National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) Tours
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The National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is one of Dominican Republic’s most biologically diverse land reserves. From the sandy beaches of Saona Island to the tropical forest and limestone landscape of the mainland, the park is home to more than 500 species of plant and hundreds of species of bird, insect, and fish.
The Basics
Venture to this prized park and discover plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Rugged trails loop through the grounds past quiet tide pools and into tropical forests and dark caves ripe for exploring, while offshore coral reefs and beautiful beaches attract divers and day-tripping tourists to the park.
To get the most of your trip to Dominican Republic’s rural tropical landscape, you can visit the National Park of the East on a day tour to Isla Saona from Bayahibe. Tours and shore excursions leave daily from Punta Cana and La Romana, and some include lunch, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and free time to snorkel or enjoy the white-sand beach and clear-blue Caribbean water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parque del Este is a must for nature lovers, who can get the most information on the local flora and fauna from a guided tour.
- The sun is strong here. Bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
- If visiting via cruise ship, it’s best to book a tour via fast speedboat to ensure you make your departing ship.
- Most tours provide snorkel gear.
How to Get There
The National Park of the East protects coastal and island environments on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The closest towns are Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. The park has two entrances—Guaraguao and Boca de Yuma, on the east side.
When to Get There
The park is open daily, and the park office is open from 9am to 1pm. As in all Caribbean locations, the summers are hot and autumn is hurricane season. The Dominican Republic’s peak tourist season is November through March, so expect larger crowds and sold-out tours during that time.
Taino Indians
Manantial de La Aleta, Jose Maria Cave, and other cave sites in the park contain archaeological remains and artifacts from the Taino Indians who once inhabited the park’s dry forest. Some special Saona tours focus or touch on cave drawings and artifacts, which illustrate the myths, beliefs, and daily life of the Taino people.
Address: Highway 4, Bayahibe 23000, Dominican Republic
Hours: Open daily; park office: 9am-1pm
Admission: RD$100
2 Tours and Activities to Experience National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este)
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Day CruisesSaona Blue Paradise from La Romana
The trip will begin on an air-conditioned bus to Bayahibe. Next, you’ll take a speedboat or catamaran to Saona Island, crossing the enviable natural beauty of crystal-clear waters.
The catamaran ride includes local drinks (except beer). Once on the island you’ll enjoy a wonderful day on an idyllic beach with a delicious buffet lunch and local drinks included. We’ll also visit the island’s most stunning natural pool, where you can have a refreshing dip.
Heading from the island on a catamaran or speedboat, you’ll enjoy the beats of merengue or bachata until we reach Bayahibe and take the bus back to your hotel.
Notes:
The order in which the different activities are carried out may change depending on the daily operation.
Starfish are not allow to be taken out of the sea.
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- 8 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$90.00
Day TripsSaona Blue Paradise from Punta Cana
Cruise to Saona Island, a protected nature reserve, for a full day of fun and relaxation. Enjoy a leisurely sail to the island, then spend the day strolling the coastline, sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying a siesta underneath the palm trees. A buffet lunch is included on this family-friendly outing.
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- 9 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$105.00
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