Kayaking Los Haitises National Park: Private Mangrove Paddle from Caño Hondo (2 Hours)
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and those in light to moderate fitness; you should be comfortable sitting and paddling for up to two hours.
Overview
Glide through narrow mangrove tunnels and past karst islands on a private, two-hour kayak tour from Caño Hondo into Los Haitises National Park. This small-group outing blends easy paddling with close-up birdwatching and local natural-history interpretation.
Kayaking Los Haitises National Park: Private Mangrove Paddle from Caño Hondo (2 Hours)
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The paddle begins under a low, stitched canopy of red mangrove roots—an immediate narrowing of sky where the water takes over and the forest leans in. You push off from Caño Hondo and the river claims rhythm: soft, repeating strokes, the hollow slap of a paddle, and the boat guide's voice pointing out a dark cave mouth or a tree hung with nesting frigatebirds. For two hours the park is close and particular—karst islands rise like broken teeth, channels braid and reconnect, and the mangroves dare you to read their currents accurately.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The sun is strong on open stretches—choose reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life and bring a brimmed hat for shade.
Bring a dry bag and secure footwear
Phones and wallets stay dry in a small dry bag; water shoes or sandals with straps protect feet when launching from muddy banks.
Listen to tide advice from your guide
Tides change channel depth and currents—follow the guide’s route to avoid shallow root tangles and stronger flows.
Keep distance from bird colonies
Frigatebirds and herons nest on islets—do not approach nesting sites to avoid disturbance.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Magnificent frigatebird
- Great blue heron and egret species
History
The park’s coastline preserves Taíno fishing sites and later colonial-era sheltering bays; its karst islands were historically used for small-scale fishing and guano collection.
Conservation
Los Haitises is a protected park—stay on guided routes, avoid single-use plastics, and follow your guide’s rules to minimize disturbance to nesting birds and fragile mangrove roots.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sabana de la Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps phone, documents, and snacks dry during paddling and possible splashes.
Water shoes
Protects feet when launching from muddy or rocky banks and provides traction in kayaks.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Two hours of paddling in tropical sun requires hydration—bring at least 1L.
Insect repellent
Helpful at mangrove edges where mosquitoes gather, especially early morning and dusk.
summer specific