If you’re craving adventure during your visit to the Dominican Republic, a trip to Bahía de las Águilas is an absolute must. Nestled in the Parque Nacional Jaragua, it is one of the world’s most secluded and pristine gems, accessible only by boat or ATV.
Exploring Bahía de las Águilas is like stepping into a postcard-perfect paradise. The pristine white sandy beaches stretch for miles, inviting you to relax and soak up the sun in a tranquil setting. The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea provide the perfect backdrop for swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring the marine life beneath the surface.
How to Get There
The journey to Bahía de las Águilas is an adventure in itself, offering a glimpse into the local way of life as you travel through different towns and landscapes. From the bustling streets of Santiago to the serene coastal roads leading to Pedernales, each leg of the trip presents a unique experience that adds to the overall charm of the journey.
We traveled mostly by guaguas, which are buses that accommodate about 20 people. It was a full 12-hour day of travel coming from Santiago. Our first guagua dropped us in Barahona, where we then caught another bound for Pedernales. Don’t forget your passport; a hiccup with border patrol reminded us of its importance as we neared Pedernales, which is situated along the border with Haiti. Some of us only had photocopies of our passports and Dominican student IDs with us, so we encountered a slight delay at the border checkpoint. Once in Pedernales, we we found some friendly locals with motorcycles willing to take us on the last leg of our trip.
Where to Stay
While accommodations may be limited in this remote area, the rustic charm of camping under the stars at Rancho Típico adds to the sense of adventure and connection with nature. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and birds chirping in the trees is a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Our motorcycle companions dropped us off at Rancho Típico where we camped out in a tent that evening. There are no resorts in this area, but you can bring your own tent or you can find a few camping-like accommodations nearby.
The next morning, we boarded a boat directly from Rancho Típico to Bahía de las Águilas, arranging for a return pickup in the afternoon. Another night under the stars at Rancho Típico preceded our journey back to Santiago the following day.
If you ever have a chance to visit this part of the country, do not pass it up! The beach and crystal clear waters are absolutely breathtaking.
Comments