Your cruise day gets serious about fun fast.

This VIP DayPass sends you to Country World Adventure Park near Maimón, where you’ll switch gears from off-road ATV driving to an 8-line zip course (including a pool plunge) and then slow down with horseback riding. I like that the day is packed but not chaotic, because you get clear safety gear and instruction before each activity. I also like that lunch is built in: a home-cooked Dominican meal with drinks, so you’re not stuck hunting for food on your own. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, so if conditions are poor, the experience may be rescheduled or refunded.

The best part is how the park handles people who are new to this. You don’t need zipline experience, and the staff sets up the day so different skill levels can still ride. If you want to drive the ATV, though, there’s an age rule (18+ with a valid license/permit), so teens and kids will usually ride as passengers.

Key things to know before you go

• Country World Adventure Park is a short drive from Amber Cove (about 10 minutes) and Taino Bay (about 20 minutes).
• ATV + zip lines + horseback are all included, with safety equipment and instruction provided.
• The zipline course includes 8 ACCT-certified lines plus the Pool-Zip N’ Splash plunge into a pool.
• Lunch is vegetarian friendly and comes with Dominican staples and drinks after the activities.
• The group size is limited to 25 travelers, which helps keep the day moving.

Country World Adventure Park: the quick Puerto Plata hop from cruise terminals

From Amber Cove, you’re looking at roughly a 10-minute drive to Country World Adventure Park in Maimón. From Taino Bay, it’s about 20 minutes. That matters on a shore day, because you want your “adventure time” to start sooner and waste less time in traffic.

Pickup happens at a meeting point about 45 minutes after the ship arrives. That timing is a sweet spot. It gives you time to get off the ship, clear any port flow, and still keep the day from stretching too late.

The park setup also helps. There’s a meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar, where you get information about what’s coming next. Then you rotate through the main activities—ATV, zip lines, and horseback—with the lunch slotted in so you’re not burning energy on an empty stomach.

And because the tour is capped at 25 travelers, the experience doesn’t feel like one huge conveyor belt. You’ll still have a group pace, but it’s easier for staff to keep track of everyone’s safety and timing.

VIP DayPass value: $159.99 for a full, multi-activity day

This is priced at $159.99 per person for about 5 hours 30 minutes. On paper, that might look like a lot—until you break down what’s bundled.

You get three different types of activity that usually get sold separately:

• an off-road ATV ride,
• 8 zip lines (ACCT certified) including a water plunge finish,
• and horseback riding with gear and basic instruction when needed.

Then there’s the part people forget until they’re hungry: a traditional Dominican lunch with a full spread (rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes and yucca, vegetables, fruits). You also get bottled water, and alcohol is included after the activities (rum & Coke).

If you’re trying to squeeze real variety out of a limited cruise window, this format is a strong value. Instead of choosing just one thrill, you get a rhythm: active start, high-adrenaline middle, and a calmer finish.

Getting on the ATV: off-road riding, safety gear, and the 18+ rule

The ATV portion is designed for real off-road driving, not just a slow loop. The idea is that you’ll get in close touch with the Dominican countryside, plus you’ll pass through scenery that feels connected to everyday life in the area.

The good news for first-timers: safety equipment and instruction are provided. You’re not thrown into it with zero guidance.

Here’s the key practical rule: the minimum age to drive an ATV is 18, and you need a valid driver’s license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 can ride as passengers instead.

That means you should plan for how your group is split by age:

• If you’ve got adults and want control, ensure you have the right documents for whoever will drive.
• If you’ve got younger riders, focus on finding a comfortable passenger setup and be ready for them to experience the ride without steering.

Also note what’s not included: bandanas and goggles. If you want proper eye protection and something to keep dust off, bring what you can or plan to manage without. Closed-toe shoes also make sense here since ATV riding can get dusty and uneven.

Zip lines with a pool plunge: what to expect on the 8-line course

The zipline experience is built around a long run of cable and a big finale. You’ll do 8 ACCT-certified zip lines with more than 8,000 feet of double, galvanized steel cable.

The design is easy to understand once you’re there: you move line to line through the course, and then you get the signature finish called Pool-Zip N’ Splash. Don’t miss that. The only way to complete zip line #9 is taking the plunge into the swimming pool.

No experience is required. That’s a big deal for first-timers, because you don’t need to arrive knowing knots or body positions. You’re not doing active breaking techniques like using gloves for stopping either. In other words, you can focus on getting safely into position, enjoying the ride, and keeping your gear sorted.

What you should think about before you go:

• You’ll want to be ready for getting wet at the end.
• Bring a plan for what you’ll do with personal items. Lockers aren’t included, so you may need to hold onto your essentials or carry them in a way that’s secure.
• If you’re nervous about heights, you can still enjoy this. The course is structured for beginners, and safety instruction is part of the deal.

This is also the segment that tends to win people over fast. Once you’ve done one line, the second and third come more easily—and then the pool plunge feels like a finish line you’ll remember.

Horseback riding: matching you to the right horse (and slowing down)

After the adrenaline, the horseback riding is a change of pace. Depending on riding skills and experience, the park provides the right horse for everybody. For beginners and children, they take time to provide full basic riding instructions.

That matters because horseback riding is one of those activities where your comfort is everything. If you’re new, you don’t want to feel rushed through the basics. Here, they plan for that.

