Los Haitises · Photo: Jason Boldero / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Los Haitises National Park: how to visit
Boat tours from Samaná and Las Terrenas, or ATV, kayak and boat trips from Sabana de la Mar.
Los Haitises lies on the south side of Samaná Bay and is visited by boat, typically to see mangroves, caves and rock islets.
From Las Terrenas: Samaná Excursions lists a full-day Los Haitises + Cayo Levantado tour from US$60 per person; Nano Vega Tours also lists Los Haitises + Cayo Levantado.
From Sabana de la Mar: Booking Adventures lists Los Haitises tours with ATV, boat, kayaking, hiking and Caño Hondo day passes.
In whale season (roughly mid-January to late March) some operators combine the bay crossing with whale watching.
What the park protects
Los Haitises National Park, on the remote north-east coast, was established in 1976. It protects a limestone karst plateau of conical hills, sinkholes and caverns, a large area of coastal mangrove forest and subtropical humid forest, with annual rainfall of about 2,000 mm. Some caves contain pictograms and petroglyphs, and the park's range of habitats supports a wide diversity of birds and mammals, including rare species endemic to Hispaniola.
Three ways in
From Las Terrenas: Samaná Excursions lists a full day to Los Haitises and Cayo Levantado from US$60 per person; Nano Vega Tours also combines Los Haitises with Cayo Levantado (tours from US$75). From Samaná town: boats cross the bay, often paired with whale watching in season. From Sabana de la Mar on the south side of the bay: Booking Adventures runs Los Haitises by ATV, boat, kayak and on foot, plus Caño Hondo day passes.
Tips for the day
Bring insect repellent, a light rain layer, sun protection and shoes with grip for wet cave floors. Ask whether park fees and lunch are included, and how long you spend inside the caves versus on the boat.
Which departure point suits you
Las Terrenas is the most convenient if you are staying on the north side of the peninsula; tours include a road transfer to the boat and usually pair the park with Cayo Levantado, so the day ends on a beach. Samaná town is best if you are already on the bay, especially in whale season, when a morning whale trip and an afternoon in the park can be combined with some operators. Sabana de la Mar, on the south shore of the bay, is the closest mainland access to the park and the base for Booking Adventures' ATV, kayak and hiking options; it suits travelers coming from Santo Domingo or Punta Cana by road who do not want to drive around to the peninsula.
Who it is for
Los Haitises suits nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and families with children old enough for a boat ride of a few hours. Kayaking through the mangroves (Booking Adventures) suits active travelers; the classic boat-and-caves tour from Las Terrenas suits almost everyone. Pair it with our guides to whale season and to the best time to visit Samaná to plan the rest of your stay.
Combining with whales
From mid-January to late March, many visitors combine Los Haitises with whale watching. Whale Samaná runs whale trips from January 15 to March 31 (US$65 per adult) with an optional Cayo Levantado add-on; Las Terrenas operators such as Nano Vega Tours and Samaná Excursions offer both whales and Los Haitises, so you can book the two days with one operator.
What a typical day looks like
Most tours combine a boat ride through the bay, stops at coastal caves where you walk in to see the rock art, a pass through the mangrove channels, and time on Cayo Levantado or a beach. Ask your operator for the itinerary, total boat time and whether lunch is included, and confirm the pickup time from Las Terrenas or Samaná.
Providers compared
| Listing | Location | What they offer | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samaná Excursions | Las Terrenas | Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado, El Limón waterfall, whale watching (mid-Jan to late March), Playa Rincón, boat trips | US$60/person (Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado full day, as listed) |
| Nano Vega Tours & Rent | Las Terrenas | Los Haitises + Cayo Levantado, sailing + snorkel, whale watching, El Limón waterfall on horseback | Tours from US$75/person |
| Booking Adventures | Sabana de la Mar | Los Haitises tours from Sabana de la Mar: ATV, boat, kayaking, hiking and Caño Hondo day passes | On request |
Key facts by provider
- Samaná Excursions: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado, El Limón waterfall, boat-only coves, whale watching, 4x4 rentals & transfers
- Nano Vega Tours & Rent: Los Haitises + Cayo Levantado, sailing + snorkeling, ATV to El Limón, whale watching (Jan–Mar), Las Galeras 3 beaches
Related listings & add-ons
How much is a Los Haitises tour?
Samaná Excursions lists from US$60 per person (checked 2026-10-15).
Where is Sabana de la Mar?
On the south shore of Samaná Bay, the closest mainland access to the park.
When was Los Haitises established?
In 1976.
Can I kayak in Los Haitises?
Yes. Booking Adventures in Sabana de la Mar lists kayaking among its Los Haitises tours.
Are there cave paintings?
Yes, some caverns contain pictograms and petroglyphs.