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Dominican Republic – National Parks and Protected Areas
A leader in ecotourism, Dominican Republic (DR) has long been preserving its country’s
magnificent beauty for the many generations to come. One shining example is the first
Humpback Whale Sanctuary, which was created in 1966 on its Northeast Coast. Today, over 25
percent of the country’s unique terrain and coastal areas have been protected in the form of
national parks, reserves, monuments, and marine sanctuaries, granting unimaginable access to
the land and seas. These beautiful and profuse ecosystems are within a conservation plan that
boasts 83 areas, among which are 19 national parks, 15 natural reserves, six scientific
reserves, 32 natural monuments, two marine sanctuaries and nine areas of protected islands
with panoramic views.
Some of the most impressive and diverse untouched landscapes in the Caribbean abound
among the country’s national parks. Visitors will find a variety of protected areas including
mountains with pine forests and misty clouds, while white-sand beaches such as the Bay of
Eagles at Pedernales line the Southwest. Additionally, Los Haitises National Park on the
Northeast Coast features untouched mangroves, while the National Park of the East along the
Caribbean Sea boasts unique hiking trails and caves with ancient Taino drawings.
Below are some of the most important and most visited protected areas in the country.
The National Park of the East and Saona Island
In the Province of La Altagracia in the Southeast corner, Parc Nacional del Este was declared a
national park in 1975 and covers a total area of over 150 m2 (388 km2). A prime location for
bird-watching, this subtropical and dry rainforest region contains over 100 species of birds,
including the rare white-crowned pigeon, the Hispaniola Parrot and the red-footed Boobie.
The J. Armando Bermudez and José del Carmen Ramirez National Parks
Spanning nearly 600 m2 (1,554 km2), these two parks in the Central West encompass much of
the country’s central mountain chain, including the highest peak in the Antilles, Pico Duarte.
These parks are home to diverse flora and fauna, including wild boar and the national bird, the
palm chat. Accompanied by guides, visitors here may plan hiking and camping trips lasting days
that give them a sense of the parks’ natural splendor and biodiversity.
Los Haitises National Park
On the Northeast Coast along the Bay of Samaná, approximately 62 m2 (160 km2) of unique,
diverse areas comprise Los Haitises National Park. Mangroves, estuaries, coves and bays
make up the park, which is well-known for both its magnificent series of limestone caves and its
boat excursions through exotic mangrove swamps. Manatees, bats, tortoises and over 100
species of birds call these protected regions home.
Cayo Arena
Frequently called “Paradise Island” by tour guides and visitors, this gorgeous sandbar area is
located off the coast of the small fishing village, Punta Rucia, on the North Coast. This lovely
island with its white-sand beaches makes the perfect trip for couples or independent travelers
looking for a relaxing getaway, or an exceptional snorkeling spot with crystal clear waters and
lively coral reefs.
The Marine Mammal Sanctuary
Samaná Bay on the Northeast Coast is home to the Marine Mammal Sanctuary, which was
established in 1966 to protect thousands of humpback whales who make annual trips to give
birth and mate in these warm calm waters each winter. The sanctuary has been expanded
multiple times since its inception to ensure the best care possible to the gentle creatures that
inhabit it. Guests of the sanctuary have the unique opportunity to watch the whales frolic and
play from January through March at a safe distance, without disturbing the glorious creatures.
The Valle Nuevo National Park
Over 250 m2 (647 km2) of the Central Region encompass the Valle Nuevo National Park, a
protected forest area that boasts fabulous waterfalls and top-rate bird watching. Some of the
regions’ most recognized sites include Salto de Aguas Blancas, an 84-foot-tall (25 meters),
three-tiered cascade deep in the rainforest, and Las Pirámides, a monument built in 1957 to
honor Colonel Francisco Caamaño Deño, who died fighting the regime of President Joaquín
Balaguer.
The Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve on Casabito Road in Constanza.
