Route Of The South VIP Private Eagles Bay 2 Day All Inclusive

Bahia de las Aguilas is the headline here, but the real appeal is the route south through Barahona and Pedernales. Over two long days, you visit river pools, small coastal towns, a wind farm, Lake Oviedo, and some of the Dominican Republic’s clearest water. This is a road trip with a beach finale, not a quick resort outing.

I like the wide mix of stops and the fact that the price includes dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches. I also like the private format, since only your group takes part. The main caution is the pace: there is a lot of road time, and recent accounts raise concerns about loud music, alcohol use by some participants or staff, schedule control, and uneven food or lodging standards.

Key points to know before booking

• Bahia de las Aguilas gets three hours: That is enough time to swim, take photos, and enjoy the shore without treating the beach as a rushed photo stop.
• The route includes more than the famous beach: Los Patos, Los Pósitos, the Virgin spa, Arroyo Salado, and San Rafael add several freshwater stops.
• Pickup is flexible in Santo Domingo: Collection is offered at Sambil, your hotel, or a preferred zone in Santo Domingo.
• Meals are included: The package covers dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches, which helps protect your budget during a remote southern trip.
• Snorkeling gear is extra: Bring your own equipment or plan to pay separately if you want to use it.
• The bus atmosphere matters: Some reports praise the friendly service and organization, while others describe inappropriate music, disruptive drinking, and missed schedules.

Why this southern route is worth your time

The Dominican Republic is easy to picture as a resort-and-pool destination. This trip takes you somewhere less polished and more varied. You move through Barahona Province, continue toward Pedernales, and spend the night in the far southwest before reaching Bahia de las Aguilas.

That distance is both the point and the problem. You get access to places that are difficult to combine on a short independent visit, but you spend many hours on the road. I would choose this tour if you want to see several corners of the south in one organized package. I would not choose it if your ideal holiday means staying in one place, sleeping late, and keeping every transfer short.

The private format is useful. Your group is the only group on the activity, and pickup can be arranged at Sambil Santo Domingo, your hotel, or a preferred area in the city. The supplied schedule gives approximate stop lengths, but the total program is ambitious. Keep a little flexibility in your plans before and after the trip.

The package costs $390 per person. That is not a small amount, but it includes transport, meals, the main beach entry, and a long list of stops. You also avoid arranging separate transport, meals, and overnight plans for a remote part of the country. The value is strongest if you make full use of the route and appreciate convenience more than luxury.

Day one begins at Sambil Santo Domingo

The first pickup point is Sambil Santo Domingo, with hotel and zone pickup also offered in the city. The planned stop is about 30 minutes, which likely covers meeting the group and getting settled rather than sightseeing.

From here, you are committing to a full day of movement. Wear clothes that dry quickly, keep water and personal items within reach, and expect the bus to be an important part of the outing. Because the schedule includes several water stops, a small bag with swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes will make the day easier.

Barahona’s waterfront and the Virgin spa

The first sightseeing stop is the Malecon de Barahona, where you have about 15 minutes to photograph the colorful city letters. It is brief, but it gives you a quick introduction to Barahona and a chance to stretch after the drive.

Next comes the Virgin spa in Barahona Province. You get about an hour at this freshwater site, with scenery and cool water as the main attractions. This is a good early break from the road. The word spa refers to a natural bathing area here, not a luxury wellness facility, so set your expectations accordingly.

I like the way the route starts with a town stop and then shifts to nature. You see a little of the province before spending time in its rivers and pools. The short visit at the Malecon is not worth treating as a major attraction, but it works well as a photo and movement break.

Los Pósitos in Paraíso, two kinds of water

In Paraíso, the tour visits Los Pósitos, a natural pool with access to both beach and river settings. The scheduled visit is one hour. That gives you enough time for a swim and a few photographs, though not a leisurely beach afternoon.

