FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find exact details on entrance requirements, travel times, and what you will see inside the park.
Is Los Haitises National Park worth visiting?
Yes, the park is worth visiting for its towering 30-meter limestone hills and ancient Taíno cave art. It provides a massive contrast to standard beach resorts. You will see extensive mangroves and diverse birdlife.
How do you get to Los Haitises National Park?
You get there primarily by boat. Tours transfer visitors by road from Punta Cana to Sabana de la Mar, where they board a vessel. You can also take independent boats from the Samaná marina.
How far is Los Haitises from Punta Cana?
The drive from Punta Cana takes 2 to 2.5 hours via the new Miches highway. After reaching the pier, you must board a boat to enter the protected areas.
How much is the entrance fee for Los Haitises?
The official government park entrance fee is RD$100 per person. Guided tours usually include this fee in the total ticket price.
Can you swim in Los Haitises National Park?
You cannot swim in the protected mangrove channels or caves. However, many tours stop at the nearby Paraíso Caño Hondo eco-lodge, which features natural pools fed by river water for swimming.
Do I need a guide for Los Haitises?
Yes. A licensed park guide is mandatory for all visitors entering the national park. You must hire one even if you arrive independently and charter a private boat.
What wildlife lives in Los Haitises National Park?
The park is home to over 110 bird species, including the endangered Ridgway's Hawk, brown pelicans, and frigatebirds. You might also spot manatees in the water.
When is the best time to visit Los Haitises?
The best time to visit is from December through April. The weather is drier, making boat trips more comfortable. You also have a chance to see humpback whales in Samaná Bay.
What are the best caves in Los Haitises?
Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea are the top caves. They feature well-preserved Taíno pictographs and petroglyphs estimated to be 500 to 1,000 years old. Cueva de San Gabriel offers impressive stalactites.
How long is the boat tour in Los Haitises?
The standard boat portion of the tour takes 2 hours. This provides enough time to navigate the mangrove channels and stop at the primary sea caves.
Can you drive to Los Haitises National Park?
You can drive to the entry points at Sabana de la Mar or Caño Hondo. However, there are no roads through the park. You must transition to a boat with a local guide to see the attractions.
What to bring to Los Haitises?
Pack shoes with good grip for the slippery caves, insect repellent for the mangroves, and reef-safe sunscreen. A light rain jacket is essential, as the region gets 2,000 mm of rain annually.