Lake Enriquillo

Lake Enriquillo is a fascinating natural wonder and the largest lake in the Caribbean, sitting significantly below sea level. Adventurers and nature enthusiasts travel to this hypersaline lake to witness an environment completely unlike typical tropical beach destinations. The lake is famously home to a substantial population of American crocodiles, as well as striking flocks of bright pink flamingos and various species of endemic iguanas. Surrounded by arid landscapes, the lake's central island, Isla Cabritos, was historically a refuge for the indigenous Taino people and their chief, Enriquillo, after whom the lake is named. Exploring the lake via boat tours features a thrilling chance to see the wildlife up close. Local culinary offerings in the nearby towns of La Descubierta and Jimaní are simple, focusing on hearty Dominican countryside stews, rice dishes, and fresh tropical fruits. To get there, travelers usually rent a car and drive from Santo Domingo through the southwestern provinces, or take guided ecological tours. The best time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from December to March to avoid the extreme heat of the rift valley summer.

Nearby cities

Neiba

A city in the Hoya de Enriquillo valley, known for viticulture.

Villa Jaragua

A town in Baoruco province, near Lake Enriquillo.

Los Ríos

A municipality in Baoruco province, at the foot of the Sierra de Neiba.

Guayabal

A municipality in Independencia province, surrounded by mountains.

Postrer Río

A mountain municipality in Independencia province.

Comendador

The capital of Elías Piña province, on the border with Haiti.

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Hondo Valle

A mountain municipality in the Elías Piña province.

Pedro Santana

A border municipality in the Elías Piña province.

Pedernales

A border town in the extreme southwest, near pristine beaches.

Bánica

One of the oldest towns in the country, with a historic church.

Jimaní

An important border town on the shores of Lake Enriquillo.

Restauración

A municipality in the Dajabón province, in the mountains.

Loma de Cabrera

A town in Dajabón province, near the Haitian border.

Dajabón

A border city with Haiti, with an important binational market.

Castañuelas

A municipality in Monte Cristi province, surrounded by rice fields.

History & landmarks

Bahía de las Águilas

A remote beach in the southwest known for its pristine nature.

Nature

Lake Enriquillo

The largest lake in the Caribbean, known for its saltwater crocodiles.

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Oviedo Lagoon

A large saltwater lagoon in Jaragua National Park, known for its flamingos.

Étang Saumâtre

The largest lake in Haiti, home to many bird species.

More places

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Cabritos Island

A dry island in the heart of Lake Enriquillo, home to crocodiles and iguanas.

Sierra de Bahoruco National Park

A mountain national park in the southwest with an incredible diversity of ecosystems.

American Crocodiles on Isla Cabritos

Isla Cabritos, in Lake Enriquillo, is home to one of the largest wild populations of the American crocodile.

The Faces of the Indians

A rock face by Lake Enriquillo with Taíno faces carved into the stone.

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Sierra de Bahoruco Bird Sanctuary

This national park is a hotspot for birdwatchers, home to dozens of the island's endemic bird species.

Sierra de Neiba

A mountain range between the Cibao Valley and the Enriquillo Basin.

Sierra de Bahoruco

A major mountain range in the southwest.

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Grands Bois Forest

A remnant humid forest near the Dominican border, home to rare species.