Sabana De La Mar: Private Los Haitises Hike and Kayak

Sabana De La Mar offers an immersive 6-hour excursion that showcases the natural wonders of Los Haitises National Park. Visitors can hike through the humid rainforest, discover medicinal plants, and learn about the region’s rich Taíno cultural heritage. The experience also includes a 2-hour kayak journey through serene mangrove swamps, where diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes await. This tour provides an opportunity to deeply connect with the park’s unique ecosystem and appreciate the significance of its natural abundance and traditional wisdom. But what secrets does this excursion hold, and what insights might it reveal about the Dominican Republic’s captivating natural and cultural treasures?

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Sabana De La Mar.

Key Points

• A 6-hour excursion offering hiking and kayaking in the stunning Los Haitises National Park, starting from Cano Hondo/Sabana de La Mar ports.
• Discover the diverse medicinal plants and learn about the rich Taíno cultural heritage during the 3-hour hiking portion of the tour.
• Explore the serene mangrove swamps and observe the vibrant wildlife during the 2-hour kayaking experience.
• Marvel at the park’s primary and secondary broadleaf rainforest, rolling hills, and open San Lorenzo Bay.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the natural abundance and traditional wisdom of the region through this immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The private Los Haitises Hike and Kayak tour is a 6-hour excursion that starts from the Caño Hondo / Sabana de La Mar ports, offering visitors a chance to explore the humid forest of Los Haitises National Park through hiking and kayaking.

Hikers will trek for 3 hours, learning about medicinal plants and the primary and secondary broadleaf rainforest. The 2-hour kayaking portion allows guests to paddle through mangrove swamps, observing bird-filled landscapes and rolling hills.

This tour also provides insight into the park’s Taíno heritage, as ‘Haitises’ translates to ‘highlands’ or ‘hills’ in the Taíno language. With the inclusion of kayaks, guides, life jackets, and entrance tickets, this tour is an immersive way to experience Los Haitises National Park.

Highlights of the Experience

Hikers on the private Los Haitises tour can expect to explore the park’s humid forest, learning about its diverse medicinal plants and the primary and secondary broadleaf rainforest.

After hiking, you will embark on a 2-hour kayak journey through the mangrove swamps, marveling at the bird-filled landscape and lush rolling hills.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience that showcases the natural wonders of Los Haitises National Park:

• Hiking through the humid forest to discover medicinal plants and the diverse rainforest
• Kayaking through mangrove swamps and spotting wildlife
• Learning about the park’s Taíno cultural heritage
• Enjoying the stunning scenery of hills, forests, and the open San Lorenzo Bay

Hiking in the Forest

During the private Los Haitises hike, visitors venture into the humid forest, eager to learn about its diverse array of medicinal plants thriving within the primary and secondary broadleaf rainforest landscapes.

As they follow their expert guide, they’ll discover the natural wonders of this protected area, from towering mountains to the lush canopy above.

Along the way, they’ll gain insights into the rich Taíno culture that once called this region home.

The 3-hour hike offers a chance to take in the park’s unique ecosystem, with opportunities to spot birds, wildlife, and other fascinating flora and fauna.

It’s an engaging and educational experience that showcases the natural beauty and cultural significance of Los Haitises National Park.

Learning About Medicinal Plants

As they trek through the lush forest, participants eagerly learn about the diverse array of medicinal plants growing in the verdant landscape of Los Haitises National Park. The knowledgeable guide points out a variety of indigenous flora, sharing insights into their traditional uses and healing properties.

• The soothing properties of the aloe vera plant, used to treat burns and skin irritations.

• The anti-inflammatory benefits of the ginger plant, used to reduce pain and swelling.

• The calming effects of chamomile, traditionally brewed into a relaxing tea.

• The antimicrobial qualities of the neem tree, its leaves and bark used to fight infections.

This educational experience allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the natural abundance and traditional wisdom of the region.

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Exploring Mangrove Swamps

After the exhilarating hike through the lush forest, participants embark on a tranquil 2-hour kayak journey through the serene mangrove swamps that line the coastline of Los Haitises National Park. Paddling through the network of winding waterways, they’ll witness the vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Mangrove roots create a thriving habitat for a diverse array of birds, reptiles, and marine creatures. As they glide across the calm waters, you will marvel at the rolling hills of verdant vegetation that surround the open San Lorenzo Bay, their final destination.

Mangrove Swamp Wonders
Diverse Fauna	Bird-filled
Intricate Ecosystem	Lush Foliage
Peaceful Atmosphere	Serene Waters
Unique Coastal Habitat	Winding Waterways

Viewing the Natural Surroundings

Trekkers marvel at the stunning natural landscapes that define the Los Haitises National Park, a region renowned for its primary and secondary broadleaf rainforest, rolling mountains, and lush vegetation.

The forest hike offers a chance to observe the diverse flora, including medicinal plants used by the Taíno people.

Kayaking through the mangrove swamps provides a unique perspective, allowing visitors to witness:

• Bird-filled mangrove canopies
• Towering hills draped in verdant foliage
• Calm waters that reflect the surrounding natural beauty
• The open expanse of the San Lorenzo Bay

This immersive experience in Los Haitises National Park allows travelers to fully appreciate the area’s remarkable natural wonders.

Understanding Taíno Culture

The Los Haitises National Park was once home to the indigenous Taíno people, whose vibrant cultural legacy remains etched into the landscape.

The name ‘Haitises’ itself is derived from the Taíno language, meaning ‘highlands’ or ‘hills’.

These skilled agriculturalists and craftspeople left behind remnants of their settlements, rock carvings, and pottery fragments that offer glimpses into their way of life.

Exploring this region allows visitors to connect with the Taíno heritage and understand the deep cultural roots that shaped the land.

Through the tour guides’ insights, travelers can develop a greater appreciation for the indigenous people who once thrived in this lush, biodiverse environment.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes kayaks, tour guides, life jackets, a water bottle, and entrance tickets to the national park. However, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as alcoholic drinks, are excluded from the offering.

The inclusions are designed to provide visitors with a comfortable and immersive experience in the Los Haitises National Park. Some key highlights of what’s included:

• Kayaks to explore the serene mangrove swamps
• Knowledgeable tour guides to share insights about the area
• Safety equipment like life jackets
• Bottled water to stay hydrated
• Admission fees to access the protected natural wonder

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, many tour companies offer the option to extend the duration of their tours. Customers can typically request a longer tour or add additional activities to the itinerary, often at an additional cost.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any special dietary requirements. Participants can bring their own snacks and lunch. The tour provider can accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets if requested in advance. There are no special menus included on the tour.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The group size for this tour typically ranges from 2 to 8 participants. The tour operator can accommodate small private groups or larger groups, depending on availability and prior arrangements. The ideal group size ensures an enjoyable and personalized experience for all participants.

Can We Bring Our Own Kayaks or Do We Have to Use the Provided Ones?

Participants must use the kayaks provided by the tour company. Bringing one’s own kayak is not allowed, as the tour includes the use of the company’s equipment as part of the package. The guides ensure proper safety and equipment for all participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are generally no age restrictions, but participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to handle the 3-hour hike and 2-hour kayaking portions of the tour. Children may be allowed with adult supervision.

Recap

The Sabana De La Mar: Private Los Haitises Hike and Kayak tour offers an immersive exploration of Los Haitises National Park. Visitors can hike through the rainforest, learn about medicinal plants, and kayak through the mangrove swamps, witnessing the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

The experience also provides insights into the region’s rich Taíno cultural heritage, allowing visitors to deeply connect with the park’s unique ecosystem and appreciate its natural abundance and traditional wisdom.

You can check availability for your dates here: