The unspoiled town of Sabana de la Mar serves as the gateway to some of the Dominican Republic’s most rewarding natural experiences. Los Haitises National Park steals the show with its bird-watching tours through pristine mangroves. The standout excursions combine private boat rides with rainforest hiking, letting you experience both water and land adventures in one day. For active travelers, horseback riding trails wind through quiet Caribbean backcountry, while cultural tours reveal traditional cacao and coffee farming methods still used today.
Our favorite outings pair hotel pickup service with expert local guides who know exactly when to spot rare birds and where to find hidden cave formations. The small-group boat tours particularly impress by getting you close to the park’s limestone cliffs and secluded beaches.
Let’s explore the top tours that make Sabana de la Mar worth your time.
Key Points
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The Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour offers a 7-hour experience with a boat ride, guided walk, and lunch for $77 per person.
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The Salto La Jalda Hiking or Horse Riding Tour provides a 7-10 hour adventure through the Caribbean wilderness, starting at $54 per person.
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The Haitises & Montaña Redonda Nature’s Beauty Tour is a 9-hour excursion showcasing the region’s natural wonders, starting at $135 per person.
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The Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour is a 3-6 hour private group experience highlighting the local agricultural heritage, priced at $39.99 per person.
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The Los Haitises National Park Tour offers a boat and walking tour with lunch, priced from $77 per person, providing opportunities to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and landscapes.
Sabana De La Mar: Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour
Although Sabana de la Mar offers a diverse array of activities, one of the most popular tours is the Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour. This immersive experience allows visitors to explore the lush, protected national park and spot a variety of avian species.
The tour typically lasts 7 hours and departs with pickup available. It boasts a 4.5 star rating from 59 reviews, making it a highly-rated activity. Priced at $77 per person, the tour includes a boat ride and a guided walking component, as well as a lunch.
The Los Haitises National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and the bird-watching tour provides an opportunity to observe a wide range of birds in their natural habitat. Visitors can expect to see a variety of species, including herons, egrets, and various migratory birds.
The knowledgeable guides share their expertise, enhancing the overall experience.
Read our full review: Sabana De La Mar: Los Haitises Park Bird-Watching Tour Review
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Salto La Jalda: Leaping La Jalda Hiking or Horse Riding Tour
Sabana de la Mar offers another captivating tour option, the Salto La Jalda: Leaping La Jalda Hiking or Horse Riding Tour. Priced from $54 per person, this 7-10 hour experience allows visitors to explore the Caribbean wilderness and rainforest of the Dominican Republic.
Trekking or riding horses, guests will discover the largest cacao tree plantations, learning from local guides about the diverse tropical flora.
The highlight is the breathtaking 120-meter Salto de La Jalda waterfall, where visitors can swim in the crystal-clear pool. After a picnic lunch, the tour returns to the La Loma community, where guests can sample traditional homemade fruit wine, water, or soft drinks, accompanied by chocolate and cookies.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. With an excellent 5/5 customer rating, this tour supports local families and their livelihoods, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an immersive Caribbean experience.
Read our full review: Salto La Jalda: Leaping La Jalda Hiking or Horse Riding Tour Review
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Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Natures Beauty Tour
The Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Nature’s Beauty Tour offers visitors a captivating opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the Dominican Republic.
Priced from $135.00 per person, this 9-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the breathtaking Los Haitises National Park, known for its lush mangroves, limestone formations, and hidden caves.
Participants will also have the chance to ascend the iconic Montaña Redonda, offering panoramic views of the countryside and Samaná Bay.
The tour includes a range of activities, from swinging on the famous “swing at the end of the world” to horseback riding and ample photography opportunities.
Knowledgeable guides provide educational insights, sharing information about the park’s ecological importance, history, and natural wonders.
Accessibility is ensured, with the tour being wheelchair-friendly, and the option for private group bookings.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and book now, paying later.
Read our full review: Haitises & Montaña Redonda: Natures Beauty Tour Review
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Private Boat Tour & Rain Forest Hike Los Haitises
Embarking on a private boat tour and rainforest hike in Los Haitises National Park offers visitors an immersive journey through the park’s captivating landscapes.
Cruise along the serene waters, admiring the rugged limestone cliffs and lush mangrove forests that define this unique ecosystem. Disembark and venture into the rainforest, where you’ll discover hidden natural pools and cascading waterfalls.
The guided hike promises an up-close encounter with the park’s diverse wildlife, including a variety of bird species and the chance to spot endemic iguanas.
This full-day tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Los Haitises, ranked among the top activities in the area. With a duration of 7-9 hours and starting at $77 per person, the experience combines the convenience of a private boat ride with the opportunity to learn about the park’s natural wonders.
Pickup is available, and the tour receives high customer ratings, making it a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Private Boat Tour & Rain Forest Hike Los Haitises Review
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Los Haitises: Boat Tour Sabana De La Mar, Caves & Mangroves
Visitors to Sabana de la Mar can embark on an engaging boat tour through the captivating landscape of Los Haitises National Park.