Established in 1989, this 9 m2 (23 km2) scientific reserve holds claim to over 600 plant species
and is nestled between Constanza and Jarabacoa. It gets its name from the native ebano verde
tree, which stands inside. Unspoiled by mankind, the gorgeous area is home to around 60
species of birds that include the second smallest in the world, the zumbadorcito.
Cueva de las Maravillas
The “Cave of Miracles” is located between San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana in the
Southeast. Stretching well over 2,000 feet (609 meters), the fascinating cave system contains
hundreds of well-preserved pictographs, petroglyphs and engravings from the Taíno Indians
who once inhabited it thousands of years before. Accessible to visitors, the dwelling contains an
excellent lighting system and footpath.
The Jaragua National Park and its Bay of Eagles
Jaragua National Park, the largest national park in the country, is located in Pedernales on the
Southwest Coast. Covering many diverse types of terrain, the region includes areas of forest,
coast and sea. Famous for its various types of cacti, the park generally has warm weather and
low precipitation levels. Guides take visitors through exciting parts of this 530 m2 (1,373 km2)
large region, where they show off native Taíno cave art, flamingos, verdant foliage and much
more.
Cabo Cabrón
A spectacular wall diving site, Cabo Cabrón on the North Coast is the perfect place for
adventure tourists seeking a unique diving spot. Its remote location makes for matchless scuba
expeditions and fantastic views under the sea.
Monte Cristi National Park
With 212 m2 (549 km2) of coastal areas, mangrove swamps, lagoons and offshore keys, this
national park in the Northwest is a natural beauty with a few distinct regions and varying
weather systems. Offshore keys sit off of the North Coast, while forested areas make up much
of the rest of the land area in the North. Dry areas without much vegetation lie further in the
South. El Morro, a large limestone basin in the park, is a well-known island-like formation
surrounded by islands with pretty beaches.
Isla Cabritos and Lake Enriquillo
In the Southeast, the desert island of Isla Cabritos is a seven and a half mile-long piece of land
situated in the center of Lake Enriquillo, the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean. Also the
lowest point in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo is approximately 140 feet (43 meters) below sea
level and is home to a large crocodile population.
Montaña La Humeadora National Park
Adventure travelers will enjoy the chance to spot rare birds and other animals in many areas of
this park, which spans 162 m2 (412 km2) in the South Central region. Also known as Eugeno de
Jesus Marcana National Park, the park covers the southeast part of the Cordillera mountain
chain, and it guards an important watershed, which is one of Santo Domingo’s water supplies.
Nalga de Maco National Park
Montane cloud forests make up much of Nalga de Maco National Park, which was established
in 1995 and includes an area of 108 m2 (278 km2) in the Western Central part of the country.
Beautiful mountain peaks and caves with ancient Taíno Indian drawings await travelers who
have the opportunity of taking two-day, guided excursions on mules.
Sierra de Bahoruco, Sierra de Neibo and Sierra Martin Garcia
Stretching from the province of Barahona into Haiti, the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range
contains scenic local savannas and valleys. South of the Enriquillo Basin, the mountain peaks in
this area range from between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (914 and 1,524 km) tall. The range spans a
little over 15 miles (24 km) along the waterfront. Further north lies the Sierra de Neiba and
Sierra Martin Garcia ranges, which are two smaller sections of hills, separated from Bahoruco
by the Rio Yaque del Sur.
Submarino La Caleta National Park
Founded in 1984, Submarino La Caleta National Park is slightly over 12 miles (19 km) east of
Santo Domingo in the South Central region. Although some of the park’s coral reef areas were
damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Jean, marine life there has been restored due in part to efforts
by Reef Check, a nonprofit organization, and the Ministry of Environment. The waters are
popular for diving, as divers may view the wreckage of Hickory, a treasure-hunting ship from the
early 1980s. Taíno Indian caves are another attraction at this renowned park.
News releases, images and the press kit also can be accessed from the official DR
Ministry of Tourism website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For additional photos, broll and more specific needs, please contact Annie Holschuh ([email protected])
or AJ Trela ([email protected]), BVK Word for the Dominican Republic Ministry of
Tourism.
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