Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
Underground caves, natural lagoons, and lush forest trails just minutes from Cabarete
Type
National Park
Location
Inland from Cabarete
Entrance Fee
~RD$100 ($2 USD)
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Time
Morning hours before the midday heat
Difficulty
Moderate
Guided Tours
Available
Parking
Available
Accessibility
Cave exploration requires climbing; not wheelchair accessible
El Choco National Park is a hidden gem tucked just behind the bustling beach town of Cabarete on the Dominican Republic's north coast. This small but extraordinary park encompasses a network of underground caves, freshwater lagoons, subtropical forest, and dramatic limestone formations — all within walking distance of Cabarete's famous kite beach.
The park offers a completely different side of the Dominican Republic from the beach scene. In just a few hours, you can explore dark underground caves, swim in crystal-clear cenote-like pools, and hike forest trails teeming with birdlife. It's an unexpected adventure playground that most tourists never discover.
El Choco's main attractions are its cave systems and freshwater lagoons:
El Choco is remarkably easy to access given its wild, natural feel:
The park entrance is well-signposted. Local guides gather at the entrance and can be hired for a few hundred pesos — highly recommended for navigating the cave system safely.
Making the most of your El Choco visit:
Yes! Swimming in the underground caves is one of the main attractions. Cueva de Cabarete has a large freshwater pool that's safe and refreshing to swim in. The water is clear and cool — a wonderful experience.
A guide is not strictly required but highly recommended, especially for the caves. Local guides at the entrance charge around RD$500-1000 ($10-20 USD) and know the cave systems intimately. They also help ensure safety in the dark, slippery cave environments.
The forest trails are relatively easy. However, the cave sections involve climbing over rocks and navigating uneven, slippery surfaces. A moderate fitness level is recommended. It's not suitable for very young children or those with mobility limitations.
A thorough visit takes 2-4 hours, including hiking the trails and swimming in the caves and lagoons. You could do a quick visit in 1.5 hours if you focus on just one cave.