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Home / Dominican Republic Tours

Dominican Republic Tours

by Brandon Yano

An Insider’s Tour of the Dominican Baseball Machine

Full Tour: November 9-20, 2024
Segment 1: November 9-17
Segment 2: November 17-20

Please note: This is a sample tour description based on the 2023 itinerary. The 2024 itineraries will be announced around July 2024.

A baseball pilgrimage to the Dominican Republic is like a soccer fan’s trip to Brazil or a pizza lover’s trip to Italy. Join us for a tour of this beautiful, baseball-crazed Caribbean island and see béisbol in its most vibrant form.

You’ll receive an insider’s experience of the island and its baseball culture (led by Pachy, our expert on-the-ground guide), including visits to rocky sandlots with cows grazing the outfield, pristine development academies of MLB teams, and raucous professional winter league (LIDOM) games. All the while, we’ll enjoy visits with Dominican baseball players and executives, and immerse ourselves in the D.R.’s unique, Latino-Caribbean culture.

Enjoy the whole Full Tour to get the most out of your tour and complete the baseball-bucket-list-worthy task of seeing all six LIDOM teams play home games. Full Tour guests will have the opportunity to see Albert Pujols twice in his managerial debut season, as he takes the helm of the Leones del Escogido.

If you’re short on time, stay in the south of the island for Tour Segment 1. You’ll see four of the six LIDOM teams play home games and get nearly the full Dominican baseball experience.

Attended a previous JapanBall DR tour and never got to see the north of the country and the last two LIDOM ballparks? Then Tour Segment 2 is the trip for you! After completing Segment 1, we will travel to Cibao, the northern part of the country. We will keep our base in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-biggest city in the country that has its own unique culture, and attend home games of the Aguilas Cibaeñas at Estadio Cibao and the Gigantes del Cibao at Estadio Julián Javier.

If you’ve always wanted to step onto professional fields and play alongside former big-league stars, check out our Dominican Republic Fantasy Camp! This is your chance to live out your baseball dream in the heart of the Dominican Republic.

As always, we will mix in delicious meals, cultural sightseeing, and unique baseball experiences through each tour segment!

The Dominican Republic’s climate is very hot and humid, even in the winter months. We will spend a lot of time outside and have a full schedule of activities. We do not recommend this trip if you have health issues that may be strained by being active in a tropical climate.

For an idea on what to expect, check out our 2021, 2022, and 2023 tour recaps, or this blog entry from one of our guests.

Itinerary*

Segment 1

  • Friday 11/8: Optional early arrival to Santo Domingo to allow for rest and ensure that you do not to miss the first game
  • 11/9: Arrival to SDQ airport by noon, check-in Santo Domingo hotel, Gigantes del Cibao vs Leones del Escogido at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal (4:00 PM)
  • 11/10: Youth program visit and equipment donation, DR Orientation Meeting
  • 11/11: Batting cages and pro training facility, independent trainer program visit, boardwalk stroll
  • 11/12: Historical stadium tour, Museum of the Dominican Ballplayer, Gigantes del Cibao vs Tigres del Licey at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal (7:30 PM)
  • 11/13: Colonial Zone sightseeing, youth program visit, famous gas station ribs, check-in at Hotel Casa Hemingway beach resort in Juan Dolio
  • 11/14: MLB bank visit, MLB team academy tour, beach/pool time at hotel
  • 11/15: Independent trainer program visit, San Pedro de Macoris sightseeing, Barceló Rum factory tour, Tigres del Licey vs Toros del Este @ Estadio Francisco Micheli (7:30 PM)
  • 11/16: Hotel day at our boutique seaside resort with private beach, Tigres del Licey vs Estrellas Orientales @ Estadio Tetelo Vargas (7:30 PM)
  • Sunday, 11/17: Segment 1 guests depart

Segment 2

  • Sunday 11/17: Guests continuing from Segment 1 will bus to the northern Cibao region of the country; guests doing only Segment 2 should fly into Cibao International Airport (in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros) by approximately 12:30 PM (recommend to arrive one day early, on 11/16); Leones del Escogido vs Águilas Cibaeñas @ Estadio Cibao (4:00 PM)
  • 11/18: Santiago city sightseeing, Gigantes del Cibao vs Águilas Cibaeñas @ Estadio Cibao (7:30 PM)
  • 11/19: Visit Bartolo Colon’s field and youth training program, cigar factory tour, Estrellas Orientales vs Gigantes del Cibao @ Estadio Julian Javier (7:00 PM)
  • Wednesday 11/20: depart Cibao International Airport

*Itinerary specifics are subject to change.

