Bahia de las Aguilas

Bahia de las Aguilas (Bay of Eagles) is widely and justifiably considered the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic — and arguably the finest in the entire Caribbean. This 8-kilometer sweep of powdery white sand, washed by crystal-clear turquoise water and backed by arid coastal bluffs, is located within Parque Nacional Jaragua in the remote southwestern corner of the country, far from any resort development.

What makes Bahia de las Aguilas extraordinary is its complete wildness. There are no hotels, no beach bars, no sun loungers, no vendors — just an unbroken ribbon of pristine sand stretching as far as the eye can see. The water is shallow, calm, and so clear that you can see fish swimming from the shoreline. The surrounding landscape of cacti, sea grapes, and limestone cliffs adds a rugged beauty that contrasts dramatically with the gentle aquamarine sea. This is the Dominican Republic at its most raw and unspoiled.

Getting to Bahia de las Aguilas is part of the adventure:

• By boat from La Cueva: The most common and easiest access. Small fishing boats depart from the village of La Cueva (approximately 15 minutes by boat). Round-trip boat fare is US$15-25 per person. Boats can drop you off in the morning and pick you up in the afternoon.
• By road: A rough, unpaved road reaches the beach directly from Pedernales, but it requires 4WD and careful navigation. Not recommended after heavy rain.
• From Barahona: Drive approximately 2 hours south on Route 44 — one of the most scenic coastal drives in the Caribbean — through Enriquillo and Oviedo to La Cueva or Pedernales.
• Organized tours: Tour operators in Barahona and Pedernales offer day trips (US$60-100 per person) including transport, boat, and usually lunch with freshly caught fish cooked on the beach.