Hike and Kayak Los Haitises: Mangroves, Rainforest Springs & San Lorenzo Bay

Sabana de la Mar•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for people with basic walking fitness who can handle 3 hours of mixed trail and short paddling stints; no sustained elevation required.

Overview

Spend a half-day hiking humid broadleaf forest, visiting the Jivales spring, and kayaking through bird-rich mangroves to San Lorenzo Bay. This private excursion from Sabana de la Mar blends plant lore, karst geology, and hands-on paddling for all fitness levels.

Hike and Kayak Los Haitises: Mangroves, Rainforest Springs & San Lorenzo Bay

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You step off a small skiff into a hush of broadleaf forest—humid air slicks your skin, leaves drip like slow applause, and the guide bends to pluck a glossy-leafed sprig to name aloud: guaco for aches, a sap used for fevers. The trail through Los Haitises feels older than the maps that stitched these coves together; footfall wakes roots and cricket-song rather than crowds. Three hours of hiking threads along primary and secondary humid forest, past coffee and cacao groves, up low ridges, and finally to the spring of the Jivales River where clear water pools like a found thing you didn’t know you were looking for.

Adventure Photos

Hike and Kayak Los Haitises: Mangroves, Rainforest Springs & San Lorenzo Bay photo 1

Adventure Tips

Hydrate before and during the tour

Bring at least 1–2 liters of water in a refillable bottle; humidity and steady exertion make frequent sips essential.

Wear quick-dry shoes

Choose trail shoes or sandals with good grip that can get wet—trail sections are rooty and your feet will likely be splashed during the launch.

Bug protection matters

Apply reef-safe insect repellent and consider a lightweight long-sleeve shirt for forest stretches when mosquitoes are active.

Secure electronics in a dry bag

Bring a small waterproof pouch or ziplock for your phone and camera—the kayak sections will spray and mangrove channels are tight.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Great blue heron
Mangrove kingfisher

History

The park’s bays and caves were used by the Taíno and later became strategic coastal refuges; conservation efforts since the 20th century have focused on protecting mangroves and karst landscapes.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid picking plants, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize disturbance to bird nesting and mangrove root systems.