Local Spend

We at JapanBall feel that it’s important to intentionally support the Dominican economy with tour funds. At least 40% of Dominicans live in poverty and, even with a wealthy upper class buoying the statistics, the average monthly salary is under $400.

Rather than just skim the culture as fortunate tourists, our tours will benefit the local communities we visit. Approximately 70% of our tour price is earmarked as “local spend” that will stay in the Dominican Republic.

Carbon Offset Program

Tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. To reap the myriad rewards of travel without contributing to the problem, we started JapanBall’s Carbon Offset Program.

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island that already sees its share of environmental challenges and is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather. JapanBall  wants to contribute to the solution rather than the problem.

To mitigate our tour’s environmental impact, a portion of the profits will go towards purchasing a carbon offset on behalf of each guest from Sustainable Travel International.

Price

Full Tour

  • $6,386 Double Occupancy
  • $7,282 Single Occupancy 

Segment 1 (Santo Domingo and Juan Dolio)

  • $4,671 Double Occupancy
  • $5,316  Single Occupancy

Segment 2 (Santiago) 

  • $1,853 Double Occupancy
  • $2,105 Single Occupancy
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The DR 2023 trip far exceeded my expectations as it was a great balance between local culture, food, baseball, and Dominican baseball culture. Shane did an incredible job of meeting everyone's baseball interest and was able to provide each person their unique experience while we all were on the group tour, that is no easy feat especially with each person coming from different areas of the US. I can honestly say Shane successfully shared his love of food and DR baseball with us and it shows because I was able to walk away with my heart full, and thankful for the experience. I would do this tour again in the future, more because of the friendships formed within the JapanBall family (oh and to eat delicious food and watch more baseball in a warmer climate).
Gwen

Gwen

Hayward, CA
This was my fourth trip with JapanBall (See it All in 2019, Dominican Republic 2021, Part of West Coast Tour 2022), and - like the others - it was very interesting and extremely well run. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed, and the tour people were very friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable about the country in general and baseball in particular. Though the trip was planned around baseball, historical and cultural things were also woven into the daily agenda, so we got some idea of what the country and culture are like. It was more than simply dropping in to see some games and then going home. It's good, too, that JapanBall works to support local businesses and organizations. The trip was fun and an excellent value.
Carter

Carter

San Francisco, CA
It was a well planned and a awesome trip. Every activity and event that occurred was positive and enjoyable! All accommodations were excellent.” And this from Steve in Whittier: The Northern add-on portion to the DR trip allowed my wife and I to complete the LIDOM team stadiums tour. ✅ off another bucket list item The JapanBall tours are well structured as you will learn about the culture (people, food, economy, history etc.) as well as how baseball is truly the universal language - catch the ball, throw the ball, hit the ball.
John

John

Baltimore, MD
Great baseball experiences, fabulous food and some History & culture mixed in. Staff was wonderful and gave us a real taste of D.R. hospitality. Small group made travel easy & group was all baseball aficionados & very compatible. Loved it, ready to go on next Japanball trip.
Bruce

Bruce

Anaheim, CA
A truly great experience! Our trip to the DR was about more than just visiting the country, it was about experiencing the culture. Shane scheduled a great balance of baseball and activities that showed us a side of the island I never would have experienced if I had been traveling by myself. Everything was well organized, and Shane's support team were fantastic. I had a great time and would highly recommend JapanBall to friends that are considering going to the Dominican Republic.
Doug

Doug

Port Orchard, WA
If you love baseball and travel take this tour!!! The accommodations were superb, the food delicious (and plentiful) and the activities fun, interesting and informative. What really makes this tour special is the staff's friendliness, professionalism and attention to detail. Shane seems to know everyone in Dominican baseball and use his experience and contacts to craft a truly amazing experience. I felt that I came away from this tour with not only a great vacation but a real appreciation of Dominican baseball from the lowest (think T ball) to the highest levels. Thanks, Shane, for a week I will always remember.
Rick

