Nature

Los Haitises National Park: mangroves, caves and Taíno art

Jungle-covered islets rising from the water, mangroves, caves with Taíno art and thousands of birds: Los Haitises is one of the most spectacular parks in the Caribbean. This guide tells you how to visit it from Punta Cana.

Parque Nacional Los Haitises, Dominican Republic – Los Haitises (main photo)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana). Photo of the activity.

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In this guide
  1. What Los Haitises is
  2. Caves and Taíno art
  3. What the excursion from Punta Cana is like
  4. What is included and how much it costs
  5. Best time and visiting tips
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. Book this excursion

What Los Haitises is

Los Haitises is a national park south of Samaná Bay, created in 1976 to protect its humid forests, mangroves and limestone formations. The word «haitises» comes from the Taíno language and is usually translated as «highlands».

Its small islets, called mogotes, covered in vegetation, give the landscape a look that is unique in the country.

Los Haitises – What Los Haitises is (photo 2)
Los Haitises: What Los Haitises is.

Caves and Taíno art

The park has caves with pictographs and petroglyphs left by the Taíno, the island's original inhabitants, who used them as shelter and ceremonial sites. One of the most visited is Cueva de la Línea.

You also travel through mangrove channels and watch birds such as pelicans, frigatebirds and herons.

Los Haitises – Caves and Taíno art (photo 3)
Los Haitises: Caves and Taíno art.

What the excursion from Punta Cana is like

It is a full-day excursion, with a road transfer to the Sabana de la Mar or Samaná area and a boat ride through the park.

  • Early departure and road transfer.
  • Boarding and sailing among mogotes and mangroves.
  • Guided visit to one or more caves.
  • Lunch and free time.
  • Regreso a Punta Cana.
Los Haitises – What the excursion from Punta Cana is like (photo 4)
Los Haitises: What the excursion from Punta Cana is like.

What is included and how much it costs

The Caribexus Los Haitises excursion costs from $105 USD per person and usually lasts a full day. Location: Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).

Includes: transfer, guide, boat ride, park entrance and lunch.

Prices and services may change depending on the date, the number of people and the season. If you prefer to receive the quote by email, use the quote button at the end of this page.

Los Haitises – What is included and how much it costs (photo 5)
Los Haitises: What is included and how much it costs.

Best time and visiting tips

The park can be visited all year. The driest season, from December to April, usually offers better weather, although it can always rain in the humid forest. Bring repellent, as there are mosquitoes in the mangroves.

Los Haitises – gallery (photo 6)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 7)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 8)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 9)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 10)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 11)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 12)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).
Los Haitises – gallery (photo 13)
Los Haitises · Los Haitises National Park (departing from Punta Cana).

Tips before you go

  • Bring repellent, a cap, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
  • A light rain jacket can be useful.
  • Do not touch the pictographs or leave trash in the caves.
  • Bring cash for tips and handicrafts.

Combine Los Haitises with other activities

  • Cayo Levantado, Samaná: One-day excursion to Samaná: Cayo Levantado, Salto del Limón and the bay. What to see, cost, best time and tip…
  • Salto del Limón waterfall, Samaná: Guide to Salto del Limón: a waterfall over 40 meters high in Samaná. How to get there on horseback or on foot, price, what to bring and mo…
  • Humpback whale in Samaná Bay: Guide to seeing humpback whales in Samaná Bay: season (January to March), what the excursion is like, price, what to br…

Getting there: private transfer to your hotel

Book your private transfer from the airport and arrive rested at your hotel. Book without a card and pay on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Los Haitises excursion from Punta Cana?

With Caribexus it costs from $105 USD per person. The final price may vary depending on the date and the number of people.

How long is the Los Haitises excursion?

It usually lasts a full day, including transfers and activity time. Confirm the exact schedule when booking.

What does the Los Haitises excursion include?

Includes: transfer, guide, boat ride, park entrance and lunch. For anything not on the list, ask when booking.

What does Haitises mean?

It is a word of Taíno origin that is usually translated as «highlands».

Can you see Taíno pictographs?

Yes, several caves in the park have pictographs and petroglyphs. Touching them is prohibited.

Los Haitises National Park: quick guide

Los Haitises National Park is known for its mangroves, limestone islets, bird life and caves with Taíno rock art. The full-day trip from Punta Cana includes a boat ride, a guided cave visit and lunch. Bring insect repellent. Book with Caribexus from $105 USD per person.

Book this activity: Los Haitises

From $105 USD per person

Leave us your details and we will contact you to confirm the date and details.

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