The Río Yaque del Norte is a fast-flowing river that rises up from the northern slopes of the Cordillera Central and runs northwest until it spills into the Bahía de Monte Cristi. Its waters are used as irrigation for farms growing rice, sugarcane, and tobacco, and in most recent years for carrying the rafts of white-water-rafting adventure seekers like you. Conquering this bad boy can be an exhilarating activity for a day trip.

Rafting outfitters will provide helmets as well as a wetsuit, lifejacket, and a lesson in rafting technique and safety. This trip takes a fair amount of strength as there is a lot of paddling to be done, and it is not a suitable trip for kids under the age of 12. Outfitters will most likely provide meals and a snack as well. These are Class III rapids on a scale of I–VI. Getting wet is the idea as you carve your way through the canyons of the Dominican Alps, so dress accordingly: shorts, T-shirt, and rubber-soled shoes. Bring a change of clothes with you or you will have a soggy, itchy trip home.