When we are tired of crowds and commercial attractions, it's time to change the way of travel and find a little-known but stunningly beautiful place. "Los Haitises National Park" is such a place.
It is one of the most primitive and mysterious natural paradises in Dominican Republic, hidden between the quiet bay and the dense forest, as if it is a secret place carefully preserved by nature. Now let's go with us and walk into this fantasy forest hidden on the north coast of the Caribbean Sea!
Where is the national park? How can we get there?
Los Haitises National Park is located in the northeast of Dominican Republic, near Bahía de Samaná. The most common way to enter the park is to take a boat from Sabana de la Mar or Santa Bárbara de Samaná. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to drive from Santo Domingo, and then take a boat from the pier to enter the park.
We can also choose to join a day tour directly from the hotel, which is more convenient and includes transportation, guided tours and meals. Most tourists choose a boat tour departing from Samana, which takes about 30 minutes to arrive.
Tickets and visit times - a cost-effective ecological experience
- Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
- Tickets: The park itself costs only about $5 US dollars
- Half-day boat ticket (with guided tour): about $55–$75 US dollars/person
- Day tour (including lunch, guided tour, transfer): about $90–$120 US dollars/person
It is recommended to make reservations in advance through a regular travel agency or hotel, especially during the peak season (December to April of the following year) when demand is high.
What can we see in the park?
The scenery of Los Haitis is a rare "original ecological blockbuster" in the Caribbean. We can:
- Cross the mangrove waterway: Take a boat through the lush mangrove tunnel and experience the tranquility of nature.
- Visit cave culture: There are a large number of Taíno rock paintings and carvings in Cueva de la Arena and Cueva San Gabriel, which is a perfect combination of culture and nature.
- Bird watching paradise: More than 100 species of birds, including brown pelicans, egrets and unique Dominican parrots, are a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- Limestone islands and hidden bays: Those independent islands rise from the water, like the "Caribbean version of Guilin", and many tour guides will take us swimming or snorkeling.
Best travel time and climate recommendations
We are best suited to the dry season from December to April, when there is plenty of sunshine and little rain, suitable for bird watching, boating and outdoor adventures. From January to March, you can also see humpback whales migrating in Samana Bay, which is a natural wonder not to be missed.
Tips: These preparations make travel easier
In order to make our journey more comfortable, these suggestions are essential:
1. Wear light and light colors: sun protection and breathable, long-sleeved clothes and pants can prevent mosquitoes.
2. Shoes are non-slip and durable: suitable for walking in caves or slippery paths.
3. Essential items: sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat, water bottle, mobile phone waterproof bag.
4. Bring some cash: some remote areas do not accept credit cards.
Do you need a guide? We suggest "must"!
Although some areas are free to enter, we strongly recommend joining a group or hiring a local eco-guide. They know about plants, animals and Taíno culture, can tell many interesting stories, and can help us avoid dangerous areas. Walking with the locals will make the whole journey more real and in-depth.
Recommended accommodation nearby
- Eco-Lodges in Sabana de la Mar: The environment is natural and quiet, suitable for getting close to nature
- Hotel in Samana Town: Complete facilities and convenient transportation
- Local camping sites are allowed: Suitable for friends who like wild fun, but you need to contact the management office in advance to apply for permission
The journey is over, but the memory of nature remains in our hearts
Los Haitis is not a place for taking photos and checking in, but a place where we can slow down, breathe carefully, and quietly feel the power of nature. The water, trees, birds and rocks here are all telling the most primitive stories of the earth.
Lykkers, are you ready to explore this green natural paradise with us? Backpack and set off - let Los Haitis be the most amazing stop on our journey!