🌴 Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado: The Ultimate Samaná Day Trip Guide

🧭 Why This Is One of the Best Tours in the Dominican Republic

If you're looking for the perfect mix of eco-adventure and tropical relaxation, a day trip combining Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Caribbean.

Located in the breathtaking Samaná Bay, this tour takes you from dense mangrove forests and ancient caves in the morning to white sand beaches and turquoise waters in the afternoon.

👉 It’s no surprise this is considered one of the top excursions in the Dominican Republic.

🏞️ Exploring Los Haitises National Park – A Hidden Natural Wonder

What Does “Los Haitises” Mean?

The name “Los Haitises” comes from the Taíno language and means “hilly land”—a perfect description of this dramatic landscape.

Spanning over 1,600 km², this protected park is one of the most important ecological reserves in the Caribbean.

🌄 Unique Karst Landscape (Mogotes)

One of the most striking features of Los Haitises National Park is its karst topography.

As you explore by boat, you’ll navigate through:

Towering limestone formations (mogotes)
Small jungle-covered islands
Calm bays and hidden natural channels

These rock formations rise directly from the water, creating a scenery unlike anywhere else in the Dominican Republic.

🪨 Taíno Caves & Ancient History

A highlight of the tour is visiting caves such as:

Cueva de la Arena
Cueva de la Línea

Inside, you’ll find pre-Columbian pictographs and petroglyphs created by the Taíno people—the island’s first inhabitants.

These caves offer a rare connection to the indigenous history of the Caribbean.

🐦 Mangroves & Wildlife

Los Haitises is also a wildlife sanctuary.

Expect to see:

Pelicans
Frigatebirds
Herons and tropical birds
Occasionally dolphins or manatees

The park’s red and white mangrove forests act as a vital ecosystem supporting marine and bird life.

🏝️ Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) – Caribbean Paradise

After exploring nature, your tour transitions into pure relaxation at Cayo Levantado.

Why Is It Called Bacardi Island?

The nickname “Bacardi Island” comes from the 1970s, when the island was used as a filming location for famous Bacardi rum commercials.

Today, it remains one of the most photographed places in the Dominican Republic.

🌊 What to Expect on the Island

This small island (just 1 km long) offers:

Powdery white sand beaches
Calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters
Palm tree-lined coastline

Perfect for:

Swimming
Sunbathing
Relaxing after your eco-adventure

🍽️ Public vs Private Areas

Cayo Levantado is divided into two zones:

Public beach area:
Restaurants, local vendors, and beach chairs
Private resort zone:
Exclusive to guests of the luxury resort

Most tours include access to the public beach + Dominican buffet lunch.

📋 Essential Tour Logistics – What You Need to Know

⛵ Departure Points

Tours to Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado typically depart from:

Santa Bárbara de Samaná (main port)
Sabana de la Mar (fastest access to Los Haitises)
Sánchez (west side of the bay)

⏱️ Duration

Most tours last 6 to 8 hours
Typical schedule: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🎒 What to Pack

To enjoy your trip comfortably, bring:

Biodegradable sunscreen ☀️
Bug repellent (important for caves)
Swimsuit 🩱
Towel
Closed-toe shoes (for caves)
Camera 📸

🐋 Best Time to Visit (Bonus Experience)

If you travel between January and March, you may witness humpback whales in Samaná Bay.

Many tours combine:

Los Haitises
Cayo Levantado
Whale watching 🐋

👉 This is one of the top wildlife experiences in the Caribbean.

🚀 Why This Tour Is So Popular

This combination tour is highly rated because it offers:

✔ Nature + adventure in the morning
✔ Beach + relaxation in the afternoon
✔ Culture (Taíno caves) + wildlife
✔ Perfect balance in one day

👉 It’s essentially 3 experiences in 1 tour.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Haitises worth visiting?

Absolutely. Los Haitises National Park is one of the most unique ecosystems in the Caribbean, offering mangroves, caves, and wildlife you won’t find in Punta Cana.

How do you get to Cayo Levantado?

You can only reach Cayo Levantado by boat, usually as part of a guided tour from Samaná or nearby ports.

Can you visit both in one day?

Yes, most tours are designed to visit both destinations in a single full-day excursion.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages with easy activities and plenty of relaxation time.

✍️ Final Thoughts

A trip to Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado is more than just a tour—it’s a journey through nature, history, and Caribbean beauty.

If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic and want to experience something beyond the typical resort, this is one excursion you should not miss.