Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Learn how to reach the park, what gear to bring for the caves, and how to structure your day trip.
Getting there
Getting to the park requires a road trip followed by a boat ride.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Booked excursions from Punta Cana via the new Miches highway, transferring to a boat at Sabana de la Mar or Caño Hondo. | 2 to 2.5 hours drive from Punta Cana, plus boat time | $99 - $165 USD | Tours often include lunch, roundtrip transport, park fees, and combo stops like Montaña Redonda. |
| Boat: Independent or small-group boat tours departing from the Samaná marina or Sabana de la Mar. | 45 minutes by boat from Samaná to the park | $50 - $80 USD | A licensed park guide is mandatory even if chartering a private boat. |
| Car: Driving to Sabana de la Mar to access the park via the Caño Hondo visitor center. | Varies by origin | Car rental costs + RD$100 park fee | You still must hire a local guide and boat upon arrival at Caño Hondo or Sabana de la Mar. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is between December and April. This period brings drier weather to the humid forest. You also get the chance to spot humpback whales in Samaná Bay on your boat transit.
What to bring
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Bring a light rain jacket or poncho. Sudden rain showers are frequent here.
The region receives 2,000 mm of annual rainfall.
How the day runs
Most visitors see the park on an organized day trip.
A full 10-hour day combining the national park with panoramic viewpoints.
- Hotel Pickup
Depart Punta Cana and drive 2 hours via the Miches highway.
- Montaña Redonda
Ride the safari truck to the summit for photos on the giant swings.
- Los Haitises Boat Tour
Board a boat to explore the mangroves, San Lorenzo Bay, and sea caves.
- Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Dominican meal, often at an eco-lodge like Caño Hondo.
- Return Journey
Drive back to your resort in Punta Cana.
Focus entirely on the park's ecology and relaxing in natural pools.
- Arrive at Pier
Meet your local guide at Caño Hondo or Sabana de la Mar.
- Park Exploration
Spend 2 hours viewing bird cays and walking through Cueva de la Arena.
- Natural Pools
Return to the eco-lodge to swim in natural river-fed pools.
- Lunch & Relax
Eat lunch on-site before concluding your half-day tour.
Packing for the Park
You need specific gear for Los Haitises. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The cave floors are often damp and very slippery. Bring insect repellent to use before entering the dense mangrove channels.
Sun protection is vital on the boat. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. If your itinerary includes Paraíso Caño Hondo or Cayo Levantado, wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel.
Easiest way to do it
Los Haitises Boat Ride and Caño Hondo Natural Pools
8 h 5.0 (2)
- 2-hour boat ride through Los Haitises National Park
- Visit to La Arena Cave and La Línea Cave
- Lunch
- 4 hours of free time to enjoy the natural pools
From$80per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you drive to Los Haitises National Park?
You can drive to Sabana de la Mar or the Caño Hondo visitor center. However, you cannot drive through the park itself. You must hire a local guide and boat upon arrival to explore the waterways.
How long is the boat tour in Los Haitises?
Standard boat tours inside the park allocate about 2 hours for exploring. This covers the mangrove channels, bird cays, and stops at the cave systems.
What to bring to Los Haitises?
Bring grippy walking shoes, a light rain jacket, bug spray, and sun protection. Pack a waterproof bag for your electronics, as the boat rides can get wet.