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Dominican Republic Project October 2026

Join Maranatha in the Dominican Republic!

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Trip Information

Date October 15, 2026 – October 25, 2026
Location Dominican Republic View Entry Requirements
Trip Cost $1,500 See What’s Included

Overview

Leaders

Stacy and Laura Peterson
Stacy and Laura Peterson
Project Coordinators

Itinerary

Arrival

Volunteers will arrive in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP) on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Please wait for confirmation from Maranatha before purchasing your airfare to ensure there is still space on the project and to ensure you book the right flight.

Departure

Volunteers will depart from Puerto Plata (POP) on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Flight Details

Volunteers will purchase their own plane tickets to and from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The posted dates are the project’s arrival and departure dates. You may need to leave home a day before the advertised start date to arrive on the correct date. Maranatha representatives will meet volunteers upon arrival in Puerto Plata.

Travel Resources

Butler Travel (Click here)

Excursions

Cayo Arena Island

After a few days of service, Maranatha volunteers will enjoy a well-deserved midweek excursion day to the breathtaking Cayo Arena Island. The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride across the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Atlantic, leading to one of the Dominican Republic’s most stunning natural attractions. Upon arrival, volunteers will have time to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, discover colorful tropical fish, and experience the island’s incredible marine life. There will also be time to relax on the pristine white sand, swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters, and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this tropical paradise. This special day offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, build friendships, and celebrate a meaningful project together while creating lasting memories.

What's Included

The participation fee covers local housing during the project, three vegetarian meals a day, ground transportation to and from the airport and project site, short-term travel insurance, a Maranatha t-shirt, luggage tags, and the excursion. For accounting purposes, the Participation Fee ($1,500) is tax-deductible.

*Children under 12 receive a $150 discount.

**International and domestic flights, passports, entrance visas, and vaccinations are not included. All prices are listed in US dollars.

Country Info

Dominican Republic

CAPITAL

Santo Domingo

POPULATION

10.85 Million

LANGUAGE

Spanish

CLIMATE

Tropical maritime. Little seasonal variation

RELIGION

Roman Catholic 95%

CURRENCY

Dominican Peso

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • All passports must be valid for at least six months from the dates of intended return.
  • eTicket online form (includes, customs and immigration forms)

Medical Requirements

Packing List

Items to remember

  • Maranatha T-shirt
  • Good Disposition and a Flexible Attitude
  • Passport
  • Photocopies of your passport in checked baggage
  • Copy of your airline ticket or itinerary
  • Permission for a minor to travel form
    (for those under 18)
  • Dominican eTicket (https://eticket.migracion.gob.do)
  • Copy of final information packet with project addresses
  • Personal prescribed medication (in carry-on) as well as items like Tylenol, Band-Aids, Dramamine,
  • Pepto bismol etc.
  • Shoes and socks
  • Underclothes
  • Slacks
  • Casual shirts
  • MEN- Dress shirt and tie for Sabbath
  • WOMEN- Dresses and/or skirt and blouse with sleeves for Sabbath
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Sleepwear
  • Shorts
  • Modest swimsuit
  • Light Jacket
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Personal toiletries
  • Hand Sanitizer or wet wipes
  • Insect Repellent (30% DEET or higher)
  • Sun Block (SPF 30+)
  • Chapstick (with sunblock)
  • Water bottle – large opening recommended
  • Bible
  • Camera, batteries, and memory cards

Optional Items

  • Lightweight daypack or similar bag
  • Journal and pens
  • Spanish – English dictionary/translator
  • Powdered Gatorade or equivalent Nuun or Camelback electrolyte tablets (for overcoming dehydration)
  • Earplugs
  • Small alarm clock
  • Snacks
  • Toilet paper or tissues
  • Battery-run personal fan
  • Small instrument you play

Construction Site Personal Items

  • Work pants
  • T-shirts and/or long-sleeved cotton shirts for work
  • Strong but flexible construction gloves
  • Hard Hat – (REQUIRED)†
  • Handkerchief or bandana for neck protection
  • Sunglasses or safety glasses
  • Good, close-toed, working shoes

Masonry Construction Tools

  • Measuring tape (25’)
  • Torpedo Level (9”-1’)
  • Box level (2’) – one per family
  • Permanent markers (sharpie fine point)
  • Nail apron
  • 10” to 12” block trowel (pie-shaped)
  • Masonry line and line blocks
  • Rubber dish gloves
  • Block hammer
  • Marking pencils

Outreach Items

  • Crayola Crayons and Markers
  • Chalk
  • Glue Sticks
  • Pens, Pencils, Erasers
  • Colored Paper
  • Scissors
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Backpacks or daypacks
  • Toys (Jump ropes, bouncy balls, tops, marbles, Soccer balls-with pumps)
  • Hair clips and scrunchies
  • Stickers
  • Balloons
  • Bubbles
  • Stuffed Animals
  • Flutes, Recorders, and other musical instruments
  • New or gently used clothing
  • New children’s shoes (take off tags)
  • Bibles in Spanish
  • Hymnals in Spanish
  • Steps to Christ or Great Controversy
  • Money for buying outreach materials in the local language
  • Teaching aids for Sabbath School and Bible studies
  • Felt sets

What Not To Take

  • Any item of great value (sentimental or physical)
  • iPods, Gameboys, DVD players
  • Tank tops, spaghetti straps, or sleeveless tops
  • T-shirts with questionable slogans or artwork
  • Immodest swimsuits or shorts
  • Guns, knives, explosives
  • Drugs or Alcohol
  • A rigid or “me-first” attitude

Packing Light

Most airlines are now charging extra for a second checked bag or bags weighing more than 50 pounds. Try to pack as light as possible while still bringing the majority of the items included in your project’s specific packing list. The items included on this list are there because past volunteers have needed such items or wished they had had them.