Discovering Paradise
Baní
Baní is famous for the Dunas de Baní — the Caribbean's most impressive sand dunes rising above the Salinas coastline. The region is also the mango capital of the Dominican Republic, hosting a colorful annual mango festival. The nearby salt flats of Salinas add an otherworldly landscape.
☀️December to April
🌡️30°C (86°F)
✈️Las Américas International (SDQ) — 1 hr drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
30°C (86°F)
☀️
Best Months
December to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Las Américas International (SDQ) — 1 hr drive
Baní guards one of the Caribbean's most unexpected natural wonders: the Dunas de Baní, a sweeping expanse of golden sand dunes that rise above the coastline like a fragment of the Sahara misplaced in the tropics. These are the most impressive sand dunes in the entire Caribbean — towering formations sculpted by wind and time that seem completely at odds with the palm-fringed beaches just minutes away. Walking among the dunes at sunset, with the warm light casting long shadows across the rippled sand, is one of the most surreal landscape experiences the Dominican Republic offers.
Beyond the dunes, Baní proudly claims the title of mango capital of the Dominican Republic. The surrounding Peravia province produces the country's finest mangoes, and the annual Feria del Mango in June transforms the town into a fragrant celebration of the fruit — with tastings, competitions, mango-infused dishes, and a carnival atmosphere that draws Dominicans from across the island.
The nearby community of Las Salinas adds yet another dimension to this area's surprising diversity. Here, on the edge of Bahía de Calderas, traditional salt production continues much as it has for centuries, with shallow evaporation ponds stretching across the coastal flats. The resulting landscape — white salt crystals against turquoise water and desert-like terrain — looks like nowhere else in the Caribbean. Baní is a place that rewards the curious traveler willing to venture off the beaten path.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
22° — 31°
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Aug
24° — 33°
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Dec
21° — 30°
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Feb
20° — 30°
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Jan
20° — 30°
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Jul
24° — 33°
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Jun
23° — 32°
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Mar
21° — 31°
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May
23° — 31°
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Nov
22° — 31°
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Oct
23° — 32°
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Sep
24° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Baní is located on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, about 65 kilometers west of Santo Domingo in the Peravia province.
By Air
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo is the closest major airport, about 1.5 hours to the east. There are no airports near Baní, so all visitors fly into Santo Domingo and travel overland.
By Car
From Santo Domingo, take the Autopista 6 de Noviembre (Highway 2) west toward San Cristóbal and continue to Baní — the drive takes about 1.5 hours on well-maintained roads. The Dunas de Baní are a further 20-minute drive south of town, near the community of Las Calderas on Bahía de Calderas.
By Bus
Frequent guaguas depart from Santo Domingo's western bus terminal heading to Baní. The journey takes about 2 hours with stops and costs approximately RD$200-250. From Baní town, you'll need a motoconcho or taxi to reach the dunes and Las Salinas.
Getting Around
Motoconchos are the main transport within Baní and to surrounding attractions. For the dunes and Las Salinas, hiring a motoconcho for a half-day (about RD$800-1,000) or renting a car in Santo Domingo is recommended, as the attractions are spread out along the coastal road.
Baní is not a major tourist destination, so accommodations are basic and geared toward Dominican travelers and business visitors — but perfectly adequate for a night or two of exploration.
In Baní Town
A handful of small hotels offer clean, air-conditioned rooms from US$20-40/night. Hotel Alba and Hotel Caribeño are reliable options near the town center. Don't expect resort amenities — these are simple, functional lodgings.
Las Salinas Area
Near the Bahía de Calderas, a few beachfront cabañas and guesthouses provide more atmospheric stays close to the dunes and salt flats. These are rustic but charming, with fresh seafood available from nearby fishing communities. Expect US$25-50/night.
Day Trip Option
Many visitors explore Baní as a day trip from Santo Domingo, which is perfectly feasible. Leave early, visit the dunes and Las Salinas, have a seafood lunch, and return to the capital by evening.
Dunas de Baní
The star attraction. These remarkable sand dunes stretch along the coast near Las Calderas and reach heights of up to 35 meters. Walk across the dunes barefoot, photograph the sweeping desert-meets-ocean landscape, and watch the sunset paint the sand in shades of gold and amber. There's no entrance fee — just park and explore. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and cooler temperatures.
Las Salinas
Visit the traditional salt production ponds at Las Salinas, where seawater is channeled into shallow basins and left to evaporate under the Caribbean sun. Workers harvest the crystallized salt by hand, continuing a practice that predates the colonial era. The pink and white salt flats are striking and highly photogenic.
Playa Las Salinas
A quiet, crescent-shaped beach near the salt flats with calm, shallow water perfect for swimming. Local fishermen sell fresh catch right on the sand, and a few rustic comedores serve fried fish with tostones. It's a world away from resort beaches.