The 5-hour tour, priced from €66.13 per person, departs from Caño Hondo, the main port of the park. During the boat trip, guests will explore the Red Mangroves and sail to San Lorenzo Bay, surrounded by the iconic Mogotes – limestone mountain islands home to over 700 plant species.
The tour also includes a visit to caves with ancient Taino pictographs, dating back 750 years. Participants can explore the Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea, historically used by the Tainos and pirates.
Throughout the excursion, visitors may spot manatees, crustaceans, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. The tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Los Haitises: Boat Tour Sabana De La Mar, Caves & Mangroves Review
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Miches: Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour
Although Sabana de la Mar is renowned for the captivating Los Haitises National Park boat tours, visitors can also explore the region’s rich cacao and coffee heritage through the Miches: Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour.
This 3-6 hour private group experience offers a unique opportunity to discover the local cacao and coffee production processes. Guests will embark on a scenic boat ride through the mangroves of Los Haitises before hiking to a family-owned cacao and coffee plantation.
Here, they’ll learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these beloved Dominican crops. The tour also includes a tasting of the fresh, locally-grown produce.
With a 4.1 customer rating and priced at $39.99 per person, this excursion provides an immersive and affordable way to appreciate Sabana de la Mar’s rich agricultural heritage.
Read our full review: Miches: Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Airbnb Sabana De La Mar + Kayaking Tour Los Haitises
What better way to experience Sabana de la Mar’s natural wonders than through an Airbnb stay coupled with a captivating kayaking adventure in the renowned Los Haitises National Park?
Airbnb offers a range of accommodations in Sabana de la Mar, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culture and lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the Kayaking Tour in Los Haitises provides a unique opportunity to explore the park’s mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, and hidden caves by water.
With a 4.6 rating and priced at €24.31 per person, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Visitors can paddle through the serene waters, spot diverse wildlife, and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s stunning natural beauty.
Whether seeking a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fueled exploration, the combination of an Airbnb stay and the Los Haitises Kayaking Tour offers an unbeatable way to discover the best of Sabana de la Mar.
Read our full review: Airbnb Sabana De La Mar + Kayaking Tour Los Haitises Review
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Los Haitises: Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
Travelers looking to enjoy the lush natural landscapes of Sabana de la Mar can embark on the captivating Los Haitises Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour.
Priced at €66.13 per person, this 5-7 hour adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse ecosystems. Participants will enjoy a 2-hour rainforest hike through cacao, coconut, and coffee plantations, followed by a boat trip through the mesmerizing mangroves to San Lorenzo Bay.
Along the way, they’ll visit caves adorned with Taino pictographs and keep an eye out for manatees, crustaceans, dolphins, and over 700 plant species. The tour is led by knowledgeable local guides and can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While lunch is available at an additional cost, the tour’s inclusions encompass the boat trip, rainforest hike, cave visits, and mangrove exploration.
With a perfect 5/5 rating from a reviewer, this tour promises an unforgettable immersion in the natural wonders of Los Haitises.
Read our full review: Los Haitises: Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
The Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of the region’s diverse ecosystems. Priced at $68 per person, this 5-hour activity allows visitors to discover the wonders of the Los Haitises Rain Forest, including a boat trip through the mangroves and visits to caves adorned with indigenous pictographs.
Along the way, guests can spot manatees, crustaceans, and dolphins while learning about the park’s rich history from a local guide.
The tour starts at the Caño Hondo (Deep Creek) port, followed by a boat ride through the Red Mangroves to the stunning San Lorenzo Bay. Participants will marvel at the limestone mountain islands called Mogotes, home to over 700 plant species and diverse bird life.
The itinerary also includes visits to caves like Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea, which were historically used by the Taino people and pirates.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour Review
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Los Haitises National Park: Boat and Walking Tour With Lunch
Nestled in the stunning region of Samaná, the Los Haitises National Park: Boat and Walking Tour with Lunch offers an immersive exploration of the area’s natural wonders. Priced from $77 per person, this 7-hour tour provides an engaging mix of boat rides, guided walks, and a delightful Dominican buffet lunch on the idyllic Cayo Levantado island.
Departing from Moto Marina, you’ll cruise by speedboat to the national park, where you’ll discover mangrove pathways, caves adorned with indigenous petroglyphs, and diverse wildlife like pelicans, herons, and the rare Ridgways hawk. The knowledgeable guides share insights into the park’s ecology and history, enhancing the overall experience.
Following the tour, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy a typical Dominican lunch, and soak up the island’s tranquil atmosphere.
With free cancellation, multilingual staff, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and well-organized exploration of the Los Haitises National Park.
Read our full review: Los Haitises National Park: Boat and Walking Tour With Lunch Review
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The Sum Up
Sabana de la Mar offers a range of exciting tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region. From bird-watching in Los Haitises Park to hiking through the rainforest, these tours provide an opportunity to take in the area’s diverse ecosystems. Whether you prefer a boat tour or a land-based adventure, there’s something for all in this captivating destination.