Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
The Caribbean's largest lake and lowest point — home to wild crocodiles and iguanas
Type
Natural Wonder
Location
Enriquillo Basin
Entrance Fee
~RD$100 (~$2 USD) + boat to Isla Cabritos ~$15-25 USD
Hours
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Duration
4-6 hours
Best Time
Early morning (6-10 AM) when wildlife is most active
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Guided Tours
Available
Parking
Available
Accessibility
Lakeside areas accessible; Isla Cabritos requires walking on trails
Category
Natural Wonder / Wildlife
Lake Enriquillo is a place of superlatives — it's the largest lake in the Caribbean, the lowest point in the entire Antilles (44 meters below sea level), and one of the few places in the world where you can observe American crocodiles in their natural habitat. Located in the arid Enriquillo Basin in the southwestern Dominican Republic, this hypersaline lake is a remnant of an ancient sea channel that once connected the Bay of Neiba to Haiti's Gulf of Gonâve.
The lake and its surrounding area form the Lago Enriquillo National Park, a protected biosphere reserve that's home to an extraordinary concentration of endemic wildlife, including rhinoceros iguanas, flamingos, and over 60 species of birds.
Lake Enriquillo offers some of the most unique wildlife viewing in the Caribbean:
Lake Enriquillo is located in the far southwest of the Dominican Republic, near the Haitian border:
Recommendation: Make this part of a multi-day southwestern Dominican Republic trip that includes Barahona, Bahía de las Águilas, and the Enriquillo Basin.
Lake Enriquillo is named after Enriquillo, a Taíno cacique (chief) who led a successful 14-year rebellion against Spanish colonizers from 1519 to 1533, using the rugged mountains around the lake as his base. His story is one of the most celebrated in Dominican history — he is the only indigenous leader in the Americas to have successfully negotiated peace with the Spanish crown.
Geologically, the lake occupies a graben (rift valley) formed by tectonic activity. The Enriquillo Basin was once a sea channel, and the lake's high salinity (higher than seawater) is evidence of its marine origins. The lake has been rising dramatically since 2004, flooding surrounding communities and agricultural land — a phenomenon scientists attribute to climate change and shifting precipitation patterns.
Yes, when visiting with a guide. The crocodiles are typically observed from a safe distance on boat tours. American crocodiles are generally less aggressive than their saltwater cousins, but always maintain a respectful distance and follow your guide's instructions.
The national park entrance fee is approximately RD$100 ($2 USD). Boat rides to Isla Cabritos cost around $15-25 USD per person, depending on group size. Hiring a local guide is recommended and costs around $10-20 USD.
Early morning (6-10 AM) is best for wildlife viewing, as crocodiles and iguanas are most active. The dry season (December-April) offers the most comfortable conditions, though the lake is accessible year-round.
While technically possible, swimming is not recommended due to the lake's high salinity, the presence of crocodiles, and the general lack of swimming infrastructure. The experience is focused on wildlife observation and nature exploration.