Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
Where ancient caves meet emerald mogotes
Type
National Park
Entry Fee
RD$100 (approximately US$2)
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
4-6 hours (boat tour)
Guide
Required
Area
1,600 km²
Established
1976
Best Time
December through April for drier weather; January-March to combine with whale watching in Samana
Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Elevation
0-380m
Cell Coverage
Limited to no coverage inside the park; some signal near Sabana de la Mar dock
Camping
Not Allowed
Parque Nacional Los Haitises is one of the Dominican Republic's most spectacular natural areas. The name comes from the Taino word meaning "hilly land," perfectly describing the park's landscape of hundreds of forested mogotes — rounded karst limestone hills rising 30-40 meters above the coastal plain along the southern shore of Samana Bay.
Spanning approximately 1,600 square kilometers, Los Haitises is a biodiversity hotspot protecting one of the largest mangrove forests in the Caribbean, subtropical humid forests, underground rivers, and a dramatic coastline of caves adorned with Taino petroglyphs and pictographs dating back over 2,000 years. The park supports 112 bird species, including the critically endangered Ridgway's hawk and the Hispaniolan parrot, making it one of the most important bird areas in the entire Caribbean.
Los Haitises is a biodiversity powerhouse, harboring an extraordinary range of species in its varied habitats:
The caves of Los Haitises contain some of the most important pre-Columbian art in the Caribbean:
The Taino people inhabited the region for thousands of years before European contact, using the caves for shelter, ceremonial gatherings, and as canvas for their artistic and spiritual expression. The cave art dates from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 years ago and provides invaluable insight into Taino cosmology, daily life, and relationship with the natural world. Today these sites are strictly protected, and touching or approaching the paintings closely is prohibited.
Los Haitises is primarily accessed by boat, and most visitors experience the park through organized excursions:
Independent visits are possible by hiring a boat and guide from Sabana de la Mar, but organized tours are easier and more informative. The park entrance fee of RD$100 is usually included in tour prices.
Plan your Los Haitises visit with these recommendations:
Entry Fee
RD$100 (approximately US$2)
Opening Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Difficulty
Moderate
Guide Required
Yes
Recommended Duration
4-6 hours (boat tour)
Best Time to Visit
December through April for drier weather; January-March to combine with whale watching in Samana
Elevation
0-380m
Area
1600 km²
Nearest Town
Sabana de la Mar