Explore Los Haitises National Park in the Dominican Republic
Experience Los Haitises National Park in the Dominican Republic. Explore caves, mangroves, and wildlife with practical info, tours, and places to stay nearby.
NATURE & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
5/11/202510 min read
Introduction
Los Haitises National Park is a beautiful, lesser-known area on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It’s known for its mangroves, small limestone islands, ancient caves, and rich wildlife. The name “Los Haitises” means “little hills” in the Taíno language, describing the park’s green limestone hills.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: how to get there, the best time to go, what to pack, the best tours, where to stay, and important tips.
Imagine taking a boat early in the morning through quiet mangrove tunnels, surrounded by the sounds of tropical birds. Soon, big green islands appear through the mist, covered with thick rainforest. You step into a cave and see 750-year-old Taíno drawings on the walls – a powerful glimpse into the past.
Los Haitises offers unforgettable adventures for travelers who love nature and discovery. Let’s start planning your trip!
What to See and Do in Los Haitises
Los Haitises National Park is full of amazing natural sights. Here’s what you can’t miss:
✅ Mangrove Forests and Coastal Lagoons
Los Haitises has one of the biggest mangrove forests in the Caribbean, covering over 90 km². As you ride a boat through the narrow waterways, you’ll see the red roots of the mangroves stretching into the water. You might spot crabs on the roots, birds flying overhead, or even a manatee if you’re really lucky! These mangroves are very important for fish, crabs, and the whole ecosystem. The peaceful atmosphere, with bird calls and soft water sounds, is truly unforgettable.
✅ Bird Watching
If you love birds, you’ll be in heaven here! The park is home to over 200 kinds of birds, including pelicans, frigatebirds, cormorants, and egrets. There’s even a small “Bird Island” full of frigatebirds. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see flocks of parrots and herons. You might also spot rare birds like the Ridgway’s Hawk or the Hispaniolan woodpecker. Bring binoculars if you can, and ask your guide to help point out the wildlife. Many tours stop near nesting areas where you can see pelicans sitting in their nests above the mangroves.
✅ Caves with Taíno Rock Art
Scattered around the park’s islands and shores are caves that were used long ago by the Taíno people. Inside, you’ll find ancient rock carvings and drawings. Two popular caves to visit are Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea. Walking through the caves, you’ll see hanging stalactites and old drawings of people and animals on the walls. It’s an incredible feeling to stand where the Taíno once gathered. (Tip: it’s hard to take photos inside caves—ask your guide to shine a light for you, and avoid using flash directly on the drawings to protect them.)
✅ Kayaking and Swimming
Most people explore Los Haitises by boat, but kayaking lets you get even closer to nature. A few tours offer kayak trips through the mangroves, allowing you to paddle into smaller areas boats can’t reach. It’s a peaceful way to explore—and a good workout too! Swimming isn’t common inside the mangroves (the water is cloudy), but some tours stop at beautiful swimming spots outside the park. For example, some trips combine Los Haitises with Cayo Levantado, where you can enjoy a white-sand beach and clear water. If you stay overnight at Caño Hondo, you’ll find natural pools and waterfalls right at the lodge—perfect for a relaxing dip after your adventure.
✅ Hiking (with a Guide)
There are a few hiking trails near the edge of the park, around Caño Hondo and deeper inland. But since the trails aren’t marked, it’s best to go with a local guide who knows the way. One trail leads to El Mirador del Coco, a viewpoint over the forest and bay. Another takes you through a cloud forest and to a small waterfall. Because of the thick jungle, heat, and tricky paths, guided hikes are safer and more enjoyable. Most visitors explore Los Haitises by boat, but these short hikes are a great way to see the rainforest up close.
✅ Montaña Redonda (Nearby)
While not inside Los Haitises, Montaña Redonda is a fun nearby stop. It’s a hill with amazing 360° views and famous swings perfect for photos. It’s about an hour’s drive from the park, near Miches. Some tours from Punta Cana include Montaña Redonda on the same day as Los Haitises. You might get a chance to enjoy the swing, take in the views, and even try a zipline for some extra excitement before or after your park visit.
How to Get to Los Haitises National Park
Getting to Los Haitises is an adventure by itself! Since the park is surrounded by mangroves and water, most people arrive by boat. Here are the main ways to reach it:
From Samaná (by Boat)
One of the easiest ways is to take a boat tour from Samaná town. The boat ride across Samaná Bay takes about 30 minutes. Many tours leave from the Samaná pier in the morning and sometimes include other stops like Cayo Levantado.From Sabana de la Mar (by Road and Boat)
Sabana de la Mar is a small town on the southern side of the bay. It has a visitor center and boat dock for Los Haitises. You can drive or take a bus there—it’s about 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana. From Sabana de la Mar, local boats or tours will take you into the park. If you’re coming from Samaná Peninsula, there’s also a public ferry to Sabana de la Mar (check schedules ahead of time).From Punta Cana or Bayahibe
Many visitors from Punta Cana join full-day tours that include a bus ride to Sabana de la Mar (about 2–3 hours) and then a boat trip into the park. These tours usually pick you up early (around 6–7am) and take you straight to the boat dock near Caño Hondo eco-lodge. You can also drive yourself—the new highway has made it faster (about 2 hours by car from Punta Cana to Sabana de la Mar). Keep in mind: the last part of the road is rough gravel, especially the last 30 minutes near the park.
If you’re going on your own, plan to leave early in the morning to enjoy cooler weather and calm water. It’s best to drive during the day since signs on rural roads are limited. Make sure you arrange your boat ahead of time—either by booking a tour or contacting local boat captains at the dock. Remember, you can’t drive into the center of Los Haitises; the caves, mangroves, and main attractions are only accessible by boat or kayak.
