Discovering Paradise
Oviedo
Oviedo is the gateway to Jaragua National Park, the largest protected area in the Caribbean, and the legendary Bahía de las Águilas — a pristine 8-kilometer beach consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world. The nearby Cabo Rojo departure point takes visitors by boat to this untouched paradise.
☀️December to April
🌡️30°C (86°F)
✈️Las Américas International (SDQ) — 4 hr drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
30°C (86°F)
☀️
Best Months
December to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Las Américas International (SDQ) — 4 hr drive
Oviedo is the humble gateway to what many consider the most beautiful beach in the entire Caribbean — Bahía de las Águilas, an eight-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand and crystalline turquoise water that remains almost completely undeveloped. This is the kind of beach that travel writers run out of superlatives trying to describe, and it is accessible almost exclusively through the small fishing town of Oviedo.
Beyond the legendary beach, Oviedo guards the entrance to Jaragua National Park, the largest protected area in the entire Caribbean insular region. The park encompasses dry subtropical forests, coastal lagoons teeming with flamingos, endangered sea turtle nesting sites, and some of the most biodiverse marine environments in the region.
Oviedo itself is a small, sun-baked town where life revolves around fishing and the growing trickle of visitors heading to Bahía de las Águilas. There are no resorts, no souvenir shops, and no tourist infrastructure to speak of — just honest Dominican hospitality and a landscape that will leave a permanent impression on anyone who makes the journey to this remote southwestern corner of the island.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
21° — 32°
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Aug
23° — 34°
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Dec
20° — 31°
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Feb
19° — 31°
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Jan
19° — 31°
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Jul
23° — 34°
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Jun
23° — 33°
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Mar
20° — 32°
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May
22° — 32°
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Nov
21° — 31°
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Oct
22° — 32°
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Sep
23° — 33°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Oviedo is in the far southwest of the Dominican Republic, on the edge of Jaragua National Park.
By Air
María Montez International Airport (BRX) in Barahona is the closest airport, about 2 hours north. Las Américas (SDQ) in Santo Domingo is about 5 hours away. Most visitors arrive overland from Barahona or Santo Domingo.
By Car
From Santo Domingo, drive west on the Autopista 6 de Noviembre through Baní and Azua, then south through Barahona and along the stunning coastal road past Enriquillo and Pedernales — about 5 hours total. The final stretch is one of the most scenic drives in the Dominican Republic, hugging dramatic sea cliffs. From Barahona, the drive is about 2 hours south.
By Bus
Caribe Tours runs service from Santo Domingo to Pedernales, passing through Oviedo. The journey takes about 6 hours. Local guaguas connect Oviedo to Barahona and Pedernales throughout the day, though service can be infrequent.
Getting to Bahía de las Águilas
From Oviedo, boats depart from Cabo Rojo (about 20 minutes south by car) for the beach. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around RD$1,500-2,500 per boat. You can also reach the beach by 4x4 through the park, but the boat is the more common and scenic route.
Oviedo's accommodation options are extremely limited — this is one of the most remote tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic.
In Oviedo
A few very basic guesthouses and hospedajes offer rooms from US$15-25/night. Expect simple rooms with fans or basic air conditioning. Hot water is rare but unnecessary in this climate. Ask around in town for available rooms — not all are listed online.
Cabo Rojo Area
Near the boat departure point at Cabo Rojo, a couple of small eco-lodges and cabañas have opened in recent years, offering slightly more comfortable stays with proximity to the beach boats. These fill up on weekends, so book ahead if possible.
Barahona Base
Most visitors stay in Barahona (2 hours north) or in the beachside villages between Barahona and Oviedo, where better hotels and eco-lodges are available. This means an early start for the boat to Bahía de las Águilas but significantly more comfort in the evening.
Camping
With park permission, camping is possible at Bahía de las Águilas itself. Sleeping on this beach under the stars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, though you'll need to be completely self-sufficient with food, water, and shelter.
Bahía de las Águilas
The main event — eight kilometers of untouched white sand beach with water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat as you approach. There are no buildings, no vendors, no infrastructure — just pure, pristine Caribbean beach. Bring everything you need including water, food, shade, and sunscreen. Boats from Cabo Rojo drop you off and return at an agreed time.
Jaragua National Park
The largest protected area in the Caribbean islands covers over 1,400 square kilometers of dry forest, coastal lagoons, and marine environments. The park is home to endangered species including the Ricord's iguana, rhinoceros iguana, and hutia. Park entry requires a guide, arranged in Oviedo.
Flamingo Lagoon
Laguna de Oviedo, just outside town, is a large saltwater lagoon where flocks of flamingos feed in the shallow waters. Boat tours of the lagoon offer excellent birdwatching, with flamingos, spoonbills, and numerous other water birds. Tours cost around RD$1,000-1,500 per person.
Dry Forest Trails
Guided walks through the subtropical dry forest of Jaragua reveal a unique ecosystem adapted to the arid conditions. Cactus forests, twisted trees, and endemic reptiles create an almost surreal environment unlike the lush tropical forest most visitors expect from the Caribbean.
