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Dominican Republic has a diverse and rich countryside that harbors dense and rich tropical vegetation and a wide variety of fauna. Its terrain ranges from rainforest to dry and arid areas that are home to more than 300 varieties of orchids and 5,600 other plants, and crocodiles, iguanas and 254 species of birds. |
The Dominican Republic has 14 national parks and seven nature reserves that preserve these natural bounties. Here’s a list of some of the most famous national parks in the island;
1: Armando Bermudez National Park
This park houses the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte at a height of 3,172 meters. The summit is a part of the Cordillera Central that is the Dominican "Alps". You can climb atop this height and along the way you will be enchanted with some cool mountain streams, many species of orchids or one of the native birds that inhabit the area, such as the Hispaniola parrot or the Palm Chat, the Dominican national bird. Though the hike is tiring and can prove strenuous but the breathtaking views along the path make it a rewarding experience. It is recommended that you go with a guide even though the track is fairly well marked.
2: Los Haitises National Park
This beautiful and lush National Park lies across the bay from the town of Samaná. The park has a magnificent range of subtropical vegetation that covers the vastness of the park. The exotic birds spotted here further enhance the appeal of the area like the pelicans or the American frigate bird. The park has some fascinating and peculiar rock formations, caves, and mangroves. You can explore these through a boat ride that can be arranged from the town of Samaná. As you row through this jungle you will come across the many mangroves and swamps of the park. The park's caves also provide an opportunity to see Taino drawings and rock carvings. And you might be able to see dolphins playing as you cross the bay.
For reservations at Los Haitises National Park, contact the National Park office at Sabana de la Mar. Tel: 556-7333.
3: Jaragua National Park
The Jaragua National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country. It is the Dominican Republic's largest reserve. It encompasses the Oviedo lagoon and the islands of Beata and Alto Velo. The area receives scanty rainfall and is covered with a dry, thorn-forest. The park has an amazing and exceptional variety of birds like the flamingoes that can be seen in the Oviedo lagoon. Other species that inhabit the area are the Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Little Green Heron, Sooty Tern, Roseate Spoonbill and the White-crowned Pigeon. Among the fauna, the Ricord and Rhinoceros iguanas can be found here and you can also see the sea turtles climb up the park's beaches to lay their eggs. The park also includes a number of caves. The park also provides bird-watching trips and butterfly tours.
Tel: 221-4104
4: The National Park of the East
This park is located 90 miles from Santo Domingo and is easily accessible. It encompasses a large heavily wooded area on the mainland and the Saona Island with its pretty white-sand beaches just off the coast. The park is lush and densely vegetated and also houses several caves with Taino wall drawings. The park also has a good variety of fauna and eleven species of birds also inhabit the park. To visit the mainland park and the caves, arrangements for a tour can be made at the Parks Department in Bayahibe. Boats can also be hired in Bayahibe to visit Saona Island.
5: Isla Cabrito National Park
The park is located around 150 miles west of Santo Domingo. Isla Cabrito or the Goat Island National Park lies in the middle of Lago Enriquillo, a large salt water lake 144 feet below sea-level that houses a large population of American crocodiles. These reptiles can be seen from the lake's shores, on the boat to the island, and from the island itself. There are also two species of iguanas, the Rhinoceros and Ricord iguanas that inhabit the island. A variety of waterfowl are also found in the area. A range of pink flamingos can also be enjoyed as they scoop their bills along the shallow waters at the western end of the lake.
