While the Dominican Republic is usually known for its picturesque beaches, the country has genuinely become the home for ecotourism. Located right in the middle of the Caribbean, this tropical get-away has so much more to offer than sun, sea and surf. For nature lovers, the island is a dense green nature sanctuary as it is stuffed with rain terraces, mountains, rivers and an endemic wildlife begging to be explored responsibly. One exciting way to immerse yourself in this natural beauty is with the Punta Cana ATV Buggies Adventure, where you can explore the rugged terrain and discover the island’s hidden gems. If you are an expert tourist or perhaps looking for a new holiday experience, ecotourism offerings can get your wanderlust going in the Dominican Republic. Here are the top ecotourism experiences in the Dominican Republic, where sustainability and stunning nature combine.
Discovering the Beauty of Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Parque Nacional Los HaitisesLocated on the north-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional Los Haitises is now one of the coolest ecotourism hot spots in the nation. Home to a wide range of habitats, including rainforests, limestone hills and mangrove swamps and full of wildlife, is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Park-goers can navigate the park by boat, paddling through tranquil rivers and estuaries set against limestone hills and ancient Taino petroglyphs. Hispaniolan parakeets and rare vegetation abound, and the best way to get the most out of the park is to trek. To make it a complete experience, pair it with Los Haitises Nat. Montana Redonda & Paraiso Cano Hondo — Park Unwind Post-Exploration: Hotel Casa Coson, a Beautiful Nature Hotel Los Haitises is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
The Greatest Saltwater Lake of the Caribbean
Set against majestic mountains in SW of the Dominican Republic you will find Lake Enriquillo, the biggest saltwater lake in the Caribbean. The high salinity helps to attract thousands of American crocodiles and flamboyances of flamingos that call this unique ecosystem home. Visitors board boats to spot crocodiles hanging off the banks or swimming in the water as they explore this beautiful area, and flamingos offer the photographer’s dream, although they best seen early in the morning. If you want more wildlife experiences, consider taking a Whale Watching Tour in Samana Bay from Boca Chica to see majestic hump-back whales. Then unwind at the luxurious and upscale beachfront Wyndham Alltra Samana All Inclusive Resort. A place that you can not miss if your thing is ecotourism is lake Enriquillo.
Hiking in the Rainforests of the Sierra de Bahoruco
In the south-west of the Dominican Republic the Bahoruco sierra is a special destination for ecotourism. This biosphere reserve is home to endangered species such as the Hispaniolan solenodon and Ridgway’s hawk, in addition to its cloud forests and biodiversity. Guided hikes through the mist-covered forests, with spectacular outlooks and a chance to spot rare wildlife, are available for visitors. Caving is also available in hidden caves that contain beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Bird lovers can take a Bird Watching Tour through the Sierra de Bahoruco, where endemic species of birds are seen in their natural habitat. Access will be by an All Terrain Vehicle because of the rough terrain, and easy access to this wilderness property. For nature and adventure lovers, the Sierra de Bahoruco is definitely a must.
Whale Watching in Samana Bay
Humpback whales migrate to the warm shallows of Samana Bay to calve between January and March, making the destination one of the top whale watching spots in the world. Through local companies, eco-friendly boat tours allow visitors the opportunity to view these majestic animals as they breach and slap the waves with their tails, minus any unwanted disturbance. Aside from whale watching, Samana boasts more ecological wonders including the El Limon Waterfall, best experienced after a picturesque horseback safari through the jungle. For an unparalleled experience visit Bacardi Island Horse Limon Waterfall in one visit where the beach meets nature. After your escapades unwind in a high end stay at The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club by Mint overlooking the water. Depending on the hands-on equipment, this tour serves as not just a amazing fun but also highlight marine conservation.
Pico Duarte
Speaking of nature, there are several marvelous trekking routes leading to Pico Duarte (3,098 meters), the highest peak in the Caribbean and a truly memorable trip for all nature lovers. It takes one to three days for the hike, providing beautiful village forests, cloud-capped summits, and wide views. The trail climbs through many ecosystems from high-altitude vegetation to clouds studded cloud forests. For the experience, reserve a campsite perched along the mountain to listen to nature below a ceiling of stars. Then relax with a Wine Tour; discover local wineries with a taste of Dominican wines. Then dine at Casa Grande Hotel Restaurant a casual dining restaurant, that serves fine local dishes ideal for those looking for a relaxing retreat. More than an experience, hiking Pico Duarte is a access to remote locations in the Dominican Republic, promoting ecotourism and quasi conservation.
Eco-Lodging and Sustainable Tours
From eco-lodges to sustainable tours that reduce the impact of tourism and benefit the local communities and wildlife conservation, you will find all of this in a multitude in the Dominican Republic. Drink organic coffee and spend the night at the greenfull and restful Rancho el Refugio in the Sierra de Bahoruco, while supporting environmental initiatives. If you prefer a more comfortable eco-accommodation Ecolodge Los Haitises, on a tropical beach inside the national park, is a good option. Showcasing solar energy, water conservation and locally-grown, organic meat and produce, it’s one of the best ecotourism experiences in the Dominican Republic. Also, you can not miss Los Haitises N. Park + Yanigua Waterfall + Montaña Redonda, which is the coexistence of sustainable tourism and nature at all levels. If you want to sleep comfortably with a touch of nature, a Glamping option at Glamping Jarahuco is recommended.
How To Plan For Ecotourism In The Dominican Republic?
Whether you are a nature lover who just wants to spend a few hours in the virgin jungles, a thrill seeker who is up for the adventure level, or someone who wants to explore even the most beautiful corners of the Dominican Republic in an eco-friendly way, the Dominican Republic has endless options for ecotourism, catering to every taste and level of activity. Whether hiking its mountain peaks, venturing through the freshwater lakes, or the dark, dense, raw rainforest, the
Dominican Republic allows you to be one with nature — responsibly, of course. If you want something different book at El Morro Eco Adventure Hotel, where you will stay eco-friendly and enjoy being surrounded by nature on the island. Plan your eco-friendly getaway now, and experience the biggest ecotourism in the Dominican Republic! More from CaribbeanFocusTravel on our site Visit EcoIslandLiving. Explore and start searching for your rainforest beach getaway in the green still of the Caribbean at secretbay.
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