Los Haitises National Park

The mogotes and sailing through the bay

The iconic landscape of jungle-covered limestone hills emerging from the sea, toured by boat.

The mogotes are the visual hallmark of Los Haitises: rounded limestone hills with steep slopes, completely covered in tropical vegetation, that emerge from the bay's water and the channels like an archipelago of green islands. This karst formation —the result of millions of years of erosion on the limestone rock— creates a unique and spectacular landscape, which many compare to settings in other tropical corners of the world. The way to discover them is by sailing: the boat excursions wind among the mogotes, venture into hidden bays and skirt jungle-covered cliffs. It's a calm and photogenic tour, in which the silence is broken only by the boat's motor and the song of the birds. The landscape changes constantly, with new mogotes appearing at every turn, in a setting of great beauty and serenity. The area is also very humid and rainy, which keeps the vegetation lush and green all year round. That same humidity invites you to bring rain protection, since precipitation is frequent. Getting there: by boat from Samaná, Sánchez or Sabana de la Mar, as part of the excursion. Best time: dry season for calmer seas, though rain is always possible. Tips: bring a raincoat or poncho, sun protection, a hat, water, a camera protected from water and comfortable footwear. Choose responsible operators who respect the protected area.

ℹ️ Distance: Southwest of the Bay of Samaná; sailing from the boarding points · Best time to go: Dry season (December to April) for calm seas; rain always possible · Entry: Included in the excursion package (see activities); park entry RD$ 100 approx. if handled separately (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day

The caves with Taíno rock art

Caves in the limestone rock with pictographs and petroglyphs of the island's ancient inhabitants.

One of the great treasures of Los Haitises are its caves, opened in the limestone rock of the mogotes and the coast, where the Taíno left a valuable legacy of rock art. On their walls and ceilings survive pictographs (painted drawings) and petroglyphs (engravings in the rock) that depict human figures, animals and symbolic motifs, tied to the worldview and spirituality of the first inhabitants of the Caribbean. The excursions usually include entering two or three caves accessible from the water (like the Línea Cave and the San Gabriel Cave), where, besides the Taíno art, you can appreciate stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as the bats that inhabit them. Touring them, with the guide explaining the meaning of the drawings and the life of the Taíno, is an experience that combines nature, archaeology and history, and gives the visit a deep cultural dimension. Because it's a fragile and irreplaceable heritage, it's essential to respect the rules: don't touch the paintings or engravings, don't use flash if so indicated, and follow the guides' instructions to protect this ancient legacy. Getting there: the caves are visited from the boat, as part of the park excursion. Best time: any time, within the tour; better with good light. Tips: bring footwear with good grip (the caves can be slippery), a small flashlight if allowed, and great respect for the rock art. Don't touch or damage the paintings: they're irreplaceable.

ℹ️ Distance: Caves in the mogotes and the park's coast, accessible by water · Best time to go: Within the park tour, year-round · Entry: Included in the excursion package (see activities) · Duration: Part of the tour (2 to 3 caves)

The mangroves and the park's biodiversity

Mangrove forests that serve as a nursery for marine life and a refuge for rich birdlife.

The mangroves are one of the key ecosystems of Los Haitises and one of the most extensive and best-preserved in the country. These mangrove forests, which grow with their roots submerged in the brackish water, serve essential ecological functions: they act as a nursery for fish and crustaceans, filter the water, protect the coast from erosion and give refuge to a great diversity of fauna. Sailing through their channels, among tunnels of vegetation, is a calm and fascinating experience. The park's biodiversity is remarkable. In the air and over the mogotes you can see birds like pelicans, frigatebirds, herons and, with luck, the Hispaniolan parrot, an emblematic and threatened species. The park is also home to other bird species, reptiles and fauna associated with the mangroves and the rainforest. For birdwatching enthusiasts, it's one of the great destinations in the country. This natural wealth, together with the mogote landscape and the caves, is what justifies the protection of the area as a national park. The balance of these ecosystems is fragile, so tourism must be practiced with low impact, leaving no waste or disturbing the wildlife. Getting there: the mangroves are toured by boat, within the excursion. Best time: in the morning, with good light for watching birds. Tips: bring binoculars if you have them, insect repellent for the mangroves, and keep quiet so as not to scare the birds. Respect the wildlife and leave no trash: it's a protected and delicate ecosystem.

ℹ️ Distance: Mangrove channels within the park, accessible by boat · Best time to go: In the morning, for birdwatching · Entry: Included in the excursion package (see activities) · Duration: Part of the boat tour

Organized excursion from Samaná or Sabana de la Mar

The usual visit format: transfer, sailing, mangroves and caves on a guided outing.

