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
Country World Adventure Park turns a cruise stop into an action-packed afternoon. You get off-road ATV riding, an 8-line zip course that ends with a pool plunge, and a calm horseback ride—so your time in the Dominican Republic doesn’t feel like a rushed checklist.
I like that this is set up for cruise timing, with pickup from the port area and a straightforward run to the park. I also love the included home-style lunch and drinks, which actually matter when you’re bouncing between activities. One thing to consider: the day hinges on weather, and if you’re under 18 you can ride an ATV only as a passenger, not as the driver.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Getting From the Cruise Port to Maimón’s Adventure Park
- The Big Picture Schedule: ATV, Zip Lines, Horses, Lunch
- ATV Off-Road Riding: What the Four-Wheel Part Feels Like
- Zip Line Course with 8 ACCT Lines and the Pool-Zip N Splash Finale
- Horseback Riding: Calm Control After the Adrenaline
- Lunch in the Middle of Action: Dominican Plates Plus Drinks
- Safety Gear, Weather Dependence, and Fitness Reality Checks
- Price and Value: Is $159.99 a Smart Cruise-Stop Trade?
- Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Plan)
- Should You Book the VIP DayPass at Country World Adventure Park?
- FAQ
- What activities are included in the V.I.P. DayPass?
- How long is the shore excursion?
- Is pickup offered from the cruise terminal?
- Do you need experience for the zip lines?
- Is the zipline course family-friendly?
- Who can drive an ATV?
- What is included with lunch and drinks?
- What happens if weather is bad?
- How does cancellation work?
Quick hits before you go

- Country World in Maimón: Quick transfer from Amber Cove or Taino Bay to the adventure park.
- ATV + zip lines + horses: Three activities in one 5.5-hour shore block.
- Pool-Zip N Splash finale: Zip line #9 ends with a plunge into the swimming pool.
- Zipline setup: 8 ACCT certified lines totaling 8,000+ feet of double galvanized steel cable.
- Lunch is part of the value: Dominican favorites plus vegetarian-friendly options.
- Small group feel: Maximum of 25 travelers, which keeps the day moving.
Getting From the Cruise Port to Maimón’s Adventure Park

If you’re cruising, the best shore tours do two things: they move you efficiently and keep the flow simple. This one starts right after your ship docks, with pickup about 45 minutes after arrival. Then you’re on the road to Country World Adventure Park in Maimón, roughly 10 minutes from Amber Cove or 20 minutes from Taino Bay.
When you reach the park, you meet up at the Country House Bar for a quick meet-and-greet and a rundown of the plan. That matters more than it sounds. With multiple activities (ATV, zip lines, horses, plus lunch), a clear schedule reduces waiting and keeps you from losing time trying to figure out what’s next.
The park runs like a coordinated adventure day, not a free-for-all. Expect safety briefings and gear checks before you start any “hands-on” part. This is the kind of tour where the team’s focus helps keep adrenaline high, but chaos low.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Dominican Republic.
The Big Picture Schedule: ATV, Zip Lines, Horses, Lunch
The whole experience runs about 5.5 hours, which is a good length for cruise days: long enough to feel like you did something real, but not so long that you’re cooked before you return.
Here’s the rhythm you can count on:
- ATV time first (off-road four-wheel riding)
- Zip line course next (including the signature pool plunge)
- Horseback riding after that (with instruction if needed)
- Lunch and drinks built in so you’re not just sprinting from thrill to thrill
This order is smart. ATV and zip lines are the most physically demanding parts, so you knock those out before the calmer horseback segment. And the lunch is home-cooked, not a sad afterthought.
Also, this isn’t the type of tour where you need special prior experience. Zip lines are set up for people with no experience. ATV driving has an age/license requirement, but you’ll still get the instruction you need once you’re suited up.
ATV Off-Road Riding: What the Four-Wheel Part Feels Like

The ATV section is where you get that “Dominican countryside” feel without turning it into a sightseeing bus tour. You’ll drive off-road, and the point is to put you in contact with the terrain and the everyday countryside around the park.
If this is your first time, you might be surprised by how quickly your focus changes. The goal isn’t just speed—it’s control. The tour includes safety instruction and equipment, so you’re not left to guess.
Practical age note: the minimum age to drive an ATV is 18 and you need a valid driver’s license or permit. Under 18 riders can go as passengers, so families can still be part of the ATV fun, as long as the driver requirements are met.
One detail from a past guest that I found reassuring: if you’re on the fence, you might choose not to drive once you start. In at least one case, a staff member named Cuba took over the riding so the guest could still enjoy the experience. Translation: the team clearly helps people adjust to comfort level once they’re actually out there.
If you’re planning to drive, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or scraped a bit. Off-road is off-road.
Zip Line Course with 8 ACCT Lines and the Pool-Zip N Splash Finale

The zip line portion is built for thrill seekers, but it’s also surprisingly beginner-friendly. You’ll fly across 8 ACCT certified zip lines with more than 8,000 feet of double, galvanized steel cable.
The tour description also makes a key promise about effort: you’re not doing active braking like using gloves to stop. That’s a big deal if your main worry is being tense or fumbling with equipment. It means the system is more controlled than a “freehand” style zip experience.
Two more things you should know before you show up:
- No experience required. You still get instructions and safety equipment, but you’re not expected to be a zip line regular.
- The signature finish is called Pool-Zip N Splash. You don’t just end on dry land. Zip line #9 ends with a plunge into a swimming pool.
That pool finale turns the zip course into a true moment—less “one more line” and more “this is the payoff.” If you plan to do it, think about what you’ll wear so you can handle getting wet comfortably.
Bring the mindset of a short swim, not a spa day. You’ll likely want to plan for water, then move straight into the rest of the tour.
Horseback Riding: Calm Control After the Adrenaline