Cabo Rojo
The boat departure point for Bahía de las Águilas is worth exploring in its own right. The rocky coastline, red-earth bauxite landscape, and dramatic cliffs make for interesting exploration. A lighthouse marks the southwestern tip of the island.
- Bring everything to the beach. Bahía de las Águilas has zero facilities — no shade, no food, no water, no bathrooms. Pack a cooler, umbrella or tent, plenty of water, and food for the day.
- Negotiate boat prices before boarding. Agree on the price, departure time, and pickup time before getting on the boat at Cabo Rojo. A round trip should cost RD$1,500-2,500 per boat (not per person).
- Visit the flamingo lagoon early morning. Laguna de Oviedo is best at dawn when the flamingos are most active and the light is golden. Arrange a boat tour the evening before.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. The marine environment around Bahía de las Águilas is pristine and protected. Regular sunscreen chemicals damage coral reefs — use biodegradable, reef-safe products.
- Carry extra fuel. Gas stations are scarce in this part of the country. Fill your tank in Barahona and consider carrying a spare jerry can for the return trip.
- Best months: December-April for the driest weather. The beach is stunning year-round, but boat trips can be canceled in rough seas during storm season.
Sample Itineraries
Oviedo & Bahia de las Aguilas
The boat trip to the most pristine beach in the Dominican Republic.
🌅 Morning4h
Boat to Bahia de las Aguilas
Take a boat from Cabo Rojo to Bahia de las Aguilas, widely considered the most beautiful beach in the country. Eight kilometers of untouched white sand and crystal water.
Bahia de las Aguilas
Tip: Pack all food, water, sunscreen, and shade. There is absolutely nothing on the beach. Boats depart from the fishermen dock at Cabo Rojo.
☀️ Afternoon2h
Jaragua National Park
Explore the coastal section of Jaragua National Park on the return trip. The dry forest and cactus landscape contrasts sharply with the turquoise sea.
Parque Nacional Jaragua
🌙 Evening1.5h
Flamingo Lagoon
Visit Laguna de Oviedo at golden hour to see flamingos, roseate spoonbills, and other wading birds feeding in the shallow saltwater lagoon.
Laguna de Oviedo
Tip: A guide from the park office is required. They know where the flamingos are feeding.
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Caribe Tours Bus(RD$400-600)
Bus from Santo Domingo via Barahona.
Rental Car(US$40-55/day)
Best for exploring the southwest. 4WD recommended.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$15-25
Mid-rangeUS$30-50
LuxuryUS$60-100
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Oviedo is a tiny, safe fishing village
- ✓Gateway to Laguna de Oviedo — flamingo watching is excellent
- ✓Very limited services — bring food, water, and cash
- ✓Start lagoon tours early morning for best birdwatching
📶 Connectivity
Very limited. Basic 3G/4G in town. No public WiFi. Bring offline entertainment.
💰 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Bahia de las Aguilas from Oviedo?
Bahia de las Aguilas, widely regarded as the most pristine beach in the Dominican Republic, is accessed by boat from the fishing village of La Cueva, about 15 km south of Oviedo. Boat rides cost approximately RD$1,000-1,500 (US$17-26) round trip per person. The beach has no facilities, so bring all your food, water, sunscreen, and trash bags. Boats typically wait 3-4 hours before the return trip.
What is Jaragua National Park?
Jaragua National Park is the largest protected area in the Dominican Republic, covering over 1,400 square kilometers of dry forest, cactus scrubland, coastal lagoons, and offshore islands. It is home to flamingos, rhinoceros iguanas, sea turtles, and the endangered hutia. Oviedo is the main access point. Park entry costs around RD$200 (US$3.50). A guide is required for most trails.
Can I see flamingos near Oviedo?
Yes, Laguna de Oviedo on the edge of Jaragua National Park is one of the best places in the Dominican Republic to see flamingos. Boat tours of the hypersaline lagoon depart from the park office in Oviedo and cost around RD$1,500-2,000 (US$26-35) per boat (up to 4 people). The lagoon also has iguanas and diverse birdlife. Early morning tours offer the best flamingo sightings.
Is Oviedo worth visiting?
Oviedo itself is a small, dusty town with minimal tourist infrastructure. However, it is the essential gateway to Bahia de las Aguilas and Jaragua National Park, two of the country's most spectacular natural attractions. Plan to spend at least one night in the area (basic lodging is available in Oviedo or in Pedernales, 30 minutes south) to fully enjoy these sites.
What should I bring for a day at Bahia de las Aguilas?
Bring plenty of water (at least 2 liters per person), food and snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a shade structure or umbrella (there is no natural shade on the beach), snorkel gear if you have it, and bags to carry out all your trash. The beach is completely undeveloped. There is no cell signal. Bring cash for the boat ride. Waterproof protection for electronics is also recommended.
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Plan Your Oviedo Trip
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Nearest airport: Las Américas International (SDQ) — 4 hr drive