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Park · Sabana de la Mar, Hato Mayor
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
A park of limestone mogotes covered in forest rising from the water, mangroves, bird islets and caves with Taíno paintings, visited by boat from Sabana de la Mar and from Samaná.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Parque Nacional Los Haitises occupies the southwest shore of Samaná Bay. The Taíno name means land of mountains, and the landscape explains it: hundreds of rounded limestone mogotes, covered in tropical forest, rising from land and water, separated by mangrove channels. It is one of the country's most impressive places.
The visit is by boat along the channels and coastline, among islets like Cayo de los Pájaros, where pelicans, frigatebirds and herons nest. Boats stop at the caves of San Gabriel and La Línea, where the Taínos left paintings and engravings on the walls, showing human figures, animals and faces. The scene feels from another time, and the landscape has been used as a film location.
At the Caño Hondo entrance, near Sabana de la Mar, a river's water descends into terraced natural pools surrounded by forest, where you can swim. Short walks to caves also depart from there. The whole area is protected, and visits follow defined routes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the sea is calm, the light is good and the birds are active. On days of heavy rain boats may be suspended.
How to get there
From Sabana de la Mar, boats depart from the pier and the Caño Hondo entrance, a few kilometers from town. From Samaná the bay crossing takes about an hour; from Las Terrenas and Punta Cana there are tours with transport.
Tip
Bring insect repellent, a hat and a light jacket for the boat. The caves are dark and damp: wear non-slip footwear.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Los Haitises
How do you visit Los Haitises?
By boat, through the mangrove channels and along the bay coast, with stops at the caves and, at Caño Hondo, walks and swimming in the natural pools.
What are the mogotes of Los Haitises?
Rounded limestone mogotes covered in forest, which give the park its characteristic landscape.
Do the caves of Los Haitises have paintings?
Yes, the caves of San Gabriel and La Línea have Taíno paintings and engravings.
Can you swim in Los Haitises?
In the natural pools of Caño Hondo at the park entrance, yes.