Los Haitises: Cueva el Naranjo y Laguna Cristal

Sabana de la mar

Overview 

Los Haitises National Park is a natural treasure of the Dominican Republic where 25% of the freshwater is found in Hispaniola, during this experience we are taking around some of the most important spots of this amazing park.  Get your ticket to explore Ojo de Cielo Cave, Laguna Cristal, Barracote River, and Samana Bay. 

From the hydrographic point of view, Los Haitises and its areas of influence comprise two regions: the lower basin of the Yuna River and the area of ​​Miches and Sabana de la Mar. The Yuna drains through two mouths: that of the Yuna itself and that of the Barracote. Additionally, in the area there are the Payabo, Los Cocos and Naranjo rivers, and the Cabirma, Estero, Prieto and other channels.

About Los Haitises Landscape, in addition to the caves, are Caño Hondo, Punta Arena, Caño Salado, Bahía de San Lorenzo and Cayo de los Pájaros, which are very impressive landscape elements. The latter, located between Boca del Infierno and El Naranjo Arriba, is easily recognized by the almost permanent presence of earwigs and pelicans.

About Sanchez City, It was previously a small town called Las Cañitas, but in 1888 it was elevated to the status of a municipality named after one of the founders of the Dominican Republic, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez. It grew in importance and population after the establishment of the railroad in 1865. This line extended to the central region of Cibao, turning this small Caribbean community into the most important port in the country from the end of the 19th century until the beginning of the next century. .

About Laguna Cristal, Laguna Cristal is a beautiful source of fresh water at the gates of the Los Haitises National Park, north of the province of Monte Plata, which has a unique beauty due to its natural attractions and the peace it gives us. The lagoon is fed by groundwater that comes from the neighboring park. A small navigable river emerges from the lagoon for a few hundred meters that feeds the Barracote River, which then flows into the Bay of San Lorenzo. It would be about 200 meters deep and 70 meters in diameter. 

El Naranjo Cave, The El Naranjo River, navigable despite its length of 120 meters, originates in a cavern and can be considered a jewel of nature in Los Haitises National Park, It is an attraction worth knowing, which allows you to appreciate the shortest river in the area island, In a boat you can reach to the end of the cave where the water come from. The cave is a reservoir for bats and swifts and its waters are home to native fish species, which in other rivers and streams are things of the past, such as guabinas, dajaos, carpias, shrimps and crabs.

Inclusions

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Local taxes

Officials Ecologist tour guides English/Spanish

Local Transportation (Hotel Pick up)

Speed Boat

Local Lunch

Laguna Cristal  

Cueva del Naranjo 

Exclusions

Gratuities

Beverage

Departure & Return

The tour, organized by “Booking Adventures” starts at the meeting point set with the Tour Guide. The traveler will get a meeting point after the Reservation Process. Tours start and Finish in our meeting points.

What To Expect?

Get your ticket for Searching For The  Los Haitises: Los Haitises: Cueva el Naranjo y Laguna Cristal, this experience will give you the opportunity to see most of the biodiversity of the island. 

This activity will start from your pick up from your accommodation in any of these areas:

• Las Terrenas 
• Sanchez 
• Las Galeras
• Santa Barbara de Samana 

Schedule 

Sanchez Samana,  Swimming at Laguna Cristal and El Naranjo River & Caves 

Hotel pick up: starts 7:00 am (Depending where you are located). There are different options timing at the booking form. Tour is 8 Hours. 

This is going to be an early morning to pick you up from your hotel and drive you to our meeting point in Sanchez Samana, where you will meet your local tour guide before going over the itinerary for the rest of the day. 

When you get ready we are boarding our speed boat to head to El Naranjo which is the first stop of the day, where we are going into the cave by boat and swimming in the freshwater of the shortest river of the island. 

Your second boat ride will be through the Barracote River to get to Laguna Cristal. We will have to navigate one of the largest rivers in the northeast of the country. At Cristal Area we will have a break for lunch before jumping in the water.

After trying some local lunch we are going to have a siesta by Cristal Lagoon and then go swimming, before heading back to Sanchez Samana. 

Hotel Drop off: 4:00 pm or later depending on time you started the trip. Tour is total 8 Hours. 

Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.