Sabana De La Mar is a prime spot for exploring the lush natural beauty of the Dominican Republic by water. The town’s close proximity to Los Haitises National Park makes it a natural hub for boat tours that highlight caves, mangroves, and wildlife. Whether you’re interested in seeing Taino petroglyphs, swimming in natural pools, or whale watching, Sabana de la Mar offers a variety of experiences that bring you face-to-face with nature’s rawest forms. Among these, a few stand out for their detailed itineraries and unique highlights—like Los Haitises: Boat + Lunch at the beach & Natural pools, which combines scenic boat rides with a delicious beachside lunch, and Caño Hondo: Horseback Riding and Boat Tour in Los Haitises, perfect for those who want a mix of activity and relaxation. Exploring these options can turn a simple day trip into a memorable adventure.
Quick Overview
The list below covers a variety of boat tours and cruises found in Sabana de la Mar that include everything from full-day explorations of Los Haitises National Park, cave visits, mangrove boat rides, rainforest hikes, wildlife watching, and even horseback riding combined with boat trips. Each offers a different way to experience the park’s natural marvels, with some emphasizing wildlife like whales and manatees, and others focusing on indigenous caves and scenic vistas. For more detailed options, check out Los Haitises: Boat + Lunch at the beach & Natural pools, Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour, and others listed below.
1. Los Haitises: Boat + Lunch at the beach & Natural pools
At number 1, this tour offers the perfect combination of scenic boat cruising, exploration of caves, and relaxing beach time with lunch. It begins with a boat trip into Los Haitises National Park, where you’ll see limestone formations, mangroves, and abundant birdlife. The guide will take you inside Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea, which are notable for their ancient Taino petroglyphs.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch on the beach at Cueva de la Arena after exploring the caves. The itinerary spans 8 to 11 hours, so it’s perfect for those wanting a full-day immersion. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the spectacular scenery, with a 4.8/5 rating from 11 travelers. The tour is suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive experience that combines nature, history, and local flavors.
Bottom Line: An excellent value for a full-day adventure that blends nature, culture, and culinary delights in one package.
2. Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
This tour is ideal for those looking to combine boat trips with forest hikes. It offers a rainforest hike and a boat ride through the mangroves, giving a well-rounded view of Los Haitises’ diverse ecosystems. The guide, local and knowledgeable, will explain the flora and fauna, enriching the experience. The caves visited include some of the most stunning in the park, and the tour lasts between 5 and 11 hours, catering to different schedules.
The standout feature here is the hiking component, which allows you to stretch your legs after a boat ride and learn about the local environment directly from your guide. With a 4.8/5 rating from 9 reviews, it’s a top pick for nature lovers who want more than just a boat ride.
Bottom Line: A great choice for active travelers eager to combine hiking with wildlife and cave exploration.
3. Los Haitises Boat Ride + Caño Hondo Natural Pools
Number 3 offers a full-day tour into Los Haitises National Park, featuring visits to caves with indigenous paintings and time spent relaxing at Caño Hondo’s natural pools. The tour includes a boat trip to explore the La Arena and La Línea caves, which are decorated with ancient Taino carvings. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a Criollan lunch at the charming Hotel Caño Hondo.
The highlight for many travelers is the chance to swim in the 14 natural pools with waterfalls, providing an ideal way to cool off. The tour lasts around 8 hours, with enough free time at the hotel to relax or explore. The 4.7/5 reviews reflect satisfaction with the combination of adventure and relaxation.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a cultural experience combined with refreshing swims in natural waterfalls.
4. From Punta Cana: Samana Bay Private Whale Watching Cruise
Number 4 is a more specialized option—private whale watching in Samana Bay. Starting from Punta Cana, this tour offers a personalized experience with a private guide and boat. You’ll sail in search of humpback whales during the season, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sea. After whale watching, the boat takes you to Cayo Levantado for some beachside leisure and lunch.
This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an exclusive experience and willing to splurge a little for privacy. With a 4.3/5 rating from 19 reviews, it combines marine wildlife viewing with luxury and comfort.
Bottom Line: Ideal for romantic getaways or special occasions where privacy and marine wildlife are the main goals.
5. Los Haitises: Cacao & Coffee Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour
At number 5, this tour emphasizes agriculture and local culture along with nature. It features a rainforest hike through cacao, coconut, and coffee plantations, guided by a local expert. Afterward, you’ll cruise through mangroves and explore caves with indigenous art. The tour lasts from 5 to 11 hours, suited for those interested in learning about local agriculture and indigenous history.
