Discover the natural splendor of the Dominican Republic on the Los Haitises Kayaks & Caño Hondo Pools Tour. Starting from Samana, this full-day adventure takes you through mangrove channels, tranquil lagoons, and lush jungle scenery, complemented by a delicious local lunch and a refreshing swim in natural pools.

What we love about this experience? First, paddling through mangroves and limestone cliffs offers an intimate encounter with the park’s unique landscape. Second, the lunch on a secluded beach provides a perfect blend of fantastic scenery and authentic Dominican flavors.

A potential consideration? The ferry ride—lasting about an hour or more—can be uncomfortable if you’re prone to motion sickness, and travel times might feel lengthy compared to the activities themselves.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate nature, enjoy light physical activity like kayaking, and want a taste of local cuisine amid stunning scenery. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture.

Key Points

Natural beauty: Kayaking through mangroves, lagoons, and limestone cliffs immerses you in a truly unique ecosystem.
Authentic cuisine: Enjoy a freshly prepared Dominican-style lunch on a quiet beach within the park.
Relaxation & refreshment: The Caño Hondo Pools offer therapeutic waters and a peaceful setting for swimming and unwinding.
Full-day adventure: Incorporates scenic boat rides, land transfers, and multiple activities for a well-rounded experience.
Group size & guides: Guided by knowledgeable local guides, the tours are flexible and available in English, French, and Spanish.
Travel considerations: Expect a ferry ride of over an hour plus a 20-minute land transfer—worth it for the scenery, but something to plan for if you’re sensitive to motion or long travel times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

When booking a tour that covers Los Haitises National Park and Caño Hondo Pools, it’s essential to understand what the day involves—and what it might mean for you. We found this tour offers a fantastic escape into nature, but it also comes with some logistical considerations.

Planning more time in Samana? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Your adventure begins with a scenic transfer from Samana Port. The tour provider covers ferry tickets, but keep in mind that the ferry ride itself—lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours—can be rough, especially if the sea is choppy. Several reviews mentioned this aspect: one traveler from the U.S. noted that “the ride was rough,” and a traveler from Belgium appreciated the “totaal andere ervaring” (completely different experience) of kayaking after the boat trip. If you get seasick or dislike long boat rides, this could be a point to consider.

Once you arrive in Sabana de la Mar, your local guide—likely a friendly and knowledgeable individual—transfers you by land for about 20 minutes into the park. The guides are praised for their expertise, often leading the group smoothly through each stop, sharing insights about the environment, wildlife, and history.

Exploring Los Haitises by Kayak

The highlight for many is the kayaking. Paddling through mangrove channels and lagoons, you’ll be surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. The water is usually calm, making it accessible for most paddlers, but some reviews mention that the activity involves moderate physical effort—so a basic level of fitness helps. We loved the way guides pointed out exotic birds, reptiles, and tropical fish, adding an educational touch to the adventure.

Lunch on the Secluded Beach

After kayaking, you’ll enjoy a delicious Dominican-style meal on a remote beach within the park. The reviews rave about the quality of the food, describing it as “great” and “fabulous.” Expect local dishes that highlight regional flavors, served in a peaceful, natural setting, far from tourist crowds. This is a real highlight—good food, good company, and a chance to relax.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Caño Hondo Pools

The last major stop is the Caño Hondo Pools, a series of spring-fed pools set in lush jungle scenery. While some reviews remark that these pools aren’t entirely natural—some describe them as “constructed”—they remain a refreshing and scenic place to swim. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic qualities, making them an ideal spot to unwind after the morning’s activity. Many find this a peaceful ending to an energetic day.

While you're exploring Samana, here are other experiences we've looked into

Transportation & Timing

The timeline is flexible but can be long. Some travelers expressed frustration over the extensive travel times, especially if they wanted to return earlier. You can choose a return at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m., but be aware that plans sometimes shift, as one reviewer noted they were told the night before to leave at 9 a.m. instead of their preferred time.

What to Pack & Wear

Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, water, swimsuit, camera, and insect repellent. Comfortable clothes and quick-drying footwear are advisable. Since touchy plants are off-limits, just enjoy the lush environment and respect the natural setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

While it’s perfect for active travelers, those with back problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers might find parts of this tour challenging. The kayaking is moderate, and the ferry ride can be uncomfortable for sensitive stomachs. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, prepare accordingly or consider other options.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

What sets this tour apart is its mix of adventure and authenticity. Guides seem genuinely passionate and eager to share their knowledge, the scenery is breathtaking, and the food is genuinely local. The kayaking through mangroves offers more than just a photo opp—it’s a chance to see the ecosystem up close, with opportunities to spot exotic wildlife.

The lunch is an unexpectedly authentic highlight—served in a quiet, natural setting—giving you a real taste of Dominican hospitality and cuisine. The pools, though not entirely pristine natural formations, provide a peaceful retreat with waters that many find therapeutic.

However, the long travel times and the ferry ride may be a drawback for some, especially if you’re looking for a more compact day. The reviews suggest that extra planning can make the day smoother—reading about others’ experiences can prepare you for possible schedule adjustments.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy light outdoor activities, want to experience Los Haitises’ unique landscape, and appreciate authentic local food, this tour offers solid value. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a bit of travel and moderate physical activity. For nature lovers, the opportunity to paddle through mangroves and relax in natural pools makes this a memorable experience.

If your priority is comfortable transportation or you prefer shorter, less physically demanding outings, you might consider other options. But if you’re eager to connect with the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic in a way that combines adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour hits many marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry ride from Samana to Sabana de la Mar takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, which can be rough if the sea is choppy.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, as long as you don’t mind being in the water, since swimming in the pools is optional. However, comfort in water and moderate physical activity is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, swimwear, camera, insect repellent, and comfortable clothes. Quick-drying footwear is also advisable.

Are guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, French, and Spanish, ensuring a smooth and informative experience.

Can I choose my return time?
Yes, you can select to return at either 3 p.m. or 5 p.m., but be aware plans might change, as some travelers experienced.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes a Dominican-style lunch served on a secluded beach within the park.

What kind of physical effort does kayaking involve?
It involves moderate activity, suitable for most people with basic fitness. It’s not strenuous but does require some paddling.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness.

What is the condition of the pools?
The Caño Hondo Pools are spring-fed and surrounded by jungle, offering a scenic and relaxing swim, though some describe them as “constructed” rather than entirely natural.

How worthwhile is this tour overall?
Most travelers rate it 4 out of 5, praising guides, scenery, and food, though some mention long travel times and logistical challenges. It’s a good pick for those wanting a balanced outdoor experience with cultural flavors.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded day exploring the beauty of Los Haitises, combining paddling, local cuisine, and swimming in scenic pools. It rewards travelers seeking an active, authentic, and scenic escape—just be prepared for some travel hours and a fair bit of boat time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

More Great Tours Nearby