The unspoiled coastal town of Sabana De La Mar serves up the Dominican Republic’s finest eco-adventures. Los Haitises National Park stands out as the star attraction, where boat tours weave through dramatic limestone formations and mangrove forests. Bird-watchers will appreciate spotting dozens of native species in their natural habitat.
I’m especially fond of the agricultural tours – they’re authentic and intimate, showing you the real-world process of local cacao and coffee production. The horseback riding excursions to hidden waterfalls offer a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty.
Let’s explore the best tours that make Sabana De La Mar a natural paradise worth visiting.
Key Points
- Explore the pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and indigenous cultural heritage of Los Haitises National Park through guided boat tours and hiking experiences.
- Immerse in the region’s agricultural legacy by taking cacao and coffee plantation tours, learning about harvesting and processing of vital crops.
- Embark on adventurous activities like hiking to the majestic Salto de La Jalda waterfall and horseback riding through the Haitises and Montaña Redonda landscapes.
- Enjoy a comprehensive tour itinerary that includes a speedboat ride, guided park exploration, and a relaxing visit to the scenic Cayo Levantado.
- Tours in Sabana De La Mar are highly rated by customers, offering flexible cancellation policies and inclusion of park entrance fees and necessary equipment.
Sabana De La Mar: the Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour
Although Sabana De La Mar is a small fishing village, it serves as the gateway to the stunning Los Haitises National Park. One of the best ways to experience this lush, unspoiled landscape is the Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour. During this excursion, visitors can observe over 100 species of resident and migratory birds, including the impressive brown pelican, the national bird of the Dominican Republic.
The tour guides are knowledgeable naturalists who’ll point out the diverse avian life found throughout the park’s mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, and coastal lagoons. Guests may spot the endemic Ridgway’s hawk, the rare white-crowned pigeon, or the vibrant Antillean woodpecker.
Beyond birds, the tour also provides opportunities to see unique flora, such as the rare palm tree species, and glimpse the park’s impressive cave systems. With its abundant wildlife and stunning natural scenery, the Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour offers an unforgettable eco-adventure in the heart of the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Sabana De La Mar: the Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour Review
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The Haitises: Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
For visitors seeking a deeper immersion in the stunning natural wonders of Los Haitises National Park, the Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour offers an unforgettable experience. Priced at €23.85 per person, this 2-7 hour tour takes guests on a journey through lush cacao, coconut, and coffee plantations before embarking on a boat trip through mangroves to San Lorenzo Bay.
Along the way, they’ll discover caves used by the indigenous Taino people and have the chance to spot manatees, crustaceans, and dolphins. The tour also explores the park’s limestone Mogotes and wetlands, providing ample opportunities to photograph the rugged forest landscapes.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, this tour includes the boat trip, rainforest hike, cave visits, and mangrove exploration. Lunch can be purchased separately, and transfer options from Sabana de la Mar are available for an additional fee.
With an overall 5/5 rating based on one review, this tour offers an immersive and scenic glimpse into the natural wonders of Los Haitises.
Read our full review: The Haitises: Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Nature’s Beauty Tour
Offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural wonders, the Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Nature’s Beauty Tour provides an immersive experience. Priced from $2500 per person, this tour takes adventurers through Los Haitises National Park, showcasing its stunning landscapes, lush mangroves, and diverse wildlife.
Guided by knowledgeable experts, guests discover limestone formations, hidden caves, and pristine waterways, culminating in a breathtaking ascent of Montaña Redonda for panoramic views of the countryside and Samaná Bay.
The tour’s flexibility allows for a range of activities, from swinging on the famous “swing at the end of the world” to horseback riding.
With hotel pickup, land and sea transportation, and all entry fees included, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience. Whether seeking adventure or appreciating natural beauty, the Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Nature’s Beauty Tour delivers an unforgettable exploration of the region’s wonders.
Read our full review: Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Nature’s Beauty Tour Review
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Miches: The Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour
Nestled within the vast expanse of Los Haitises National Park, the Miches: The Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
This captivating experience begins with a leisurely hike through the lush forest, where guests will learn about the cultivation of cacao and coffee, the lifeblood of the local economy.
Along the way, you will have the chance to witness the intricate process of harvesting and processing these vital crops, gaining a deeper appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the local farmers.
The tour then transitions to a boat ride, allowing visitors to explore the serene waterways of the national park and admire the stunning limestone cliffs that rise above the tree canopy.
Throughout the journey, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the region’s ecology, history, and cultural traditions, creating an immersive and educational experience.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or simply seeking to explore the wonders of the Dominican Republic, the Miches: The Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour is a must-do activity in Sabana De La Mar.