What makes this tour special is its focus on cultural insights—you’ll learn how cacao and coffee are produced and hear stories about the Taino people. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 1 review, it’s a niche experience that appeals to foodies and history enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A fantastic pick for travelers eager to connect nature with local culture and agriculture.
6. Los Haitises National Park: Boat Tour with Caves Visit
Number 6 offers a shorter, focused experience—about 3 hours exploring Los Haitises by boat. It highlights caves once used by the Taino Indians, limestone mogotes, and marine life like manatees, crustaceans, and dolphins. This option is perfect for those with limited time but still wanting a genuine taste of local natural beauty.
The tour’s standout feature is the guided exploration of caves decorated with ancient petroglyphs—a quick but rich cultural experience. The reviews are a solid 5/5, emphasizing the expert local guides and close wildlife sightings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers craving a condensed, impactful tour without sacrificing authenticity.
7. Los Haitises National Park: Boat Tour and Cave Visit
This 2.5-hour guided boat tour takes you through mangroves and caves, exploring Arena and Línea caves with Taino petroglyphs. It’s an excellent option for families or travelers short on time but wanting to see the highlights. You’ll also likely spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds along the way.
The emphasis is on wildlife sightings and caves, with knowledgeable guides explaining the significance of each site. While shorter, the tour packs enough culture and scenery to satisfy most visitors.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a quick, culturally rich, nature-focused excursion.
8. Caño Hondo: Horseback Riding and Boat Tour in Los Haitises
Number 8 combines horseback riding with a boat tour, providing a multi-sensory experience of the park. You’ll start with a ride through mangrove channels and secluded bays, then switch to a boat to explore limestone formations and caves. This is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a hands-on day of exploration.
The tour highlights include ancient Taino petroglyphs and the chance to observe herons, pelicans, and possibly hawks. The local guides are praised for their storytelling and knowledge.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers looking for variety and physical activity.
9. Sabana de la Mar: Los Haitises Park Bike and Boat Tour
This tour is a unique blend of cycling and boating, allowing you to cover more ground in a shorter time. You’ll bike through scenic trails in Sabana de la Mar before cruising through mangroves and caves. The combination appeals to outdoor enthusiasts who want to see both land and water.
Cycling is along coastal trails, where you might see birdlife and local flora, followed by a boat ride to Cueva de la Arena and Cueva de la Línea, with Taino petroglyphs. The total duration is about 3.5 hours.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want a dynamic and varied experience.
10. Samana: HorseRiding, Boat Tour in Los Haitises + Cano Hondo
Finally, this all-in-one tour combines horseback riding, boat exploration, and visits to caves and natural pools. Starting from Samana, it’s an 11-hour adventure that touches on multiple aspects of the park’s beauty and history. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day with multiple activities in one trip.
The focus on cultural sites like Taino petroglyphs, along with wildlife spotting, makes this tour both informative and fun. While reviews are not specified, the itinerary suggests a well-rounded experience suited for active, curious travelers.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a full-day, multi-activity tour that covers all the highlights of Los Haitises.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour & Cruise in Sabana De La Mar
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time available, and your interests. If you want a comprehensive day with a focus on culture and natural beauty, the Los Haitises: Boat + Lunch at the beach & Natural pools is a top pick. For active travelers keen on combining hiking and boat trips, Los Haitises: Caves, Mangroves, & Rainforest Hike/Boat Tour offers excellent value.
Those with limited time might prefer shorter excursions like the Boat Tour with Cave Visit. If your focus is marine wildlife, especially during whale season, the Private Whale Watching Cruise provides a more exclusive and memorable experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours during peak seasons, so plan ahead and confirm pickup details, especially if you need transportation from nearby resorts.
Final Thoughts
Sabana de la Mar offers a diverse range of boat tours — from culturally rich cave visits to wildlife safaris and rainforest hikes. If you’re after a full-day immersive experience, the Los Haitises: Boat + Lunch at the beach & Natural pools is hard to beat. For those seeking adventure and activity, the Horseback Riding and Boat Tour in Los Haitises offers a dynamic day of exploration.
Whatever your style, these tours provide a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Dominican Republic. Book early to secure your spot and ensure a smooth, memorable trip into the wilds of Sabana de la Mar.