Need Review of HAL’s Monkey Land Excursion

[LVinTennessee]

Here is the description: 

Hop on an open-air safari truck and immerse yourself in the Dominican countryside.

Your outing begins with a visit to the Monkey Land. In the tropical jungle, listen to the sounds of nature while keeping an eye out for the cute little squirrel monkeys that abound in this natural environment. Trained staff give you a plate of fruit that you can offer to the monkeys. These cheeky, friendly creatures love shiny objects -- hang on to your belongings or they will relieve you of loose items for later play. This is an awesome opportunity to get up close with these loveable, fun little monkeys.

 

Looking at other topics here, people have said - it’s an enclosure and monkeys climb all over you, and I swear I read a post that said it’s 2.5 hours away from port? 
 

Im not sure if these experiences are the same place that HAL is going???  Looking for specific details, please.

[seayourself]

Hello, 

We did this excursion through Carnival in November. It was the highlight of our cruise excursions!!!

Yes, the monkeys climb all over you when you have the food that is provided by the staff. They are small monkeys that are enclosed at some areas and other areas are open to have monkeys "free reign".  The staff has people line up and provided a small bowl of food that you hold and monkeys hop from person to person to get the food. They do have a professional photographer that takes lots of pics of each family and you are allowed to take your own photos also. Its so fun to watch these monkeys! The staff do a good job explaining all about the monkeys and process of food handling. Do not take anything shiny (jewelry) because the monkeys may take it!  We began our trip on a van (not open air safari) through the DR country side and guide did a great job of explaining the cultures, food, sights, history of the country. Then we went to a DR large house and guides showed us process of making coffee and we got to test try the coffee. Then onto the monkeys!  Great excursion that I know is offered by different cruise lines so it may vary a bit, but it was best excursion we did on the trip! 

Hope this helps,

Jessie

[germanbini]

*** Apparently there are (at least) two different monkey experiences, see which is which before booking. Monkey Jungle Adventure and Monkey Island (which is there at the port). This video explains the difference.

 

I'm not sure if this is the same, but it was just posted here yesterday. Looks like there is a "Monkey Island" right at Taino Bay, not a need to drive there.

 

There is a video on YouTube titled, "Best Day Ever: Monkeyland by "DarcyBubz" that appears to show the tour described above. 

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by germanbini
added new information

[silvercrikhix]

There are 3 Monkey experiences from Puerto Plata area. 
Monkey Island is at Taino Bay port for those docked there. 
Monkeyland is south a bit, I believe. 
Monkey Jungle is a 55 min drive each way. It is where they care for neglected/abused monkeys. It includes a tour of the hospital/facility. 
There is a very interesting history of the vet coming to DR. 

Edited December 29, 2023 by silvercrikhix