The most beautiful natural sites to discover East

Taking its name from the Taino word Haiti (mountainous area) due to its particular topography, Los Haitises Park is a maze of hills and huge limestone spires approaching 500 meters high. The protected area stretches over 208 km² from the south/southwest of Samaná Bay to San Lorenzo Bay. The formation of this singular natural area, once under water, dates back to about 40 million years ago (Miocene) and has emerged gradually due to various tectonic movements. Thanks to the high humidity and the frequent rainfall, the park has developed a subtropical vegetation: between mangroves and fjords, tree ferns and bamboo mingle wildly with lichens and orchids.

The interior is criss-crossed by a network of narrow, shallow inlets where no boat can venture. A multitude of plump islets covered with lush green vegetation dot the calm waters bordering the park. These karst domes and towers are the result of the erosion of millions of years old limestone formations, creating an area with an original relief, a real Ha Long Bay version of the Caribbean.

Numerous caves and caverns communicate with each other, forming an extraordinary underground network that is still unexplored and little known. Specialists have counted more than a thousand caves, some of which have petroglyphs on their walls dating back to the pre-Columbian period. You can visit the Angel cave, the San Gabriel cave, as large as a cathedral, the Linea and Arena caves, which contain works of art made by the Taino Indians, who did not live in caves, but used them as hideouts and depots during fishing or hunting campaigns.

Among the islands of the park, it is on the Bird Island that you can have the chance to see pelicans, parrots, water roosters and frigates, among others, passing between a mahogany and a cedar tree. Almost deserted, the park is virgin of any agricultural or forestry exploitation. Only the coastal fringe is open to tourists, the interior quickly becoming impenetrable.

Visits are mainly by water (from Sabana de la Mar, Samaná or Sánchez), but also by land from Sabana de la Mar, at the cost of several hours or even days of trekking. More info at the park office in Sabana de la Mar (Parque Central - ✆ +1 809 556 7333).

Swimming with dolphins is a unique experience (although we still prefer them in the wild!). Interactive programs with marine mammals last around 25 minutes. The experience begins with a theoretical explanation on the beach, before moving on to the platforms and pools in the open sea off the Barcelo resort. It doesn't take long to get into the swing of things: hugging a dolphin, dancing, swimming with it and even getting a kiss, or playing ball with a sea lion - there's so much more to the program than you ever dreamed!

This is the private beach of the estate, hidden at the end of a small isolated road. A large cove of white sand, shaded by palm trees and bathed by a transparent blue sea, in short, the classic Caribbean dream beach. You can practice all sorts of sports activities, lounge in the deckchairs while sipping a tropical cocktail and eat at the flowered terrace of the beach restaurant. The menu offers salads, sandwiches, pizzas, grills and more sophisticated specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.

Playa El Caletón is the popular beach of the Romanenses, but it is far from having the charm of the other beaches of the region. It is said to be inadvisable to venture out there after dark. During the day, however, its sandbanks are crowded with tourists and strollers. The beach restaurants specializing in seafood and fish are numerous. A stopover to consider if you are passing through La Romana for a long time. If however you intend to visit other beaches around, you can save this one.

The Romana central park is an open-air museum, the largest Dominican baseball players have their own nature. Most of these players officiate in the American league and are followed by a whole people. Like all parks in the country's city centres, it is the nerve centre of social life. Everyone meets in the evening, the food and drink stalls are packed in a tight row, the motorcycles are waiting for the customer, in short, everyone spends at least once a day.

At the mouth of the river, there are many natural caves inhabited by the Taino. Excursions are organised on the river in small motor boats.

This excursion allows you to discover the rainforest from above, by means of observation platforms suspended between the trees, and a network of ropes crossing the rivers. It takes place in the region of the mountains and the Anamuya River. Supervised by experienced naturalist guides, directly inspired by the canopy-tours of Costa Rica, this is an original adventure that will leave you with wonderful memories. After a 40 min transfer in a safari truck, an educational explanation and a safety briefing, the adventure begins..

A magnificent path marked out by roots and exotic vegetation leads to three crystal-clear lagoons where swimming is permitted. This private site offers an exclusive setting, with very moderate visitor numbers - the entrance ticket acts as a filter. The walk takes around 40 minutes, and including breaks will take between 1h30 and 2h30. Some local travel agencies include entry to the park coupled with a catamaran excursion at around US$140.

Although public and very beautiful, Playa del Cortecito is rather narrow and densely populated. Nevertheless, you can enjoy many marine activities and dine at one of the beach restaurants.

This beautiful beach is located between the towns of Bavaro and Uvero Alto. Blond sand, crystal clear water, some local restaurants serving fish and refreshments.

This public beach is perhaps one of the most unknown in the Punta Cana area. Almost spared by the resorts, it is made of white sand on which there is usually no crowd. Ideal to escape for a moment from the hustle and bustle everywhere else. Some bars and restaurants-snacks, souvenir shops and a surf school occasionally open.

A small public beach accessible with your rental car, hotel shuttle or taxi. There is a bar-restaurant, and it is possible to rent kitesurfing and snorkeling equipment. Here too, white sand and turquoise water!

Exclusive, the white Playa Los Corales is surrounded by luxury hotels but remains accessible to all. Rather populated, it does not lack shops, bars, restaurants, service providers to enjoy a wide range of water sports.

A busy and active public beach, surrounded by all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants and equipment rental companies for a wide range of water sports (diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, etc.).

Here, we walk along a path in the Cotubanamà National Park between cactus, agave tequileros (those used to make tequila) and local flora. Have you ever bathed in a cave? Well, you will have the opportunity to do it on your way, at the level of the cave called "Chicho" and will be able to admire stalagmites and marine stalactites. Warning: out of respect for the local environment, do not touch anything and avoid spreading sun cream before making a splash! Note that many bats also live in this cave.