommodation, music and alcohol rules, meal plan, and snorkeling options. If the answers suit your expectations, $390 can buy a memorable two-day escape. If you need calm, precision, and resort comfort, choose a shorter or more controlled beach trip instead.
FAQ
How long is Route Of The South VIP Private Eagles Bay?
The experience lasts approximately two days.
Where can pickup take place?
Pickup is offered at Sambil Santo Domingo, your hotel, or a preferred zone within Santo Domingo.
Is Bahia de las Aguilas admission included?
Yes. Admission for the Bahia de las Aguilas stop is included.
Which meals are included?
The package includes dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
No. Snorkeling equipment is not included in the price.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.
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