Welcome to
Pedernales
Tucked in the southwestern most corner of the Dominican Republic, bordering Haiti, the Pedernales province is as remote as it gets. Yet this distant, desert-like coastal landscape beckons the ultimate outdoor explorer–a place where giant cacti line the roads with intermittent views of iridescent turquoise shores, where cows and iguanas are a frequent sight, and where naturalists will find the country’s most significant reserves.
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The majority of visitors head to Pedernales to reach Bahía de Las Águilas, the crown jewel of Dominican beaches, sitting below breathtaking karst cliffs and untouched since Pre-Columbian times. But those who stay overnight will find a province boasting some of the most unique geographical features and protected natural sights in the country. Parks, lagoons, and lakes that host endemic, endangered reptiles, birds, and wild flora. Ancient Taino caverns that reveal freshwater sinkholes, and rock art few have explored. And the Jaragua National Park, a jewel in the DR’s nature crown, part of a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, that is home to 400 species of flora, 130 species of birds–look for flamingos at Laguna de Oviedo–an abundant marine life with turtles nesting on its beaches, and sharks swimming off the islands of Beata and Alto Velo. You’ll find a haven of reptiles as well, including the Hispaniolan solenodon, and the Hispaniolan hutia. Nearby, American crocodiles breed and bask in hypersaline waters at Lago Enriquillo, the Caribbean’s largest lake, sitting 43 meters (140 feet) below sea level.
Head off the beach and forests, and swim in river fed pools amid caverns. Or drive up into the cool mountains at 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level, and witness rare Caribbean phenomena like the geological depression at Hoyo de Pelempito.
Pedernales’ attractions are often included in tours of the Barahona province, located approximately two hours away (135 kilometers or 84 miles). But you can escape the madding crowds and overnight near the country’s most pristine beach if you choose, and take in this nature province’s wild surroundings.
Pedernales’ best entry point is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), located approximately four and a half hours west.
LATEST EVENTS
Jan 15 - Mar 31
Whale Watching Season
Samana Bay
Watch the 1,500 to 2,000 whales that migrate to the waters of the Samaná Bay on a guided boat tour ...
Feb 23 - Feb 28
Master of the Ocean 2023
Cabarete
Master of the Ocean is considered the most significant open water competition in the region. This ra...
GUIDES & MAPS
Attractions in Pedernales
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Recognized as the most beautiful beach in the DR and part of the Jaragua National Park, this diamond-white stretch runs a whopping five miles, boasting crystal clear turquoise waters, and a spectacular rocky karst landscape hugs this beach all along the coastline.
Beaches, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, National Parks + Protected Areas
Cabo Rojo remains one of the DR’s most popular beaches, winning visitors over with its captivating coastal views. Its turquoise waters are also home to some of the Caribbean Sea’s best-preserved coral reefs, providing a breeding ground for Antillean Manatees and the juvenile hawksbills.
Beaches, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly
A wide open field fills with open air stalls, where Haitian vendors sell products ranging from vegetables to secondhand clothing and electronics. It’s one big flea market!
Shopping
Located a cool 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) high–the drive is an attraction in itself, and unique to the Caribbean region. At the top are several mountain trails near the observatory, which overlooks the geological depression dropping 700 meters (2,300 feet), nestled between the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains.
Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, Iconic Sights, National Parks + Protected Areas
Jaragua National Park is one of DR’s most significant natural reserves; part of the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the DR, the park encompass diverse ecosystems–from sea to land, lagoon to isles, and a rich and diverse wildlife.
Family-Friendly, National Parks + Protected Areas, Wildlife Spotting
Lago Enriquillo is the largest and deepest lake below sea level in the Caribbean, ideal for wildlife watching and nature exploration. Boat trips along the lake’s waters and onto Isla Cabritos reveal a large population of American crocodiles, and flamingos.
Family-Friendly, Iconic Sights, National Parks + Protected Areas, Rivers + Lakes, Wildlife Spotting
The largest lagoon in DR, with a salt-water level three times higher than that of the sea, Laguna de Oviedo is a prime bird watching area. Around the lagoon’s thick mangrove swamps and 24 keys you’ll spot royal and blue herons, the great egret, roseate spoonbills, sandpipers, and flamingos.
Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, National Parks + Protected Areas, Rivers + Lakes, Wildlife Spotting
The largest wind farm in the Caribbean and Central America, Parque Eólico Los Cocos is also the first in the DR; rising to the height of a 40-floor building, it’s almost impossible to grasp just how big these wind turbines are until you’re driving up close.
Family-Friendly, Iconic Sights
Hike the shores of Laguna de Oviedo along the Paseo de los Flamencos for a close look at the lovely pink creatures from land; the hour-long walk takes you along the lake’s thick mangrove swamps, exploring flora.
Family-Friendly, Hiking
Pedernales is the country’s largest source of spiny lobsters. The better known restaurants in Pedernales, such as King Crab, Jalicar and Perla Negra, will prepare them grilled or to the recipe of your choice. While there are no restaurants in Bahía de las Aguilas, tourists can go early and then return for lunch at Cabo […]
Dining
Where to stay in
Pedernales
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