In short
- Samaná speedboats take 45 minutes to cross the bay.
- Sabana de la Mar boats offer direct access to the mangroves.
- Punta Cana combo tours provide round-trip transport and guided boats.
In this article
Choosing the right tour depends on your starting location and schedule. Visitors usually depart from Samaná, Sabana de la Mar, or Punta Cana. Each route offers a different boat size and travel time. All options require a licensed park guide to navigate the protected waters.
What is the best way to tour Los Haitises from Samaná?
Take a speedboat or catamaran across Samaná Bay.
Boats depart daily from the Samaná marina. The crossing takes about 45 minutes before you reach the park boundaries. These trips usually cost from $50 to $80 USD. Many Samaná tours stop at Cayo Levantado for lunch and swimming on the way back.
How do tours from Sabana de la Mar work?
Small group boats launch directly into the park's mangrove channels.
Sabana de la Mar sits right on the edge of the park. You skip the open bay crossing and enter the Caño Hondo mangroves immediately. Independent travelers who drive to the Caño Hondo visitor center depart from here. You must hire a boat and a mandatory local guide upon arrival.
Are there full-day bus and boat combos from Punta Cana?
Yes, combo tours run daily via the Miches highway.
These excursions require a 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Sabana de la Mar or Caño Hondo. Once there, you transfer to a guided boat for a 2-hour tour of the park. These packages range from $99 to $165 USD. They typically include round-trip transport, the RD$100 park fee, lunch, and extra stops.
Can I tour the park by kayak?
Yes, kayak tours are available from Sabana de la Mar.
Active visitors can book a 4-hour kayaking trip starting in the Caño Hondo area. This allows you to paddle through the dense red, white, black, and buttonwood mangroves at your own pace. A local guide is still required for kayaking excursions.
Which departure point is right for me?
Compare travel times and package inclusions to decide.
Use this breakdown to match your location with the right transport mode.
| Starting Location | Transport Mode | Travel Time to Park | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaná | Speedboat | 45 minutes | $50 - $80 |
| Sabana de la Mar | Small Boat | Immediate | $50 - $80 |
| Punta Cana | Bus + Boat Combo | 2-2.5 hrs drive + 2 hrs boat | $99 - $165 |
Can I rent a private boat without a guide?
No, a licensed park guide is mandatory for all visitors.
Even if you charter a private boat or drive yourself to the entrance, the rules require a guide. The park covers a massive, confusing network of waterways and mogotes. Guides ensure you do not get lost and protect the fragile ecosystem and ancient Taíno rock art.
Questions travellers ask
How long is the boat tour in Los Haitises?
Guided boat tours typically allocate 2 hours to explore the park. This includes navigating the mangrove channels, visiting San Lorenzo Bay, and stopping at sea caves like Cueva de la Arena.
What should I bring on the boat?
Pack a light rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a waterproof bag or case for your electronics to protect them from water spray. Life jackets are required and provided by the operator.
Is the RD$100 park fee included in boat tours?
The official RD$100 entrance fee is almost always included in the price of guided boat tours and full-day combo excursions. Check your specific tour details to confirm.
