Bahia de las Aguilas

Bahia de las Aguilas on the Southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic.

Culture and History

It is an isolated beach near the southern end of the border of the Dominican Republic with Haiti, a few kilometers southwest from the town of "Pedernales", or some 320 kilometers from Santo Domingo.

It is not as "tourism-oriented" as other Dominican Republic sites; so have in mind that there are no luxury hotels, and that you'll have to get to the beach either by a boat bordering the coast, or with an all-wheel-drive vehicle through the National Park it self (either way its a 15-20 ride).

History

Bahia de las Aguilas (Spanish for "Eagles bay") is part of the "Jaragua" National Park (Parque Nacional Jaragua) in the Pedernales Province in the extreme southwest of the Dominican Republic. Established as a National Park in 1983, it is now a UNESCO-recognized natural reserve. The beach is recognized by most Dominicans as "The most majestic beach in the world".

Landscape

It is a great representation of the "Hispaniolan Dry Forest Ecoregion's coast.

Flora and fauna

On the way to the beach, if you're going through the park it self, Green Iguanas and several species of cactuses are common sightings.

Climate

Climate is semi-arid, as this part of the Dominican Republic is the driest. Skin protector is strongly recommended.

Travel to Bahia de las Aguilas - Visa Requirements

You can either get to the beach through the National Park it self with an all-wheel-drive vehicle (a 4-door sedan won't make it, since you wont be going through a paved road; it is almost as going through the Australian Outback).

You can also get to the beach with a boat. Once you get to the entrance of the park, there's a restaurant called "La Cueva" (Spanish for "The Cave") that also has a few boats that will take you to the beach for a reasonable price. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes.

Fees/Permits

The fee to enter the park is around 30 Dominican Pesos (less than $1.00 US Dollar). If you're getting to the beach via a boat, it will cost around 500-2000 Dominican Pesos per boat, depending on the number of passengers in the boat, (from USD $20-70) this price usually including the park's entrance fee.

Tours and Getting around Bahia de las Aguilas

Once in the beach, you'll enjoy one of the whitest and softest sands on any beach in the world. Snorkeling is also interesting in Bahia de las Aguilas.

Bahia de las Aguilas tourist attractions and sightseeing

The millions of sea shells on the shore of the beach.

Bahia de las Aguilas city tours

Bahia de las Aguilas souvenirs and shopping

Bahia de las Aguilas Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

You can eat on a restaurant on the entrance of the park. Less than $10 USD per person for a meal.

Bahia de las Aguilas nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

A soda drink, a bottle of water, or a Dominican beer usually cost less than $2 USD.

Bahia de las Aguilas cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

There are no facilities on the park it self to spend the night, but camping on the beach is a growing trend.

Lodging

The nearest hotels are in the town of Pedernales. They're not luxury hotels, but have enough to be comfortable. Most hotels in Pedernales have A/C, hot water, Cable TV, pool, 3 meals, etc., for less than $40 USD per night per room.

Camping

Camping on the beach is allowed.

Backcountry

Image:Eagles Bay.jpeg

Stay safe

Watch out for cactuses on the park.

Get out

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