Dominican Republic -- Iguana Mama Outdoor Adventure on a Grand Scale

12 waterfalls flowing into 27 pools of water, caving, canyoning, cascading, catamaran sails, diving and snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, ATV adventures, and more.

Jumping over waterfalls is a fantastic adrenaline rush at Iguana Mama adventures in the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

First things first. No waterslide at any waterpark will ever be the same again –- not after cascading down natural waterfalls in the Dominican Republic (DR). The waterfall escapade –- billed as 27 Waterfalls, though that’s a misnomer, as it’s more like 12 waterfalls flowing into 27 pools of water -- is only one of many outdoor adventures offered by Iguana Mama, the ultimate outdoor tour operator in the DR.

When most people think of the DR, they think beaches; when they think beaches, they think All-Inclusives. And Punta Cana, whose admittedly beautiful beaches are lined with a succession of All-Inclusives, is the most visited (read: touristy) destination in the DR.

We didn’t go there.

All-inclusive resorts line the coast in Punta Cana, DR   Photo by Dreamstime.com/slisshippo

Instead, we opted for Puerta Plata, on the north coast, which also boasts lovely beaches. It also offers a wealth of other activities not available in Punta Cana. Here you can see the countryside, meet people, visit real towns and connect with nature. In Punta Cana, you connect mainly with other resort guests. And the best way to experience the north coast is through the wide variety of adventure options Iguana Mama offers.

IGUANA MAMA IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC OFFERS A MULTITUDE OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Back at the waterfall, outfitted in a life jacket and helmet, we began our trek, ascending to the top of the waterfall of choice. Then we proceeded to swim, hike, jump and clamber our way to the bottom. As we rounded one bend, my initial reaction was, “You expect me to jump WHERE?”

But the guides flawlessly aided and abetted my descent so that I hardly felt the extent of the exertion. The first several pools at the top are the easiest to navigate, increasing in difficulty — or fun, depending upon your perspective — nearer the bottom. But the guides are there to lend a hand –- or other body parts — as needed.

Sliding down rushing waters is another Iguana Mama adventure   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

Usually descent is the simpler matter. Not so here. The main options are surging down a series of natural water slides or jumping over falls into the pool after pool of clear, flowing river water. Although the highest jump is a somewhat terrifying 25 feet (depending on water levels), there’s an alternate way down for those who prefer that. Most, however, are about the size of a high dive board at your local pool.

Zip lining at Iguana Mama’s Damajaqua waterfall is exhilarating   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

Line Freij, a visiting Swede, described the experience as “a real adrenaline kick!” She confessed: “I was a little shaky in the knees after the first jump, but after that, I felt like a pro, but my favorite part was the slides.” Lunch is provided as a reward for actually making it down.

In one canyon, standing in the water below, rocks protruding on all sides, I was surprised to look up and see a forest above. It was an other-worldly confluence of several of nature’s best features not usually assembled in one place. It is that same emphasis on the off-the-beaten-track connection with nature that propels the philosophy behind Iguana Mama.

Swimming through a confluence of natural surroundings  Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

JUMPING OVER AND SLIDING DOWN WATERFALLS ARE JUST TWO OF IGUANA MAMA’S MANY OPTIONS

Although 27 Waterfalls is the most popular, you can choose from four different waterfall options –- with or without zip lines -- that vary in terms of difficulty. That kind of choice is what distinguishes IM from other tour companies.

Another day, another outing, a hike through the Choco National Park. But as with everything, Mama, this was not just a hike; it involved exploring various caves that added a new dimension to the usual walk in the woods.

Hiking trails are part of several of Iguana Mama’s outdoor options   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

As in all caves, the stalactites and stalagmites give them their eerie sense of wonder, their grotesque shapes and yawning divides forging a sinister, ethereal quality to the caverns. The faraway sound of Coqui tree frogs chirping from below the surface reinforces the ghostlike ambiance.

EXPLORING CAVES – AND EVEN SWIMMING IN THEM -- ADD TO THE EXCITING OFFERINGS FROM THE DR’S IGUANA MAMA

The water is so clear you do not even know it’s there until a sliver of rock causes it to ripple. According to our guide, stalagmites grow only 1mm a year, and if you touch them, the grease from your finger prevents water from being absorbed and therefore stymies their growth. They didn’t appear any the worse for wear.

Cave interiors are a wondrous sight to behold   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

Every cave is different. Climbing down over rocks and roots, using vines for leverage, into the cave allows a personal connection not accessible when looking down from above. Grabbing the jagged limestone outcroppings for support as I tentatively slithered down one boulder over another. I became immersed in a stalagmite jungle; the gingerly scramble back up was equally exhilarating. As a bonus, there is an option to swim in one of the cave pools.

Swimming in caves adds a whole new dimension to their exploration   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

If there is an outdoor adventure in Puerta Plata and its environs, Iguana Mama probably provides it. Rounding out its long resume, in addition to its many waterfalls and hiking options, there is also canyoning, cascading, catamaran sails, diving and snorkeling, zip lining, horseback riding, ATV adventures, and more.

ATV riding is just another of Iguana Mama’s many offerings   Photo courtesy of Iguana Mama

And as the first such adventure tour operator in the area, Iguana Mama still focuses on preserving the non-commercial, less touristy aspect of adventure travel with a strong emphasis on eco-tourism. Just one caveat: Because Iguana Mama changes its options occasionally, not everything mentioned here may be available on your visit.

But just because you’ve chosen to see more of the countryside doesn’t mean you have to forego sun and surf. Rest assured, Puerto Plata also has beaches.

And yes, Puerto Plata also has many inviting beaches   Photo by dreamstime.com/Robert Coffey

For more information about Iguana Mama, visit iguanamama.com.