This stop is useful for comparing the south’s different types of water. Freshwater pools and coastal beaches each have a distinct feel, and this route gives you both without requiring another booking. If you prefer calm water and short swims, Los Pósitos may be one of the more comfortable stops on day one.

The schedule does not provide details about changing facilities, restrooms, or rental services. Bring what you need rather than assuming every stop has a full tourist setup. Since snorkeling equipment is not included anywhere in the package, you should bring your own only if you can keep it secure during the road journey.

Los Patos, river meets beach

Los Patos receives the longest stop on day one, about two hours. The site combines a river and a beach, and the river is described as the smallest in the Antilles. The appeal is simple: clear, cool water, a coastal setting, and enough time to enjoy both without being pushed straight back onto the bus.

I would treat Los Patos as one of the day’s key stops. Two hours gives you room to swim, dry off, eat if food is served there, and take photographs. The setting is also practical for families because you can choose between river water and the shore, although the supplied information does not specify water conditions, lifeguards, or facilities.

One particularly useful detail is that food has been praised at this part of the route, especially at Los Patos. That does not guarantee a fixed menu or identical service every day, but it suggests you should arrive ready to enjoy a meal rather than expecting only a quick snack.

Wind turbines and the road toward Pedernales

The Los Cocos Wind Farm receives a 20-minute stop. You are there mainly for photographs, with the turbines set against the Caribbean scenery. It is a short, visual pause rather than a full visit to an operating facility.

This stop breaks up the long transfer and gives the route a change of scale. After rivers and small beaches, the tall turbines create a very different picture. Keep your camera ready, since 20 minutes goes quickly.

The itinerary then lists Arroyo Salado at Lake Oviedo for about an hour. It describes a natural bathing area with clear water and heavy vegetation. The attraction is the water and setting, not a formal lake tour. The schedule does not mention a boat ride or wildlife viewing, so do not book this expecting a separate excursion on Lake Oviedo.

The description connects the stop with Lago Oviedo, while naming Arroyo Salado as the bathing area. Pay attention to the exact meeting instructions you receive, since natural sites in this region can have similar names.

Pedernales and the Haiti border

The route continues to Pedernales, close to the Haitian border. The border stop lasts about 20 minutes and includes a look at the bilateral market that supports trade between Haiti and Pedernales.

This is a short stop, but it adds real local context. You are not just moving between beaches. You are seeing a border town where commerce shapes daily life. Follow the guide’s instructions closely and keep the visit focused, since the schedule allows little time.

The Pedernales Malecon follows, with around 30 minutes for the coastline, views, and colorful provincial letters. Like the Barahona Malecon, it is mainly a photo stop. Still, it is a pleasant way to finish the day before the overnight portion of the trip.

Accommodation is referred to in the supplied information and has been described in sharply different ways, from decent to mediocre. No property name, room category, or exact lodging standard is provided. If a comfortable hotel room is central to your decision, ask the operator for the property and included room details before paying.

Day two at Bahia de las Aguilas

Bahia de las Aguilas is the reason most people will consider this tour. You receive about three hours at the beach, with admission included. The shore is known for white sand, clear turquoise water, and a remote feel that is very different from the developed beaches around major resorts.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time. You can swim, sit on the sand, take photographs, and enjoy the setting without spending the entire day on one transfer. I would bring sun protection, a towel, drinking water if advised by the operator, and a dry bag for phones and valuables.

The beach is promoted as one of the clearest in the world. Treat that as promotional language, but the supplied details consistently point to clear water and striking scenery. Weather, sea conditions, and visibility can change, so no beach description should be read as a guarantee.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. That matters here because clear water may tempt you to explore below the surface. Bring your own gear only if the operator confirms that it is practical, or ask in advance about local rental options. The tour price covers admission, not snorkel equipment.

This is also the point where the tour’s long travel time pays off. You are not simply transferred to the nearest beach. You spend the previous day crossing the southern region, then reach a shore that feels like the reward for the effort.

San Rafael closes the trip with river and beach

After Bahia de las Aguilas, the itinerary includes San Rafael Beach for about one hour. San Rafael has both a beach and a river, with the river known for clear water and regular local use.

