Bahia de las Aguilas Dominican Republic

Bahía de las Aguilas is a beautiful bay located in the south of the Dominican Republic and is considered the beach with the most crystal clear water in the world. It is located within the Jaragua National Park, a UNESCO protected area, full of limestone mountains, breathtaking nature and spectacular karstic landscapes. This eight-kilometre beach is recognised as the most beautiful in the country. So much so that it was chosen by the New York Times as one of the Dominican Republic’s must-see destinations.

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Things to see and do on your trip to Bahia de las Aguilas

Beach

Bahía de las Águilas is almost 37 kilometres in length, with 8 kilometres of unspoilt beach protected by UNESCO. The bay, as we have already mentioned, has some of the most transparent water in the world. In addition to its beauty and size, this beach also stands out for being one of the few undeveloped beaches in the Dominican Republic.

The abundance of corals in its clean waters make this enclave one of the most coveted reefs in the country. You can find everything from starfish to seagrass beds, making this an ideal place for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Hiking

Bahia de las Aguilas is a protected area, so the limited access makes it an idyllic natural environment. It is the perfect place for adventure and eco-tourism lovers looking for a place to escape to.

Here, you can explore a totally unspoilt area without limits. There are a multitude of interesting routes that take you into this special landscape, such as the Bahía de las Águilas Viewpoint Route or the La Cueva Route. Remember that this area is protected, so there are no facilities, and camping is prohibited within the park area.

Explore the flora and fauna of Jaragua National Park

Bahía de las Águilas is home to a large quantity of flora and fauna, creating a diverse and heterogeneous ecosystem. The multitude of species found in this area is one of the main reasons it was declared a protected area. This area is especially famous for being the national park with the most sea turtles in the Caribbean. In addition to sea turtles, endangered species such as the rhinoceros iguana and other exotic animals like flamingos live in the Jaragua National Park.

It is the best place to see manatees, hawksbill turtles and green iguanas, which live among the endemic vegetation such as canelilla, guanito, guayacán or guayuco, among others. At least 400 species of plants have been identified, including tropical forests, cacti, mangroves and wetlands where more than 130 species of birds live.

Oviedo Lagoon

Located in the Jaragua National Park, the Oviedo Lagoon is a 27km², 1.5m deep wetland of very salty water. Together with the Bahia de las Aguilas, this lagoon is one of the major attractions for eco-tourism in the park. The Oviedo Lagoon also has 24 islets, called cays, which are home to a large number of lagoon animals. The best known is the cay of Iguanas.

The 60 different species of aquatic birds, abundant crabs, iguanas, herons, flamingos and seagulls, make the beautiful natural landscape full of life and colour. It’s also the natural habitat of protected species such as the solenodon and hutia, and 11 different species of bats. Among the most striking animals in the area are the rhinoceros iguana and Ricord’s iguana, both of which are endemic to the island and in danger of extinction.

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What to see around Bahia de las Aguilas?

Cabo Rojo Beach

Cabo Rojo Beach is located in the province of Pedernales on the southwest coast of the Dominican Republic. Known for its beautiful white sandy beach, Cabo Rojo owes its name to the presence of limestone and bauxite in the area which gives the dirt roads a dark rusty colour.

It is one of the most popular beaches in the region, enchanting visitors with its spectacular views of the coastline. Its turquoise waters are also home to some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the Caribbean, providing a breeding ground for West Indian manatees and hawksbill turtles.

Pozos Ecologicos de Romeo Francés

The Pozos Ecologicos de Romeo are truly impressive large pools, located on the Pedernales-Barahona road. The Pozos de Romeo are three ecological wells of fresh, crystalline water, perfect for swimming and enjoying a unique experience. These wells formed in the depths of the rocks, and you can find small colourful fish that complement the blue tones of the water. The pools are captivating and allow you to connect with the wild and spontaneous essence of this place.

Beata Island

Beata Island is located in the Caribbean Sea, 7 kilometres southwest of Cape Beata. Its shape reminds us of a triangle, with an area of less than 27 square kilometres. Over the years it has become an important tourist spot, despite the fact that it is not very well developed. It has some peculiarities that make it very interesting for visitors, among them a species of giant snail, as well as a great variety of sea turtles, lobsters and crabs.

Tips for your trip to Bahia de las Aguilas

Because Bahía de las Águilas is a protected area, it is impossible to find shops, hotels and restaurants in the surrounding area. Therefore, it is important to take everything you might need with you for your trip to the Bahia de las Aguilas:

• Enough water and food to get you through the day.
• As it is a protected area, it is important that you carry bags to store waste.
• Comfortable clothes and footwear.
• Don’t forget sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
• Waterproof sandals for snorkelling.
• Mosquito repellent.

Frequently asked questions about your trip to Bahia de las Aguilas