Feria del Mango
If you visit in June, the annual mango festival is a joyful celebration of Baní's most famous product. Taste dozens of mango varieties, try mango ice cream and mango wine, watch cooking competitions, and enjoy live music. It's one of the most authentically Dominican festivals in the country.
Bahía de Calderas
The wide bay south of Baní is a beautiful natural harbor surrounded by dry, cactus-studded hills. The area around the naval base offers excellent views, and the road along the bay passes through some of the most unusual landscapes in the Dominican Republic.
- Visit the dunes early morning or late afternoon. Midday temperatures on the exposed sand can be brutal. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat — there is absolutely no shade on the dunes.
- Wear closed shoes for the dunes. The sand gets scorching hot by mid-morning. Sneakers or hiking sandals work better than flip-flops on the steep slopes.
- Come in June for the Feria del Mango. The mango festival is the best time to experience Baní's community spirit, and you'll taste mango varieties you never knew existed.
- Buy salt at Las Salinas. Fresh, sun-dried sea salt from the flats makes an excellent and inexpensive souvenir. Locals sell bags of it near the production ponds.
- Eat seafood at Las Salinas beach. The small comedores serve fish that was swimming hours ago. A full plate of fried fish with sides runs about RD$300-500.
- Combine with San Cristóbal. The two towns are close together and make a natural pairing for a day trip or weekend from Santo Domingo.
Sample Itineraries
Bani Dunes & Salt Flats
Sand dunes, salt flats, and mango country in a single day.
🌅 Morning2h
Dunas de Bani
Walk through the surprising Caribbean sand dunes. The windswept landscape of shifting sand, cactus, and scrub feels more like the Sahara than the tropics.
Las Dunas de Bani
Tip: Go early morning for softer light and cooler temperatures. The sand gets extremely hot by midday.
Midday2h
Las Salinas Beach
Drive to the Salinas peninsula for a swim at this uncrowded beach. The water is calm and the views across the bay are beautiful.
Playa Las Salinas
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
Salt Flats Tour
Visit the working salt flats where sea salt has been harvested for centuries. The geometric pools of pink and white water are strikingly photogenic.
Salinas Salt Flats
🌙 Evening1.5h
Mango Tasting & Dinner
Bani is the mango capital of the DR. In season (May-July), taste varieties you will not find anywhere else. End with dinner in the town center.
Bani Town
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Guagua from Santo Domingo(RD$150-200)
Regular minibuses from the capital. About 1 hour.
Private Taxi(US$50-80)
From Santo Domingo or SDQ airport.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$20-35
Mid-rangeUS$40-70
LuxuryUS$80-150
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Baní is a quiet provincial city — very safe
- ✓The Dunas de Baní can be very hot — bring water and sun protection
- ✓Roads to Las Salinas beach may be rough
📶 Connectivity
Good. 4G in the city. WiFi in hotels.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
Sunset highlights and water motion blur
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Bani sand dunes and how do I visit them?
The Dunas de Bani (Las Calderas dunes) are the only sand dunes in the Caribbean, located on the Bahia de Calderas about 15 km south of Bani town. The dunes stretch along the coast and offer a unique landscape. There is no entrance fee. Drive or take a motoconcho from Bani. Visit in the morning to avoid intense midday heat. The area is also home to a military base, so stay on the public paths.
When is mango season in Bani?
Bani is known as the mango capital of the Dominican Republic. Mango season runs from May through July, with the peak in June when the annual Mango Festival (Feria del Mango) takes place. You can sample dozens of mango varieties, juices, and desserts. Even outside the festival, roadside stands sell mangos for almost nothing during the season.
How do I get to Bani from Santo Domingo?
Bani is about 65 km (1 hour) west of Santo Domingo on the Autopista 6 de Noviembre. Buses and guaguas leave from Pintura station in Santo Domingo throughout the day for around RD$150-200 (US$2.50-3.50). Driving is straightforward on the well-maintained highway.
What are the salt flats of Las Salinas?
Las Salinas is a small coastal community near the dunes where you can see artisanal salt production in shallow evaporation ponds. Workers harvest sea salt by hand using traditional methods. You can visit the salt flats freely and purchase bags of salt for a few pesos. It is a fascinating and photogenic stop that pairs well with a dunes visit.
Is Bani worth a day trip from Santo Domingo?
Yes, Bani makes an excellent day trip. In one day you can visit the sand dunes, the salt flats of Las Salinas, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach at Las Calderas. During mango season, add the festival or farm visits. The round trip from Santo Domingo including sightseeing is very doable in 6-8 hours.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Baní
Plan Your Baní Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Las Américas International (SDQ) — 1 hr drive