When to Visit Los Haitises
You can visit Los Haitises National Park any time of the year, but the best time is from December to April. During these months, there’s less rain, temperatures are comfortable (around 70–80°F or mid-20s °C).
Another reason to visit in winter or spring: whale watching season in Samaná Bay runs from January to March! Thousands of humpback whales come here yearly, so you could add a whale tour to your trip.
You can also visit in summer or fall, but be ready for hotter weather, more humidity, and possible rain showers. This area gets a lot of rain (about 2,000 mm per year). If you go during the rainy season (June to November), try to explore in the morning, since storms usually happen in the afternoon. Also, watch the weather forecast during hurricane season (June to November) just in case.
Los Haitises is never really crowded because it’s so remote. But weekends and holidays might bring more local visitors. If you can, go on a weekday for a quieter experience with smaller tour groups. Even when it’s “busy,” many travelers say the park feels peaceful and uncrowded—that’s part of its charm!
Entrance Fees & Park Rules
Los Haitises is a protected national park, and there’s a small entrance fee of RD$100–200 pesos per person (about USD 3). If you’re joining a tour, the fee is usually included in the tour price—but check ahead, because some cheaper tours might ask you to pay the fee yourself in cash when you arrive.
f you’re visiting on your own, you’ll pay the fee at the official entrance or boat dock. Bring small bills in pesos, since some places may not accept cards or have change.
There are a few simple rules to help protect the park’s nature and history:
Stay with your guide or on marked paths
Don’t touch or damage the Taíno cave art
Take all your trash with you
No collecting plants, animals, or rocks
Flying a drone may need special permission because of the wildlife
✅ Facilities:
The visitor center in Sabana de la Mar has basic bathrooms.
The eco-lodge at Caño Hondo (nearby) has bathrooms and a restaurant that day visitors can use.
Once you’re out exploring by boat, there are no facilities, so plan bathroom breaks before you leave the dock. There are no restaurants or shops inside the park—only nature. Bring your own snacks, water, and anything else you might need. Try to use reusable bottles and containers to avoid extra waste.
Some caves have stairs or boardwalks for safety, but trails can be uneven or slippery. Good mobility is needed for walking on rough paths, climbing stairs, or entering caves. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for natural terrain.
Tours and Excursion Options
Because Los Haitises can be tricky to reach, the easiest and most popular way to visit is by booking a guided tour. Tours can be half a day or a full-day adventure. Here are some great options that travelers love:
What to Pack for Los Haitises
Los Haitises is a natural, tropical area. Packing the right things will help you stay comfortable and enjoy your trip. Here are the most important items to bring:
The mangroves have mosquitoes and sand flies, especially during the rainy season or in the evening. Use a strong repellent with DEET or picaridin.
You’ll be in the sun a lot, especially on open boats. Even if it’s cloudy, you can still get sunburned. Bring a high-SPF (70+) sunscreen that’s water-resistant and reef-safe.
✅Waterproof Dry Bag or Phone Case
You may get splashed during the boat or kayak ride. A small dry bag will keep your phone, camera, and other items safe and dry.
✅Quick-Dry Towel or Cooling Towel
It can get hot and humid, and you might get wet from rain or boat spray. A small, quick-dry towel is useful to dry off or cool down.
✅Comfortable Shoes (That Can Get Wet)
You’ll be walking in caves and stepping in and out of boats, possibly on muddy or wet ground. Avoid flip-flops.
Buy: KEEN Newport H2 Water Sandals – sturdy and good for wet areas.
✅Other Helpful Items
Hat and sunglasses – the sun can be strong, and the water reflects light
Light rain poncho – useful in summer when showers are common
Reusable water bottle – bring 1–2 liters to stay hydrated
Flashlight or headlamp – useful in caves if you want to look around more
Binoculars (optional) – great for birdwatching and spotting wildlife
Cash in small bills – Useful for tips, souvenirs, snacks, or park entrance fees (if not included in your tour)
Where to Stay Near Los Haitises
You can visit Los Haitises in one day, but staying overnight nearby lets you explore more slowly. You might enjoy early morning birdwatching or a night tour. This area is remote, so there aren’t many hotels, but the ones available offer a special experience. Here are three good places to stay:
✅Paraiso Caño Hondo (Altos de Caño Hondo) – Nature Lodge
This eco-lodge is located right next to the park. It has wooden rooms and 12 small natural pools with river water. Boat tours leave from the dock just a short walk away. Rooms do not have air conditioning, only fans. The style is simple and eco-friendly. You’ll hear frogs at night and birds in the morning.
✅Diosamar Hotel y Suite (Sabana de la Mar) – Budget Option
This small hotel is located in the nearby town of Sabana de la Mar. It has clean rooms with air conditioning, a small pool, and a restaurant. It’s a good option if you want something simple and affordable. It’s about a 10-minute ride to the boat dock.
✅ Cayo Levantado Resort (Samaná) – Luxury Island Escape
This adults-only resort is located on an island in Samaná Bay. It’s a high-end, all-inclusive option with modern rooms, a spa, beachside dining, and a peaceful vibe. You can take a Los Haitises boat tour directly from the Samaná area. To get to the resort, you’ll take a short boat ride from the mainland.
Browse more options on Booking.com or Vrbo.com for guesthouses and vacation homes near Los Haitises National Park.
Ready to explore one of the Dominican Republic’s hidden treasures? Pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy the wild beauty of Los Haitises. Book your tour and start the adventure today!
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