Los Haitises National Park Travel Guide: Explore Dominican Republic’s Hidden Eco-Paradise

🗺️ Welcome to the Jurassic World of the Caribbean

If you’re craving a nature escape that feels like you’ve stepped back in time, Los Haitises National Park is your dream come true.
 

As a local guide, I can tell you that this is one of the most magical and mystical places in the Dominican Republic. Imagine sailing through mangrove tunnels, spotting exotic birds, exploring ancient caves filled with Taino petroglyphs, and navigating a maze of limestone karsts rising like sentinels from the sea. It’s a place that feels almost untouched by civilization.

Let me take you on a deep dive into everything Los Haitises has to offer — because this is one adventure you don't want to miss.

📍 Where Is Los Haitises National Park?

Location: Northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic

Provinces: Samaná and Hato Mayor

Nearest Towns: Sabana de la Mar, Sánchez, and Samaná

Distance from Punta Cana: ~3.5 hours by car

Distance from Santo Domingo: ~2.5 hours by car

🌿 Why Visit Los Haitises National Park?

🌋 1. Unique Geology

Los Haitises is famous for its limestone karst landscape, with more than 200 forested hills, caves, and rock formations that rise straight out of the sea and land. It feels like something out of Jurassic Park — and fun fact: parts of the movie were filmed nearby!

🐦 2. Incredible Biodiversity

The park is home to over 200 species of birds, mangrove forests, manatees, dolphins, and endemic flora and fauna found nowhere else in the Caribbean.

🏞️ 3. Caves with Ancient Petroglyphs

Explore caves with Taino pictographs and carvings dating back over 1,000 years, giving a glimpse into the life of the island’s original inhabitants.

🛶 4. Boat Adventures Through Mangroves

Hop on a boat from Sabana de la Mar or Sánchez and weave through mangrove canals, spotting pelicans, herons, and maybe even a manatee.

🚫 5. Off the Beaten Path

Unlike other crowded tourist spots, Los Haitises remains peaceful and relatively undiscovered, making it a hidden gem for those looking for real nature.

🌟 Top Attractions in Los Haitises National Park

🦜 1. Mangrove Forests

Over 90 square kilometers of mangroves, including:

Red, black, and white mangroves

Home to fish nurseries, crabs, birds, and reptiles

Perfect for birdwatching tours and eco-kayaking

🕳️ 2. Cueva de la Arena & Cueva de la Línea

Two of the park’s most accessible caves:

Ancient Taino petroglyphs and pictographs

Open chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites

Great for guided exploration

🏝️ 3. San Lorenzo Bay

This scenic bay is where many boat tours start. From here you can:

View islets covered in dense jungle

Visit seabird nesting grounds

Photograph stunning natural rock formations

🪨 4. Mogotes (Karst Formations)

The mogotes — steep, rounded limestone hills — are what give Los Haitises its cinematic appeal. These lush, green mounds rise directly from the water and create dramatic landscapes.

🐬 5. Wildlife Spotting

Birds: Brown pelicans, frigate birds, herons, egrets, and the rare Ridgeway’s Hawk

Marine life: Manatees, dolphins, sea turtles

Land species: Bats, snakes, and rare orchids

🧭 Things to Do in Los Haitises National Park

🏨 Where to Stay Near Los Haitises

While there are no hotels inside the park, there are great eco-lodges and small hotels nearby.

🌿 Recommended Accommodations:

🍴 Where to Eat Near Los Haitises

Most eco-lodges serve fresh, local Dominican cuisine, and the surrounding towns offer traditional fare.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

Pescado con coco – Fish cooked in rich coconut milk

Sancocho – Traditional Dominican stew

Tostones – Fried green plantains

Mofongo – Mashed plantain with garlic and pork

📅 Best Time to Visit Los Haitises National Park

🚐 How to Get to Los Haitises National Park

🚗 By Car

From Santo Domingo: ~2.5 hours to Sabana de la Mar

From Punta Cana: ~3.5 hours via the Coral Highway

4x4 not required but helpful for rural roads

🚤 By Boat

Tours depart from:

Sabana de la Mar

Sánchez

Some resorts in Las Terrenas and Samaná

🚍 By Tour

Many tour companies offer day trips from Punta Cana, Samaná, or Las Terrenas

Includes hotel pickup, boat ride, guide, and sometimes lunch

🧳 What to Bring

Light breathable clothing

Insect repellent

Waterproof shoes or sandals

Sun hat and sunglasses

Waterproof bag for phone/camera

Swimsuit (some tours include swimming)

Binoculars for birdwatching

🌱 Eco-Tips for Visiting

Don’t litter – take trash with you

Avoid touching or feeding wildlife

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Stay on designated trails

Support local, eco-certified guides and lodges

📌 Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

🌅 Final Thoughts

Los Haitises National Park is one of the Dominican Republic’s most precious natural treasures. It’s a place of deep silence, thick jungle, ancient stories, and hidden wildlife. A trip here is more than just sightseeing — it's a journey into the heart of the Caribbean’s natural soul.

As a guide, I always say: if you want to truly understand the spirit of the Dominican Republic, you have to see Los Haitises.

Come for a day, or stay for a few — just don’t miss it.