Since Los Haitises is only accessible by sea and is within a protected area, the way to visit it is through an organized boat excursion, which leaves from the usual boarding points: Santa Bárbara de Samaná and Sánchez on the peninsula, and Sabana de la Mar on the southern shore of the bay (the entrance closest to the park). Some excursions also leave from other tourist areas, with a land transfer to the boarding point. A typical excursion combines sailing through the bay and the mogotes, the tour of the mangrove channels, entering two or three caves with Taíno art and, depending on the operator, lunch and a swimming stop. The guide provides information about the geology, the fauna, the mangroves and the Taíno history, which greatly enriches the visit. The price runs about US$ 95–140 per person for tours from Samaná with lunch and transfer included (verified July 2026); from Sabana de la Mar, since the sailing distance is shorter, some excursions are somewhat cheaper, from US$ 50–80. It's best to choose reputable operators, with boats in good condition, life jackets and practices respectful of the environment and the heritage. It's also important to confirm what the price includes (park entry, guide, lunch, drinks) and the schedules. Getting there: the operator organizes the transfer and boarding from Samaná, Sánchez or Sabana de la Mar. Best time: dry season, setting out early. Tips: confirm what the excursion includes, bring protection from the rain and sun, water, and cash for extras and tips. If you get seasick, take precautions for the sailing.

ℹ️ Distance: Boarding in Samaná, Sánchez or Sabana de la Mar (transfer depending on origin) · Best time to go: Dry season; morning departures · Entry: US$ 95–140 per person from Samaná (with lunch); US$ 50–80 from Sabana de la Mar (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day

Birdwatching and endemic fauna

Pelicans, frigatebirds, herons and the threatened Hispaniolan parrot, in a privileged habitat.

Los Haitises is one of the best destinations in the Dominican Republic for birdwatching. The combination of mogotes, mangroves, coast and rainforest creates a great variety of habitats that support a remarkable diversity of species. It's common to see brown pelicans diving in search of fish, frigatebirds gliding over the channels, herons and other aquatic birds among the mangroves. The park's ornithological jewel is the Hispaniolan parrot (Amazona ventralis), an endemic and threatened species that finds refuge in these forests. Seeing it or hearing its characteristic squawk is one of the most sought-after moments for the birdwatchers who visit the park. You can also spot other species endemic to the island and migratory birds that pass through the region depending on the time of year. To make the most of this activity it's best to set out early, when the birds are most active, and ideally with a specialized guide who knows the spots and times of greatest activity. Binoculars are almost essential to fully enjoy the experience. Getting there: within the boat tour of the park, with specific stops for observation if the guide is specialized. Best time: early hours of the morning, year-round. Tips: bring your own binoculars if you have them, keep quiet so as not to scare the birds, and hire a birdwatching guide if birding is your priority.

ℹ️ Distance: Within the boat tour of the park · Best time to go: Early hours of the morning, year-round · Entry: Included in the general excursion; specialized bird guide US$ 60–90 additional (verified July 2026) · Duration: Part of the tour or a dedicated half-day excursion

Combining with Cayo Levantado and whale watching

Excursions that unite Los Haitises with the postcard island of the bay and, in season, the humpback whales.

Many Bay of Samaná operators offer combined excursions that let you get to know Los Haitises and other great attractions of the region in a single outing. The most popular combination adds a stop at Cayo Levantado, the small island of white sand and coconut palms popularly known as 'Bacardí Island', ideal for a swim and lunch after exploring the mogotes and caves. In whale season (mid-January to late March), some operators put together full-day tours that also add humpback whale watching in the bay, taking advantage of the fact that the boats are already sailing in the area. These combined excursions are longer (full day) and somewhat more expensive, but they let you optimize the time of those who have few days on the peninsula. It's a highly recommended option for those seeking to make the most of a visit to Samaná, combining nature, archaeology, beach and natural history in a single memorable day. Getting there: it's organized as part of a combined tour from Samaná, with all the logistics included. Best time: whale season (mid-January to late March) for the full package; the rest of the year, the combination with Cayo Levantado is still available. Tips: book in advance in high season, bring a swimsuit and sunscreen, and confirm that the operator is authorized for whale watching.

ℹ️ Distance: Combines Los Haitises with Cayo Levantado, leaving from Samaná · Best time to go: Year-round for Cayo Levantado; whales from mid-January to late March · Entry: US$ 140–190 per person for the combo with whales; US$ 110–150 combined with Cayo Levantado without whales (verified July 2026) · Duration: Full day