Los Haitises: A Genuine Ecological Marvel
Los Haitises National Park is undoubtedly a true ecological marvel of the Dominican Republic. This sanctuary of protected forest is composed of magnificent rock formations covered in vegetation that rise above its waters. For this reason, it is considered a place like few others in the world.
Located in the northern region of the country, within the territories of the provinces of Hato Mayor, Monte Plata, and Samaná, it is the largest population of mangroves in the Caribbean.
Next, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Los Haitises: a true ecological marvel.
Its ecosystem covers 3,600 square kilometers of rainforest. Its fauna is one of its great riches, as it harbors a wonderful wildlife, with hundreds of species of birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. Furthermore, the rainforest that characterizes the interior of this area serves as a nursery for more than 700 species of plants, many of which are endemic.
How to get to Los Haitises
The easiest and most comfortable way to discover Los Haitises, a true ecological marvel, is undoubtedly by booking a tour with Runaway Experiences. The tour takes care of picking you up from your hotel in Punta Cana, and then you’ll head to Samaná Bay, where you’ll board a boat to Los Haitises. This way, you don’t have to worry about anything else but enjoying your experience through the mangroves.
But if you want to do it on your own, you should go to the Samaná Peninsula and take a boat from the port of Santa Bárbara de Samaná.
San Lorenzo Bay
The San Lorenzo Bay is a small bay within the Samaná Bay. A true ecological wonder, it is home to mangroves, predominantly the red mangrove and the white mangrove. Likewise, you can appreciate a large number of islets rising from the sea. On these islets, thousands of pelicans and frigatebirds nest, which can be seen soaring over the islets.
Similarly, there you can also find some small caves and grottos, formed by the erosion of water. These caves are adorned with authentic cave paintings, dating back to pre-Columbian times.
Cayo levantado
Another place that is usually included in excursions to Los Haitises is a visit to Cayo Levantado. This small paradise island with white sands and crystal-clear waters, measuring only 1 kilometer in length, will surely dazzle you with its incredible beauty.
Once there, it is very common to engage in activities such as snorkeling, given the clarity of its waters and the appealing coral reef. But if you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can unwind on one of its two beaches: Playa Grande and Playa Honda, while sipping on a tropical cocktail or savoring typical Dominican cuisine.
Humpback Whales
Samaná is considered one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. During the months of December and March, you can observe these gigantic marine mammals, which come every year to reproduce in the warm waters of this area of the Dominican Republic.
Indeed, it is quite a spectacle to see the males, with their bodies weighing around 40 tons, leaping out of the water to court the females. Similarly, you will be able to see mothers playing with their newly born calves.
We hope you enjoyed this post about Los Haitises: a true ecological marvel We also invite you to explore all the experiences we have at Runaway Experiences.
