Sabana de la Mar: Los Haitises Guided Hike and Kayaking

Overview
Set out from the port at Caño Hondo / Sabana de la Mar and embark on a guided adventure into the lush ecosystems of Los Haitises National Park. Begin with a scenic rainforest hike through primary and secondary broadleaf forest and learn about local medicinal plants and indigenous Taino life. Then paddle your way through tranquil mangrove channels and across San Lorenzo Bay in a kayak, surrounded by bird-filled mangrove forests and rugged limestone hills.

Highlights
✅ Guided 3-hour hike through humid rainforest, discovering native flora and the spring of the Jivales River.
✅ 2-hour kayaking adventure through mangrove swamps and open bay waters, with opportunities to spot manatees, dolphins, birds and crustaceans.
✅ Learn about the Taino culture and the meaning behind “Haitises” – highlands or hills – referencing the park’s dramatic limestone formations.
✅ Beautiful photographic landscapes: dense rainforest, winding waterways, unmapped mangrove channels and open bay vistas.

Full Description
Begin at the meeting point in Sabana de la Mar or Caño Hondo, where your guide will lead you into the humid forest of Los Haitises National Park. Over approximately three hours you’ll trek through primary and secondary broadleaf forest, learn about medicinal plants, and reach the spring of the Jivales River from which the natural pools of Eco-lodge Caño Hondo originate.
Following the hike, you’ll don life jackets, take a kayak (single or double) and paddle through tranquil mangrove channels filled with birds, lush vegetation and natural tranquillity. Your route leads out into San Lorenzo Bay, where expansive views of the rugged forest and limestone hills await. This kayaking segment lasts about 2 hours. Traveller+2
For guests short on time, there’s also a 4-hour or 2-hour kayaking-only option available.
You’ll return to the starting point in Los Haitises. An early morning start is recommended to increase chances of spotting manatees, crustaceans and dolphins.

What’s Included
Single or double kayaks (you choose)
Life jackets and the safety equipment needed
Knowledgeable tour guide (English, Spanish, French)
Bottled water

What to Bring
☀️ Swimsuit
☀️ Towel
☀️ Comfortable clothing and footwear for hiking
☀️ Sun-protection (hat, sunscreen)
☀️ Dry bag/protect your belongings if kayaking
☀️ Camera – the landscapes are stunning

Duration:
Approximately 5-10 hours (hike + kayaking).

Price:
From approx. €58 per person (or from US$67 depending on provider) for full day.

Meeting Point:
Port at Caño Hondo / Sabana de la Mar, Hato Mayor Province, Dominican Republic. Note: access road is unpaved gravel — a 4×4 or SUV is advisable.

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Why Travelers Love It
This tour combines two very different natural experiences — forest hiking and kayaking through mangroves — offering a full immersion in one of the Dominican Republic’s most unique ecosystems. Guides add insight into medicinal plants and Taino culture, giving the excursion a deeper meaning beyond just the views. The variety of terrain, the wildlife potential (manatees, dolphins, birds), and the remote nature of the setting all contribute to a memorable adventure.