After the air time and the off-road dust, horseback riding feels like the perfect change of pace. You’ll go on a horseback riding tour, and the tour is designed to match animals to the rider.
The staff adjusts based on your riding skills and experience, and they also take care with beginners and children, providing basic riding instructions. That means you’re not expected to already know how to mount, sit, or cue a horse.
This is also where you’ll enjoy the park in a different way. Zip lines and ATV emphasize adrenaline and speed. Horses slow things down. You get a more grounded view of the area—good if you don’t want every minute to be “GO GO GO.”
Tip: if you’re nervous about riding, treat the instructions as part of the experience. Your confidence usually improves fast once you’re actually on the horse and following a simple set of cues.
Lunch in the Middle of Action: Dominican Plates Plus Drinks

Here’s one of the most practical reasons this tour feels good value: lunch is included and it’s described as home-cooked Dominican food.
You’ll be served a meal that includes favorites like rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, plus vegetables and fruit. And there are vegetarian-friendly options, which is important for groups with mixed diets.
This meal matters because you’re spending your cruise afternoon doing high-energy activities. You need real carbs and protein, not just something sugary.
Beverages are included too: bottled water during the day, and rum and Coke after the activities. That part is optional in spirit—you’re on vacation—but it’s nice to have an included treat at the end when your legs are done negotiating with gravity.
One small “bring your expectations” note: soda/pop is listed as not included, and lockers aren’t included. If you’re trying to keep a phone, ID, or extra cash secure, plan to carry only what you need and keep valuables with you when you can.
Safety Gear, Weather Dependence, and Fitness Reality Checks

This park day is built around instruction and safety equipment. You’ll receive safety equipment and guidance for the activities, and the staff takes things seriously (that tone comes through strongly in the feedback you’ll see around this tour).
That said, you should be honest about how your body handles movement. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable being active for several hours, climbing on/off equipment, and moving between activity zones.
Weather is also a real factor here. Since zip lines and the pool plunge depend on conditions, the tour notes that it requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What to wear and pack (practical and obvious, but worth saying):
- Clothes that can get dusty for ATV
- Closed-toe shoes for traction
- For the pool plunge: swimwear you’re comfortable with and quick-dry cover-up for the next activity
- Consider bringing items not included like bandanas and goggles (listed as not provided)
Price and Value: Is $159.99 a Smart Cruise-Stop Trade?

At $159.99 per person, this isn’t a budget “sit on a bus” shore excursion. It’s closer to a paid-adventure package: multiple activities plus lunch, plus water and end-of-day rum and Coke.
The value comes from stacking inclusions:
- ATV riding with safety gear and instruction
- Zip lines (no experience required) with a major pool plunge finale
- Horseback riding with instruction for beginners
- Lunch that’s more than a snack, with vegetarian-friendly options
- Bottled water included
- Rum and Coke after the activities
If you were paying for ATV + zip lines + a meal separately, you’d likely spend more than one tour price and still have the hassle of scheduling between vendors.
Also, the group size cap at 25 travelers is a quiet quality boost. Smaller groups often mean fewer delays and a smoother day.
If you want variety and you’re trying to make the most of a single cruise afternoon, this price starts to make sense.
Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Another Plan)
This VIP DayPass is a great fit if you want:
- Active fun in a short window
- A mix of adrenaline (ATV and zip lines) and calmer movement (horses)
- An included lunch with real food
- A cruise-friendly schedule that doesn’t waste time
It’s also a strong choice for groups where not everyone wants to do the same thing. Even if only some passengers drive the ATV (because of age/license rules), others can still participate in the ride as passengers.
A couple “considerations” that may steer you toward or away from booking:
- If you’re sensitive to heights or really dislike water, the pool-zip finale might feel intimidating. You should think through that before you commit.
- If you’re traveling with younger kids, ATV driving is limited, though they can ride as passengers. Zip lines and horses may still be suitable depending on the tour’s setup for children, but you’ll want to match the activity to your child’s comfort level.
Should You Book the VIP DayPass at Country World Adventure Park?
I’d book this if you want a shore excursion that actually feels like an adventure day, not a “look at things” day. The ATV + zip lines (with the pool plunge) + horseback combination is rare in one package, and the included Dominican lunch is the kind of practical comfort that helps the whole day feel worth it.
I’d hesitate if you have concerns about weather-dependent outdoor activities or if you’re not comfortable with moderate physical activity for a few hours. And if you’re bringing teenagers, double-check the ATV driving age rule so there’s no surprise.
If you’re the type who likes planning a day that moves, this one is built for you.
FAQ
What activities are included in the V.I.P. DayPass?
The pass includes an off-road ATV ride, a zipline course (with Pool-Zip N Splash at the end), and horseback riding, plus a Dominican lunch and drinks.
How long is the shore excursion?
It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Is pickup offered from the cruise terminal?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and you’ll be met about 45 minutes after your ship arrives.
Do you need experience for the zip lines?
No experience is required for the zipline course. Safety equipment and instruction are provided.
Is the zipline course family-friendly?
The tour notes that it can work for different skill levels. It also provides basic horseback riding instruction for beginners and children, but zipline suitability for children isn’t specifically detailed—so you’ll want to judge based on comfort with heights.
Who can drive an ATV?
You must be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license or permit to drive. Teenagers and children under 18 can ride as passengers.
What is included with lunch and drinks?
Lunch includes items like rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes, yucca, vegetables, and fruit, with vegetarian-friendly options. Bottled water is included, and rum & Coke are included after the activities.
What happens if weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How does cancellation work?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.



