The riding itself is a tour format, so it’s not about performing complicated moves. You’ll be out, you’ll be on an animal that’s chosen to fit your skill level, and you’ll get a calmer look at the area compared with the ATV and zipline.

If your group has mixed experience levels, horseback riding is often the easiest “everyone can participate” segment. You’re not all doing the exact same thing physically, but the approach is built around matching riders to suitable horses and instruction.

Lunch at Country House Bar: Dominican comfort food plus drinks

By the time lunch rolls around, you’ll be ready for real energy. This isn’t a sad snack. It’s a home-cooked Dominican lunch that includes rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes and yucca, vegetables, fruits, and more.

Vegetarians get options too, since lunch is listed as vegetarian friendly. You’ll still get that full plate feeling—more like a meal you sit with than something you grab and run.

You also get bottled water with the included food. That helps a lot on active days, especially when you’re doing heat-and-movement activities back to back.

Then there’s the drinks: alcohol is included after the activities, specifically rum & Coke. That’s a fun touch if you’re traveling with adults who enjoy a casual post-adventure drink. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the meal and hydration without it changing the day.

This is one of the best “value anchors” in the whole pass. A shore excursion can feel pricey if you’re paying for activity but then paying again for lunch. Here, the meal is part of what you’re buying.

Transfers and timing: how to plan a smooth, 5.5-hour shore day

This is not a full-day excursion. It’s closer to a half-day with momentum, around 5 hours 30 minutes total.

That timing shapes everything:

• You want to start on time, because each activity depends on the next.
• You’ll likely feel like you’re moving through a schedule, not wandering freely.

Pickup is offered, and transfers are described as hassle-free from the cruise terminal. Meeting point is about 45 minutes after the ship arrives, and the day begins with a meet-and-greet at the Country House Bar.

Because the group maximum is 25 travelers, the pacing tends to stay manageable. Still, plan for short waits. You’ll be switching between different stations—ATV briefing, zipline setup, horseback instruction, then lunch.

If you’re trying to fit shopping or beach time afterward, be realistic. This tour uses a solid chunk of your shore day. I’d treat it as the main event.

Who should book this VIP DayPass (and who should pass)

This works best if you want variety and you like structured adventure. If you want just one activity, you might feel like you’re doing too much. But if you like the idea of mixing thrills with a scenic riding segment, this is a strong match.

It also fits people with moderate physical fitness. You’ll be moving, riding, and transferring between platforms. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with physical activity and time on your feet.

A few group types that often do well:

• Families where teens can ride as ATV passengers and younger riders can get support during horseback basics.
• Couples who want a day that’s fun without needing constant planning.
• First-timers who want safety gear, instruction, and a zipline course that doesn’t require prior experience.

Who might want to reconsider:

• Anyone who can’t handle getting wet for the pool plunge.
• Anyone who needs lockers for valuables. Lockers aren’t included, so plan how you’ll manage your stuff.
• Anyone under 18 who wants to drive the ATV. Under-18 riders can ride, just not drive.

What to bring for ATV, zip lines, horseback, and the pool plunge

Since you’re doing multiple activities with different gear needs, pack with the full day in mind.

Based on what’s included and what isn’t, I’d bring:

• Swim-ready clothes for the Pool-Zip N’ Splash plunge (or at least something you’re fine getting wet).
• Something secure for your phone/valuables since lockers aren’t included.
• Closed-toe footwear that can handle dust and getting damp.
• Sunscreen and water-friendly basics. Bottled water is included, but sun can still be a factor.
• If you have them, consider goggles and a bandana. Bandanas and goggles aren’t included.

Also, review your group’s ATV driving plan. Only riders 18+ with a valid license/permit can drive. If you’re booking for a teen, make sure you know they’ll ride as a passenger.

This is the kind of excursion where being prepared saves time later. You don’t want to scramble mid-day for simple items.

Should you book? The quick decision guide

Book this VIP DayPass if you want a single Puerto Plata shore stop that covers ATV driving, zip lines, and horseback riding, plus a real Dominican lunch. The price starts to make sense because you’re not buying each piece separately, and the day is designed to keep you active for a limited time.

I’d also recommend it if you’re new to this kind of adventure. The zipline has no experience requirement, safety equipment and instruction are included, and horseback riding includes basic instruction for beginners and children.

Skip it if your top priority is a relaxed, freeform beach day. This is built for motion and set activities. Also, if poor weather is a concern for your travel dates, remember the experience requires good weather and may be rescheduled or refunded.

If you’re okay with a structured 5.5-hour adrenaline-and-comfort mix, this is a strong way to use your cruise day.

FAQ

What’s included in the V.I.P. DayPass?

The pass includes an off-road ATV ride, an 8-line zipline course with a pool plunge on zip line #9, horseback riding, and a Dominican lunch with drinks. Safety equipment and instruction are provided, plus bottled water.

How long is the shore excursion?

It runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Do I need experience for the zip lines?

No. Zip line experience is not required.

What are the ATV driving age rules?

You must be at least 18 years old to drive an ATV, and you need a valid driver’s license or permit. Teenagers and children under 18 can drive as passengers.

What food and drinks are provided?

Lunch is vegetarian friendly and includes Dominican dishes such as rice, beans, chicken, fried sweet potatoes and yucca, vegetables, and fruits. Bottled water is included, and rum & Coke are included after the activities.

Is pickup offered from the cruise terminal?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and transfers are described as hassle-free from the cruise terminal.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.