Punta Cana: Jungle Buggies, Monkeyland & Anamuya River Lunch

Monkeyland close-up, 4x4 buggies & river swim in Punta Cana

You’ll drive your own jungle buggie through muddy Punta Cana trails, swim in the cool Anamuya river, taste fresh coconut at Casa del Coco, and meet cheeky squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland. With pickup included and a hearty Dominican lunch along the way, expect plenty of laughs (and maybe a little mud) before heading back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jungle buggy ride and Monkeyland visit

• Ride your own 4x4 Jungle Buggie
• Take a break at Anamuya river
• Visit the coconut house
• Learn how coconut oil is produced
• Tour Monkeyland and see squirrel monkeys
• Enjoy traditional Dominican lunch

The experience

I’ll be honest. I was a little nervous about driving a 4x4 jungle buggie through the muddy trails outside Punta Cana. But after our guide, Rafael, handed over the keys and grinned (“Don’t worry, you’ll get dirty!”), it felt more like a dare than a warning. The engine rattled under my hands and we bounced past palm trees and flashes of bright blue sky. There was this sharp smell of wet earth every time we hit a puddle, which happened a lot. My partner kept shouting over the noise, mostly laughing at how I kept missing the biggest potholes (or maybe aiming for them).

After what felt like both an hour and five minutes (time gets weird when you’re covered in mud), we stopped by the Anamuya river. The water was cold enough to make me gasp but so clear you could see your toes. A few local kids waved from the bank while their dad fished nearby. It’s funny. I’d expected adrenaline, not this kind of quiet moment. Then it was off to Casa del Coco, where Rosa showed us how coconut oil is made. She let us taste fresh coconut meat. It’s softer than I thought, almost sweet. I tried to say “gracias” in Spanish but probably sounded like I had a mouthful of sand.

The highlight? Definitely Monkeyland. Squirrel monkeys everywhere: one hopped right onto my shoulder and tried to steal my sunglasses (Rafael just shook his head like he’d seen it all before). Their little hands are so light you barely feel them until they’re tugging at your hair or poking around for snacks. Lunch after that was way better than I expected on a day trip from Punta Cana: rice, chicken, plantains. Simple stuff but packed with flavor. We sat around swapping stories with other travelers while the guides joked about whose group got splashed the most on the buggies.

I still think about that weird mix of mud and laughter and monkey paws on my arm. There’s something about days like this that sticks with you long after you’ve washed off all the dirt.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water throughout the trip, entry to Monkeyland for up-close monkey encounters, plus a hearty Dominican lunch before heading back to Punta Cana covered in good stories (and maybe some leftover mud).

Options for this experience

4 options

1 Driver aloneGuide in English, Spanish or French · 07:00 and 10:25One Honda Pioneer 700 buggy for one driver only, with no passengers. Pickup is included

2 PassengersGuide in English, Spanish or French · 07:00 and 10:25Includes pickup: one Honda Pioneer 700 buggy for one driver and one passenger

Two passengers plus one driverGuide in English, Spanish or French · 07:00 and 10:25Includes pickup: one Honda Pioneer 700 buggy for three passengers, including the driver

Four people: three passengers and one driverGuide in English, Spanish or French · 07:00 and 10:25Includes pickup: one Honda Pioneer 700 buggy for one driver and three passengers

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 10:25

GroupUp to 55 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Runners Adventures

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

How long does the Jungle Buggies & Monkeyland tour take?

The tour lasts most of the day including driving time, swimming stops, Monkeyland visit, and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this Punta Cana day trip?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included from most hotels in Punta Cana.

Can children join the Jungle Buggies tour?

Buggies seat up to four people but drivers must be at least 18 with a valid license. Moderate fitness is needed.

What animals will I see at Monkeyland?

You’ll interact closely with friendly squirrel monkeys during your guided visit to Monkeyland.

Is lunch provided on this excursion?

Yes, a typical Dominican lunch is included during your day trip from Punta Cana.

What should I wear for the jungle buggie ride?

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy and bring something dry for after swimming in Anamuya river.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions. Moderate fitness is required.