Rick

Santa Rosa, CA
Having met Shane Barclay on a JapanBall trip in Japan when he was understudying Bob Bavasi, before Shane took command of JapanBall, I was expecting great things from his first Dominican Republic baseball foray. Unbelievably, he exceeded my high expectations. Although it was not possible to completely escape the "mañana" mentality of service in a Latin American country, Shane managed the logistics to near perfection, overcoming this handicap. Everything from the selection of lodgings, to restaurant outings, not to mention the baseball heart of the trip (visiting youth baseball games, local baseball academies, and the Dominican League games in three different stadiums) was done with first class precision. If this was only the first such D.R. excursion, it bodes well for all future participants. Recommended without any reservation whatsoever.
Martin

Martin

Sun City, AZ
I just returned from the inaugural JapanBall trip to the Dominican Republic. What a terrific experience. The group was great, our group leaders were terrific, and the itinerary was super fun. While baseball is the primary focus, the tour blended in cultural activities that help provide a deeper understanding of the country and its people. The four LIDOM games were a primary highlight while other baseball-oriented activities helped build an understanding of the developmental system for players in the D.R. The tour provided a comprehensive view of players' experiences including meeting team executives, scouts (Pablo Cruz and others), trainers (Alfredo Arias), bankers, former players and coaches (Raphael Landestoy and Mel Rojas were highlights), and serendipitously, current stars (Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis, Jr. - how could you do better?). The hotel, food, and island beach day were great, too. This was a fabulous, well-run, first-class experience. Many thanks to Shane, Pachi, and Tomas for their work to put it together and make it happen smoothly.
Bill

Bill

Lawrenceville, GA
We had a fabulous family vacation in the Dominican Republic with JapanBall! After joining past tours in Japan and Pacific NW, our kids asked to come along to the DR. Unforgettable experience and a lifetime of great memories!
Beth

Beth

Seattle, WA
We went on the inaugural JapanBall tour to the Dominican Republic to experience the culture, food and of course baseball. Who knew that Shane Barclay, President of JapanBall, would take our group of 12 baseball fanatics (The Dominican Dozen) to paradise 🌴🏝 This trip exceeded our expectations. If you’re a baseball fan and want to broaden your experience overseas to Japan, Korea, Europe and the DR, check out JapanBall. ⚾️⚾️⚾️
Steve

Steve

Whittier, CA
If you are into baseball this is the trip for you. Besides the 4 Dominican Republic winter league ballgames, we got a glimpse into the path that aDominican child takes to get to the big leagues. From community camps to trainers camps to the mlb academies, these kids are taught not only baseball but receive some education so they have something to fall back on. We also visited cultural, recreational, and historic sites along with a Rum manufacturer. Shane and his crew really outdid themselves with meetings with scouts, former and current players, trainers, and even an executive from one of the Dominican teams! Highly recommended!
Eddie

Eddie

Mentor, OH
Loved this trip! It had everything, plus a few good surprises. Really, there was nothing to take issue with as the accommodations, activities and meals were all great! Shane is a great tour leader and he selected top-notch help with Pachi and Tomas. I had been on one JapnBall trip previously and will not hesitate to go on another.
Gordon

Gordon

Hillsboro, OR
Shane combines his extensive insider knowledge of baseball, the Dominican Republic, and the hospitality industry to craft a one-of-a-kind experience. No stone was left unturned when telling the story of the Dominican obsession with baseball. JapanBall's tour guides are knowledgable, personable, and determined to give their guests a trip to remember. The Dominican Republic tour is exactly as advertised and highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Caribbean baseball.
Dave

Dave

Cleveland, OH
I had a great time. Shane Barclay and his team put on an amazing cultural and baseball experience in the Dominican Republic. The hotel was incredible, the food was outstanding, and the baseball games at three different stadiums were tons of fun. Would 100% recommend this trip to any baseball fan and will definitely go again in a future year.
Paul

Paul

Toronto, ON

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