Kayaking Los Haitises National Park from Sabana de La Mar

Paddle through mangroves after hiking the humid forest canopy

A combined hiking and kayaking tour in Los Haitises National Park starting from Sabana de La Mar, where you trek three hours through primary and secondary rainforest, learn about medicinal plants and reach the Jivales River spring, then paddle kayaks through mangrove swamps to San Lorenzo Bay. The local guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. All safety gear, park entry and refreshments are included.

The experience

You start at Caño Hondo or Sabana de La Mar port and head into the humid forest of Los Haitises National Park with a local guide. The hike covers three hours through broadleaf forest, where you'll see the primary and secondary growth that defines this landscape. Along the way, the guide points out medicinal plants and explains the original history of the park. The trail leads to the spring of the Jivales River, which feeds the natural pools at Eco-lodge Caño Hondo: a concrete landmark that marks the transition from hiking to water.

Once you reach the spring, you put on lifejackets and board kayaks to paddle through mangrove swamps. The waterway opens into San Lorenzo Bay, where you can photograph the rugged forest landscape rising from the water. Bird-filled mangroves line the route, and the rolling hills of vegetation frame the bay. This is the part where you control the pace and direction of the kayak, moving at your own speed through the ecosystem.

The full outing runs about four hours from start to finish. All fees, taxes and activities are covered in the price. You also get beverages throughout the day and all the safety equipment you need. Public transportation options are available near the departure point if you're traveling without a rental car.

What’s included

• Los Haitises National Park entry and all fees.
• three-hour guided hike through the rainforest.
• kayak, lifejacket and all safety equipment.
• paddling through mangrove swamps and San Lorenzo Bay.
• beverages throughout the day.
• local guide commentary in your choice of language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ballenas

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one other language, so you can follow the commentary about medicinal plants and park history in whichever language works best for you. The four-hour pace (three hours hiking, then kayaking at your own speed) suits travelers with moderate fitness who want to move through the forest without rushing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the hike through Los Haitises before we get to the kayaks?

The hike lasts three hours and takes you through the humid forest to the Jivales River spring, where the kayaking portion begins.

Is the kayaking part difficult if I've never paddled before?

The kayaking happens in mangrove swamps and San Lorenzo Bay at a pace you set. Lifejackets and all safety gear are provided, and the guide is with you throughout.

What's included in the price?

Park entry, the hike, kayak equipment, lifejackets, beverages and all activities are included. Gratuities, lunch and transfers are separate.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the starting point?

Public transportation options are available near Caño Hondo and Sabana de La Mar port, though you can also arrange a private transfer if you prefer.