Welcome To Marysol Tours

  When our ship changed ports at the last minute we were forced to rebook our excursions third-party. This is how we ended up with Marysol for our DR waterfall excursion.... read more You walk through Amber Cove and out the gate down the road where we found our guide waiting for us. We were promptly loaded onto a van and then sat there for an hour while we waited for others to show up. Apparently they book multiple ships on one excursion, even when the ships arrive at different times. So we were told to be there 15 minutes after our ship arrived and then we had to wait over an hour for the others to show. Wish this had been communicated more clearly as it cut into our port time. So by the time the last couple people showed up the entire van was grumpy. Not off to a good start

The drive itself was comfortable but our van was crowded. There didn’t seem to be enough seats for everyone. They did give everyone water and the van had AC. Our guy did his best to change everyone’s attitude but we gotten up early to get to the van on time so it took a while for attitudes to shift. Once we got to the location there were more crowds and lines. We were given lifejackets and helmets, quick bathroom break and then we started our 30ish minute walk into the jungle. The hike up actually wasn’t too bad, not too strenuous but everyone in our group was in shape. We stopped a couple times but didn’t really need to. Once to the actual waterfalls we merged with other groups. It was a nonstop flow of people sliding, jumping, and wading through the water. The guides “help “you down the slides. My husband was pushed down and ended up bumping his tailbone, it was sore for a couple of weeks after we returned. The water is chilly and exhilarating. If it hadn’t been for all the people it would’ve been a much better experience. But since we were here in the summer you can’t expect it to be empty. But when you’re lining up to jump with 100 of your closest friends it does take away some of the natural beauty.

When we got back they quickly hurried us to change and load back up. They provided a couple of alcoholic beverages, neither of which were very good. I asked about grabbing some food as it said when we booked and they said no we’re not going to eat. By the time we were loading up the van to return we were all hungry as it was past lunchtime. Then we made a stop at a hut on the side of the road and sat there while they talked about how they made coffee and chocolate (which of course was for sale) And then they shuffled us around the corner where they wanted us to buy souvenirs. All of this took over an hour and by now we were hangry. Really wish we had thought to bring snacks! Instead of the souvenir shop, of which we bought none, I wish we had stopped for an authentic lunch.

Lastly, they discourage you from bringing your own phone on the tour although if you have a good waterproof case you would be fine with it. They have someone taking your photo, he had a more professional camera and did a decent job but they charge you $65 per group. We ended up buying them because I didn’t have my own phone.

  Marysol Tour to Puerto Plata was located beyond a reasonable location without any guidance to where the bus was station. No sign and nobody to guide you once you left... read more the two gates from the resortnot a nice long walk in the sun and heat. The tour itself leaves a lot to be desired, not much to see with limited time. The church itself was a skinny cat in comparison with other in the Caribbean. The guide literally gave us to unofficial street ‘guide’ that my wife was smart enough to walk away. I would had felt more comfortable if he held a gun in my head and asked for a tip. The Amber museum is basically a store with a pushy saleswoman selling overpriced items. The ‘cigar factory’ is another store, never mind rolling your cigar. We wanted to help the local economy, but this tour can do better.

  booked with Francisco owner of Marysol-group of 10 adults and 2 kids - did 3 separate excursions -all 3 were a great experience-from the on time pick up on a... read more new bus to the great guide Jesus and great driver Ricardo to the beautiful places we went to just amazing- we did city tour/vip paradise island/ caleton beach& dudu lagoon. due to our big group we were able to get private tours for city and caleton beach which was excellent- the guide is very knowledgeable of their history and area .