| Lake/Lagoon | Description |
|---|---|
| Lago Enriquillo | Largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean and one of the largest lakes in the world at 131 ft below sea level |
| Laguna Oviedo | Pristine freshwater mountain lake surrounded by pine forests and peaks over 9,800 ft high on the border with Haiti |
| Salto de Jimenoa Uno | Secluded 20-meter high waterfall deep in the jungle that falls into a picture-perfect natural swimming hole enclosed by sheer cliffs |
| Laguna Gri Gri | Shallow bioluminescent lagoon on Samaná Peninsula that glows neon blue at night from special microorganisms when disturbed |
| Laguna Redonda | Coastal saltworks evaporation lagoon fringed with cacti where locals harvest sea salt using artisanal methods unchanged for over 500 years |
| Laguna Limón | Brackish lagoon bordered by red mangroves on Samaná Peninsula where endangered hawksbill sea turtles come to lay their eggs |
| Laguna Cabarete | Huge 4-km long coastal lagoon with near-constant winds that make it one of the top kiteboarding destinations in the world |
The Dominican Republic is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. But few visitors realize that this Caribbean paradise is also home to breathtaking lakes and lagoons tucked away in lush mountain valleys and coastal areas.
These majestic bodies of fresh and saltwater offer incredible scenery, outdoor recreation, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences you won’t find at the resorts. So bring your sense of adventure and get ready to discover the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secrets with this guide to the country’s most enchanting lakes and lagoons!
Lago Enriquillo – The Caribbean’s Largest Saltwater Lake
Lago Enriquillo is a sprawling saltwater lake located in a valley in the southwestern Dominican Republic near the Haitian border.
Spanning over 375 square kilometers (145 square miles) across, Enriquillo is the biggest lake in the Caribbean and one of the largest in the world. It’s also the lowest point in the region at 40 meters (131 feet) below sea level.
This extraordinary sub-sea level basin provides habitats for American Crocodiles, Hispaniolan Slider Turtles, Caribbean Flamingos, and other unique wildlife specially adapted to its extreme environment.
The panorama of Lago Enriquillo’s vivid turquoise waters set against arid desert mountains is an incredible sight. You can experience the lake’s endless horizons by taking boat rides to islets covered with cacti and salt crystals that sparkle in the Caribbean sun.
Driving along Enriquillo’s shores, you’ll pass tiny fishing villages where locals still use traditional techniques like handmade nets suspended between thatched huts built on stilts over the water.
Stop to try mouthwatering seafood dishes starring the lake’s famous “Cocoteros” crabs and keep an eye out for pink flamingos stalking the shallows.
Laguna Oviedo – A Pristine Mountain Lake
Nestled high in the lush Cordillera Central mountains along the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti lies the exquisite Laguna Oviedo.
Surrounded by pine forests and peaks towering over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), this elevated lake’s sparkling sapphire waters reflect the soaring greenery in an unbroken natural mirror.
Accessible via the small mountain village of Pedro Garcia, Laguna Oviedo offers idyllic serenity perfect for communing with nature.
Visitors can swim, kayak, hike and bird watch while breathing in the crisp highland air scented with Caribbean pines.
As one of Hispaniola’s least disturbed habitats Laguna Oviedo provides a refuge for over 68 native bird species and 45 types of orchids that thrive in its mild climate.
Keep your eyes peeled for the near-endemic Hispaniolan Crossbill flitting through pine boughs along the lakeshore.
Salto de Jimenoa Uno – A Secluded Jungle Waterfall
For those seeking hidden tropical treasures, the plunge pool at the base of Salto de Jimenoa Uno waterfall is one of the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secrets.
Tumbling 20 meters (65 feet) through the jungle over colossal granite boulders smoothed by eons of falling water, Jimenoa Uno rewards intrepid hikers with an utterly secluded natural swimming hole perfect for escaping the Caribbean heat.
Surrounded on all sides by sheer cliff faces smothered with clinging orchids and bromeliads, the crystalline pool seems suspending in mid-air within an enclosing emerald amphitheater.
The deafening roar of tons of falling water reverberates off the enclosing rock walls, making Jimenoa Uno feel like a refuge hidden at the edge of the world.
Reaching the falls requires an adventurous uphill trek along steep muddy footpaths through flower-strewn rainforest in the remotest corners of the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range.
But floating in the deep cold pool under the pounding cascade is the ultimate reward for your efforts. Just beware of strong currents near the falls before diving in!
Laguna Gri Gri – A Bioluminescent Natural Wonder
Mysterious lights glowing along the shoreline entice visitors to explore Laguna Gri Gri after dark. This brackish coastal lagoon on the Samaná Peninsula holds one of the Caribbean’s best-kept bioluminescence secrets.
Special microorganisms in Gri Gri’s waters produce an eerie neon blue glow when disturbed, transforming night swims and kayaking into magical experiences. Many claim Gri Gri’s shimmer rivals Mexico’s famous Puerto Morelos biobays.
Mangrove trees surround this shallow 700-meter-wide lagoon, providing vital breeding grounds for marine species and shorebirds like egrets, herons, and kingfishers.
The ethereal sparkling waters have inspired fairy tale myths about merhousekeepers hiding within Gri Gri’s tranquil basin.
Local guides lead fascinating night tours to observe the spectacle, with many options for glamping on platforms over the water afterward. Be prepared to lose all concept of time floating blissfully under a glittering blue starscape reflected in Gri Gri’s glowing tide!
Laguna Redonda – A Scenic Coastal Saltworks
Bordering the wild windswept shoreline of Miches on the northeast Dominican coast sprawls the vivid emerald expanse of Laguna Redonda.
