Full-Day Boat Tour of Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to step on/off small boats and walk short wet/uneven stretches.
Overview
A full-day boat trip that threads a 2 km mangrove river into Los Haitises National Park, ending at three caves decorated by Taino art and framed by limestone mogotes. This 7–8 hour tour from Punta Cana blends wildlife, geology and Indigenous history with practical boat-access logistics.
Full-Day Boat Tour of Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana
Select participants and date
You push off before sunrise and the engine’s low hum is the only thing between you and an expanse of mangrove fingers that press into a shallow, green-brown sea. The boat threads a two-kilometer ribbon of river through Los Haitises, and the mangroves close like pages around you: roots arching, birds calling, water reflecting limestone teeth rising from the marsh.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear water-ready shoes
Boarding and cave approaches are wet and rocky—choose sandals with straps or lightweight water shoes to avoid slipping.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
You’ll be exposed for long stretches on the water; use reef-safe SPF to protect both your skin and the marine environment.
Pack a waterproof dry bag
Phones, cameras and documents should be protected from spray and sand—carry them in a small dry pack.
Consider motion-sickness meds
Open-ocean crossings can be bumpy for sensitive travelers—take anti-nausea medication before departure if you’re prone to sea sickness.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mangrove kingfisher
- West Indian manatee (rare, in protected coves)
History
The caves preserve Taino petroglyphs and charcoal art; the park’s coastline also shows traces of colonial-era navigation and small-scale fishing communities.
Conservation
Los Haitises is a protected area—stay on boat lanes, avoid touching petroglyphs, and use reef-safe products; local guides rely on sustainable tourism to support conservation.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Punta Cana
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof bag (5–10L)
Keeps camera, phone and wallet dry during boat transfers and cave visits.
Strap sandals or water shoes
Provide grip on wet rocks and sand while boarding and exploring cave mouths.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin during prolonged sun exposure without harming marine life.
summer specific
Light rain shell/long-sleeve
Shields from sun, wind and occasional tropical showers without overheating.
fall specific