Los Haitises and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Santo Domingo — Boat Tour to Bacardí Island
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
14 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness; must be able to board small boats and walk short uneven shore approaches.
Overview
A full-day boat journey from Santo Domingo delivers two distinct Caribbean experiences: the cave-carved mangroves and Taíno art of Los Haitises National Park, followed by sun, sand and a buffet lunch on Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island). Expect 14 hours of transit, boat time and shoreline leisure.
Los Haitises and Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Santo Domingo — Boat Tour to Bacardí Island
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The motor hums as the coastline of Samaná slides into view; morning light chisels the mangrove crowns and the sea stretches in six shades of blue toward a tiny, palm-studded dot—Cayo Levantado. On this long but rewarding day, the landscape shifts from limestone islands and cathedral-like mangrove channels to a sugar-sand key where the water seems to dare you to wade in.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin—apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming.
Wear water shoes
Boat landings and mangrove edges are uneven and can be slippery; water shoes protect feet and improve traction.
Pack a dry bag
Keep cameras, passport and phones dry during the boat transit and while exploring caves.
Reserve mornings for calmer seas
Early departures usually have smoother water and better light for cave pictographs and birdwatching.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Mangrove kingfisher and other shorebirds
History
Los Haitises was a refuge and seasonal settlement area for the Taíno and later served as cover for runaway communities; its caves preserve important indigenous art.
Conservation
Mangroves and coral here are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid trampling seagrass, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize disturbance.
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Adventure Hotspots in Samaná
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and marine life during extended sun exposure on the water and beach.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for boat landings, rocky shorelines and shallow snorkeling around the key.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and documents dry during boat transfers and waves.
Light long-sleeve shirt and hat
Sun protection for the boat and beach without overheating.
spring specific