Fringed with swaying palm trees and bordered by towering cacti, Redonda’s festive color comes from salt crystallizing in evaporation ponds surrounding its hypersaline waters.
For over 500 years locals have harvested sea salt from Redonda using artisanal methods perfected since before Columbus landed on Hispaniola. They channel seawater into the lagoon through hand-dug canals, then extract salt by allowing the brine to evaporate naturally in shallow ponds.
The pastel tones of Redonda’s salt piles contrast beautifully with the cobalt sea stretching to the horizon beyond. Stop into waterside restaurants to sample fresh seafood while enjoying the panorama, or book boat trips to see how crystalized salt gets harvested first-hand.
Just beware – Redonda’s waters are far too salty for swimming! But wading through piles of vivid pink salt along her shores for Instagram pics is an absolute must.
Laguna Limón – Sea Turtles and Mangroves
Along the gorgeous Playa Limón on the Samaná Peninsula, a hidden brackish lagoon provides vital habitats where endangered sea turtles come to lay their eggs.
Fringed with red mangrove forests that stretch their tangled roots into the mixing zone where fresh and saltwater converge, Laguna Limón offers serene paddling paths for kayaking through the shady canopy.
Guides lead tours showcasing the four species of sea turtle that nest here – Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Loggerheads and Greens. If you’re lucky, you may catch mothers hauling themselves ashore under moonlight to lay eggs on Limón’s pristine sands during peak season from March-July.
Early mornings are also best for spotting vibrant kingfishers, egrets and herons stalking small fish through the reedy marsh. Keep watch for the endemic Jaragua lizard – locally called the “Gua Gua” – sunning along mangrove roots as well!
With epic sunsets over the tranquil waters to toast at day’s end, Laguna Limón captures the magical blend of beach beauty and ecological riches that make the Dominican Republic so unforgettable.
Laguna Cabarete – Kiteboarding and Crocodiles
Boasting near-constant winds and smooth shallow waters perfect for kiteboarding, massive Laguna Cabarete on the country’s north coast has become one of the world’s premier kitesurfing destinations.
Overlooking swanky hotels and beach clubs, this saltwater lagoon backs sublime Playa Cabarete with its towering curled waves beloved by surfers. But when winds flatten the ocean swells, kiters flock to the calmer 4-km long Laguna to launch themselves skyward while pulling off daring midair stunts.
Experienced schools like Kite Club offer beginner through advanced lessons – even first-timers find themselves catching air across glassy turquoise expanses within minutes!
Although Cabarete Lagoon looks placid on the surface, speeding boat wakes make swimming here risky due to occasions crocodile sightings. So stick to a boardsports and enjoy the lagoon’s stunning shallow waters from above the surface instead!
Come early to secure beachfront lounge chairs with perfect views – then sip coconut cocktails through golden sunsets over glittering lagoon panoramas worthy of a postcard. Cabarete shows why the Dominican Republic reigns as the undisputed adventure sports capital of the Caribbean!
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| Table summarizing top lakes and lagoons in the Dominican Republic to visit for their unique characteristics and incredible scenery |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of lakes and lagoons does the Dominican Republic have?
The Dominican Republic has a wonderful diversity of lakes and lagoons, including mountain lakes, coastal lagoons, saltwater lakes, brackish lakes, freshwater lakes, tidal lagoons and more. These waterbodies provide vital habitats and ecosystems in settings ranging from pine forests to deserts to tropical jungles.
What activities can you do on these lakes and lagoons?
Activities range widely depending on the characteristics of each lake or lagoon. You can hike, swim, kayak, practice stand up paddleboarding, kiteboard, bird watch, stargaze, take boat tours, observe unique wildlife, relax in hidden swimming holes, and much more.
Where are the most beautiful lakes and lagoons located?
Some of the most spectacular lakes and lagoons covered in this article include Lago Enriquillo, Laguna Oviedo, Laguna Gri Gri, Laguna Redonda, Laguna Limón, and Laguna Cabarete. But stunning lesser-known lagoons await discovery across the diverse regions of the Dominican Republic.
Are the lakes and lagoons safe for swimming and watersports?
Some lakes and lagoons offer perfectly safe swimming when currents aren’t strong. But others may have occasions crocodile sightings that make wading risky. Always check with local guides on safety precautions for specific activities on each body of water based on conditions.
What is bioluminescence and where can you find it?
Bioluminescence describes the phenomenon of plankton and other microorganisms that glow with an eerie blue neon light when water gets disturbed. Laguna Gri Gri on the Samaná Peninsula holds fabulous bioluminescence that transforms night swims into magical glittering experiences under the stars.
Plan Your Dream Escape to these Enchanting Lakes
As this guide shows, some of the Dominican Republic’s most magical places are its lesser-known lakes and lagoons hidden like natural treasures across the countryside and coastlines.
With over 1,000 holiday villas across 8 destinations, SimplyDominican.com makes discovering these aquatic wonders easy. Contact us at +1 (305) 389-2255 to start planning your Caribbean trip exploring sublime lakes beyond the beaches today!
From unwinding at mountain lake retreats to kitesurfing across Cabarete Lagoon’s windswept expanses, embracing the DR’s adventures means going beyond all-inclusive resorts to connect with nature at her most glorious.
As the Dominican Republic’s leading villa specialist and #1 destination management company, Simply Dominican knows what it takes to craft truly magical and stress-free travel experiences.
Get in touch and let our team of Caribbean insiders take care of every detail while you focus on making unforgettable memories amid untamed tropical beauty!