The stop gives you one last chance to cool off before the return journey. It also repeats the river-and-sea pattern that defines this route. If your group prefers swimming in fresh water, this may be more appealing than another hour on the beach.

Because the schedule is tightly packed, keep an eye on the departure time. A one-hour stop can feel short if you are changing clothes, eating, and taking photos. The route works best when everyone returns promptly.

Food, service, and the important caveats

The price includes dinner, two breakfasts, and two lunches. That is a real benefit in a remote region, where buying every meal separately can be inconvenient. Food has been praised as fresh and especially good at Los Patos, and several accounts describe the staff as friendly, attentive, and family-like.

At the same time, food and lodging standards have not been described consistently. Some accounts praise the meals and accommodation, while others call the food and hotel mediocre. I would view this as a value-focused package, not a premium culinary or hotel program.

Service has also received strong praise for organization, friendliness, and handling of the stops. Felix is named in the operator’s responses, and he appears to be a direct point of contact for the company. The positive side of this is personal attention and a warm tone. The caution is that a private tour can still depend heavily on the day’s staff and group dynamics.

Several serious concerns need to be weighed before booking. Some accounts describe very loud music with explicit lyrics, intoxicated participants, alcohol use by people working on the tour, schedules not being respected, and problems involving photographs. These are not minor comfort issues if you are traveling with children or want a quiet, professional ride.

The company has responded apologetically to some complaints and says photographs were removed when requested. Still, you should state your preferences clearly before departure: no unauthorized photos, reasonable music volume, and a professional atmosphere. If these points are essential, ask for confirmation in writing.

Who should book this two-day trip

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to see a large slice of the Dominican Republic’s southwest without arranging several separate transfers. It suits people who enjoy natural swimming spots, photo stops, long scenic drives, and a full schedule.

It may also work well for families, since one account specifically describes going with children and finding the trip safe and pleasant. Still, children should be comfortable with long bus rides and quick transitions between stops.

Solo visitors can also fit in well. The organized format creates a ready-made social setting, although the private booking means the makeup of your group depends on who books together.

I would hesitate if you need strict timing, quiet transportation, polished hotels, or a clearly controlled alcohol policy. The complaints about music and staff conduct are specific enough that you should not ignore them. Ask direct questions before booking, especially if you are bringing children or have accessibility needs. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information.

Cancellation is free when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Pickup, group discounts, and mobile tickets are offered, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Should you book Route of the South?

Book it if Bahia de las Aguilas is high on your list and you want Barahona, Pedernales, rivers, beaches, and border-country scenery in the same trip. At $390, the included meals and transport can make the package a fair deal, especially when compared with planning this remote route yourself.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, overnight hotel, meal plan, expected departure times, music policy, photography rules, and any equipment rental. If the operator can give you clear answers and your group is comfortable with a busy two-day road trip, this offers a lot of scenery for the money.

If you want a calm, tightly managed, luxury-style outing, choose another option. The best reason to book is the route itself. The main risk is not the beaches, but the way the trip is managed between them.

FAQ

How long is the Route of the South tour?

The tour lasts approximately two days.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is offered at Sambil Santo Domingo, your hotel, or a preferred zone in Santo Domingo.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included in the price?

The package includes dinner, two breakfasts, two lunches, transport connected with the tour, and admission to Bahia de las Aguilas.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

How long do you spend at Bahia de las Aguilas?

The scheduled time at Bahia de las Aguilas is about three hours.

Which natural water stops are included?

The route includes the Virgin spa, Los Pósitos, Los Patos, Arroyo Salado, and San Rafael. Several of these combine river and beach settings.

Does the tour visit the Haiti border?

Yes. The itinerary includes a short visit to the border area and its bilateral market in Pedernales.

Is accommodation included?

The supplied details refer to accommodation during the two-day trip, but they do not name the property or specify the room standard. Ask the operator for those details before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.