Read our full review: Miches: The Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Salto La Jalda: Hiking or Horse Riding Tour at La Jalda
Tucked away in the lush forests of the Dominican Republic, the Salto La Jalda: Hiking or Horse Riding Tour at La Jalda promises an unforgettable adventure. Priced at Kč 1,293 per person, this 7-10 hour tour allows visitors to explore the Caribbean wilderness and rain forest, with expert guides leading the way in English or Spanish.
The highlights include visiting cacao and coffee plantations, hiking through the lush forests to admire tropical plants and orchids, and reaching the stunning 120-meter Salto de La Jalda waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim.
Lunch can be enjoyed near the waterfall, and the return walk to the La Loma community includes a chance to try traditional homemade fruit wine, water, or soft drinks with chocolate and cookies.
With an overall 5/5 rating from customers, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or pets, but hotel pickup can be arranged.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Salto La Jalda: Hiking or Horse Riding Tour at La Jalda Review
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Airbnb Sabana De La Mar + Kayaking Tour Los Haitises
For those seeking a more immersive and authentic experience in Sabana de la Mar, the Airbnb accommodations and the Kayaking Tour of Los Haitises National Park provide an enticing option.
The Airbnb properties offer a chance to live like a local, with hosts who can share insider tips and recommendations. Guests can enjoy the comforts of home while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
The Kayaking Tour of Los Haitises National Park is a highlight for many visitors. Paddling through the serene mangrove forests and limestone caves, guests can enjoy the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Experienced guides lead the tours, providing insights into the area’s rich wildlife and unique geological formations. The tour allows visitors to explore the park’s hidden gems, away from the crowds and at a leisurely pace.
Combining the personal touch of Airbnb accommodations with the adventure of the Kayaking Tour creates a well-rounded and unforgettable experience in Sabana de la Mar.
Read our full review: Airbnb Sabana De La Mar + Kayaking Tour Los Haitises Review
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The Haitises: Boat Tour Sabana De La Mar, Caves & Mangroves
Along the way, spot manatees, crustaceans, and dolphins in the waters.
Discover the rich Taino history and geological wonders of the region.
The tour includes the boat ride, cave paintings, mangrove exploration, and drinks, with an optional lunch available for an additional cost.
Priced from £20.04 per person, it’s a fantastic way to learn about the natural beauty of Los Haitises.
Read our full review: The Haitises: Boat Tour Sabana De La Mar, Caves & Mangroves Review
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The Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of the natural wonders of Los Haitises National Park can embark on the captivating “Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour.”
This comprehensive excursion takes participants on a journey through the park’s diverse ecosystems, from the tranquil mangrove waterways to the enigmatic limestone caves adorned with ancient Taino pictographs.
Starting from the Caño Hondo port, the tour includes a boat ride to the San Lorenzo Bay, where visitors can marvel at the dramatic limestone mountain islands known as “mogotes.”
The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to explore caves like Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea, learning about the Taino’s historical connection to the land.
Along the way, travelers may spot manatees, crustaceans, dolphins, and an abundance of plant life, all while immersed in the lush rainforest surroundings.
With English, Spanish, and French-speaking guides, the tour caters to a diverse audience and offers a flexible cancellation policy, making it an attractive option for adventurous travelers.
Read our full review: The Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Los Haitises National Park: Boat and Walking Tour With Lunch
This comprehensive 7-hour tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the pristine ecosystems of Los Haitises National Park.
Departing from Moto Marina in Samaná, the tour begins with a 45-minute speedboat ride to the national park.
Once there, guests embark on a 2.5-hour guided exploration, discovering the park’s mangroves, islets, and caves adorned with indigenous pictographs and petroglyphs.
Throughout the tour, knowledgeable multilingual guides provide insights into the park’s diverse wildlife, including pelicans, herons, and the elusive Ridgways hawk.
After the park exploration, the tour continues to the picturesque Cayo Levantado, where guests enjoy a typical Dominican buffet lunch and free time to soak in the island’s natural beauty.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, refreshments, park entrance fees, and a flashlight for the cave exploration.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 59 reviews, this tour offers an immersive and eco-conscious experience, showcasing the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Los Haitises National Park: Boat and Walking Tour With Lunch Review
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Sum Up
Sabana de la Mar offers a diverse range of tours that let visitors explore the natural wonders of the region. From bird-watching in Los Haitises Park to hiking in the cacao and coffee rainforests, there’s something for all. Visitors can also enjoy boat tours, cave explorations, and even horseback riding. With so many options, Sabana de la Mar is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers.