Beautiful caves! We hiked from Dreams Dominicus which was fairly far (15km round trip). Be sure to... read more
Beautiful caves! We hiked from Dreams Dominicus which was fairly far (15km round trip). Be sure to... read more
We heard about this cave from another couple at the resort and decided to go on adventure. There... read more
It’s a good 40 minute walk. 10 minutes from the town of Bayahibe along the main road to the park entrance and then 30 minute walking inside the park to the cave. We were approached by a young guide called Raymond who works on a tip basis. Go with him because it helps him to earn some money plus the way to the cave is not straightforward or sign posted. I’m really glad we accepted his offer to guide us because usually we don’t use guides. The first cave we reached had partially collapsed and cordoned off for no access as it was dangerous. We wouldn’t have known about the second cave without Raymond. For the most part the path is not a problem but be aware that some of the path is rock hard dead reef underfoot so wear decent shoes like trainers with a good sole. Flip flops or thin sole shoes are no good and watch where you are going as you walk to avoid going over on your ankle. Saying that, it’s really not difficult but just be prepared. Wear suncscreen. You access the cave down a ramped style wood staircase with foothold nailed bits of wood. Not hard to walk down but it can be slippery. From there you go down rock steps which are natural boulders, no handrail and slippery. Again not too difficult and it’s all kept natural which is great, but watch where you are going and you MUST have a torch, it’s almost pitch dark inside. We didn’t swim because the sun was going down outside. Apparently people do swim here but it’s not lit inside so if you are wary of dark places you possibly wouldn’t like it because it’s very dark. I love caves, I always seek them out and this was worth it as the walk was great too, lots of different palms, cacti etc. I saw a few bats inside but very difficult to see as so dark.
Very special place. Empty. The path from the park gate takes around 40 minutes. The cave is dark, a torch is necessary. After 10 minutes you reach the cavern with daylight from the holes in the top. Amazing place. And to the right there is a big covered cavern with stalactites, stalagmites and stalgnites. Thera are many bats inside. And there are big spiders. It's worth visiting.
This is an amazing cave system. Worth the visit!
First go to the last resort of the area, closest you can get by car. Go through the gate at this parking area and drive for 100m on a dirt road. Park your car there.
There will be a secretary for the national parque, you can buy a ticket to hike in the national park there. Cheap, we paid 200 pesos per person.
It's a decent but flat hike to the cave. Really nice nature and we where completely undisturbed by other tourists.
You don't need a guide, the path is clear, take a left when you get to a t junction. That's really all there is to it. In case you do not turn left the route kinda ceases to exist so as long as you see a path your fine.
Lots of muscitos so bring repellent.
After an hour you should arrive at the cave. You will need a flashlight or a mobile phone with one on it. Bring two in case one of them runs out of battery.
We walked through the caves, it's a real spectacle. We seen special kind of spider here making the noises, this cave must have been here for a long time stalagmites everywhere.
It is possible to take a right turn in the cave. Have no clue how far you can walk into that section. We didn't have the 2 flashlights I suggested before ;)
Enjoy, if you love nature this is the place to go. Else go there as well and you will love it soon after.
Ps. The bracelet you will get will also be valid for the other parts of the park. So you can visit the cuevas del chico as well.
Drive past all the resorts on the Dominicus Americanus and at the end you will find an entrance to the national park. Through the gate and turn right along the bumpy dirt road for about five minutes and you arrive at the car park with shady trees.
There you will find someone (Spanish speaking only) to point you in the right direction. The cave takes about 40 minutes to reach walking through the trees, the last one third of which is uphill, but not really difficult.
The cave or rather the series of caves are unlit, so you must take a torch or a guide with a torch. The caves have bats, so don't go if you are afraid of them. How long you spend in the caves depend on how many of them you visit.
On the walk back, at the point where the path turns uphill, there is a very small path in the other direction onto the beach, which is completely empty there.
We were charged DR$200 each as entry charge.
The caves are supposed to contain Taino art, but without a guide, you won't be able to find it.
The cave is situated about 3 km from the entry to the park. You can reach the park entry either taking a gua gua or walking (another c.a. 3km from Dominicus) The path is not very challenging, but proper footwear is recommended. The cave itself is larger than seems at the beginning. Some interesting formations and rock windows can be expected. Remember to take a flashlight (preferably headlamp) and expect large difference in temperature compared to the outside. Bats dwell peacefully here, avoid disturbing them. After the visit you can take a walk using the beach back to Dominicus.
Wow, this was an incredible and peaceful hike! You start off right by the beach and then eventually turn left to go inland. There aren't as many signs on this trail compared to Padre Nuestro, but the path is mostly clear. Bring water, as it does get quite warm. The cave itself is remarkable! I've never been in such a huge cave; it was eerie and beautiful, filled with bats -- not for the faint hearted! Photos just don't do it justice. Definitely worth checking out, and if you're nervous about getting lost, then hire a guide and enjoy!