Dominican Republic Eco Lodges

Escape to paradise with our favorite Dominican Republic Eco Lodges! Nestled in lush jungles, near pristine beaches, or high in the mountains, these sustainable stays offer unforgettable experiences in harmony with nature. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Dominican Republic Eco Lodges deliver both. Scroll down to explore the best eco-friendly retreats and start your journey today!

Dominican Republic Eco Lodges and Resorts

Ecotourism in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic (DR) is not only known for its beaches and resorts, but also for its rich biodiversity. Tourists can explore 19 national parks, many forest reserves, natural monuments and wildlife refuges. About twenty five percent of the this country’s land and coastline is protected. The Dominican Republic created the Marine Mammal Sanctuary for Humpback Whales in 1962. Up to 5,000 whales migrate to the northern coast for the warm waters. Nature surrounds you in the Dominican Republic!

Flora and Fauna of the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of the most biodiverse countries in the Caribbean. You will find rainforests, mangroves, as well as dry forests and coral reefs.

Flora:
• Mahogany (national tree).
• Royal Palm.
• Flamboyant Tree (beautiful red flowers).
• Coastal Mangroves.

Fauna:
• Humpback Whales – annual migration to Samaná Bay (January-March).
• Rhinoceros Iguana – rare endemic iguana.
• Solenodon – also known as the agouta, it is a unique nocturnal animal, related to prehistoric mammals. It’s one of the few venomous mammals. It is endangered and endemic to Hispaniola.
• American Manatee – endangered species in mangroves and bays.
• Over 300 bird species – including the Palmchat (national bird) and flamingos.

Best Ecotourism Destinations in the Dominican Republic

• The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua – a must see! Visitors can see a series of waterfalls that can be as high as forty-three feet.  Each of the falls includes a rock pool at the bottom.
• Los Haitises National Park – mangroves, caves with Taíno petroglyphs (created by the indigenous Taino people), and a rich biodiversity.
• Bahía de Samaná – one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales (January-March).
• Jaragua National Park – the largest national park in the DR, with flamingos and turtles on Playa Bahía de las Águilas.
• Sierra de Bahoruco National Park – rainforest, cloud forest and unique birds such as the Hispaniolan trogon.
• Lago Enriquillo – the largest salt lake in the Caribbean, with crocodiles and iguanas.
• Pico Duarte – the highest mountain in the Caribbean, perfect for adventurous eco-hikes.
• Isla Saona and Isla Catalina – protected islands with pristine beaches and coral reefs.
• Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve (the website is in Spanish)– unique cloud forest with endemic flora and crystal clear rivers.
• El Limón Waterfall – beautiful waterfall in a lush rainforest, accessible by foot or horseback.
• Ojos Indígenas Ecological Park – private nature reserve with hiking trails and natural lagoons.

2 Week Sustainable Dominican Republic Travel Itinerary

Week 1: Northeast – Rainforests, Whales and Waterfalls

Day 1-3: Samaná Peninsula
• Whale watching (January-March) or snorkeling in Cayo Levantado.
• Hike to El Limón Waterfall.
• Stay in one of the Dominican Republic Eco Lodges.

Day 4-5: Los Haitises National Park
• Boat tour through mangroves and caves.
• Spot birds like frigate birds and pelicans.
• Overnight stay at one of the Dominican Republic Eco Lodges.

Day 6-7: Cabarete and Ebano Verde
• Sustainable kitesurfing in Cabarete.
• Hike in Ebano Verde Reserve.
• Stay in one of the Dominican Republic Eco Lodges.

Week 2: The Southwest – Mountains, salt lakes and pristine beaches

Day 8-9: Pico Duarte and Valle Nuevo
• Hike to the top of Pico Duarte (2-4 days depending on your skills. Campsites available).
• Explore the cloud forest in Valle Nuevo National Park.

Day 10-11: Lago Enriquillo and Sierra de Bahoruco
• Spot crocodiles and iguanas in Lago Enriquillo.
• Visit the coffee plantations and cloud forests of Sierra de Bahoruco.
• Stay in one of the Dominican Republic Eco Lodges.

Day 12-14: Jaragua National Park and Bahia de las Águilas
• Relax on the secluded beach of Bahia de las Águilas.
• Visit the Oviedo Lagoon area with flamingos.

Ecological Threats in the Dominican Republic

Deforestation and Habitat Loss
• Illegal logging and agriculture are expanding in protected areas such as the Sierra de Bahoruco.
• Mangroves are disappearing due to tourism and urban development.

Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels
• Coral reefs are dying due to warmer waters and pollution.
• Floods and hurricanes are becoming more intense, destroying ecosystems.

Pollution and Waste Management
• Poor waste management and plastic pollution, especially around tourist beaches.
• Water pollution from industry and agriculture.

Overfishing and Destructive Fishing
• Local fish populations such as parrotfish are threatened by overfishing.
• Dynamite fishing and bottom trawling (where nets are dragged across the seafloor) damage reefs.

Government Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability

Ecotourism is playing an increasingly important role in tourism policy, with initiatives for sustainable accommodation, and rainforest conservation. Responsible snorkel tours try to minimize the impact on the marine environment; tourists are asked not to touch or feed marine life, and to use eco-friendly sunscreen. Key ecotourism initiatives in the Domenican Republic are:

• Protected natural areas – more than 25% of the country consists of protected natural areas.
• Nature and wildlife excursions – sustainable whale watching, bird watching and eco-friendly hikes.
• Plastic ban and waste management – cities and tourist areas are increasingly focusing on less plastic use. Phased ban on plastic straws, bags, and polystyrene.
• Sustainability Policy in Hotels and Resorts – increasing number of eco-certifications and green initiatives.
• Fishing Restrictions and Marine Reserves – restrictions on fishing methods and protected areas such as national parks, wildlife refuges, and marine mammal sanctuaries. 
• Reforestation projects – programs to replant deforested areas, especially in mountainous areas.

Small-scale Conservation Projects in the Dominican Republic

• Fundación Grupo Jaragua – protection of biodiversity in the southwest, with a special focus on Lago Enriquillo and Jaragua National Park.
• FUNDEMAR (Fundación Dominicana de Estudios Marinos) – works on coral restoration and protection of marine ecosystems.
• Turtle Protection Program in Saona and Bayahibe – conservation of endangered sea turtles.
• Reef Check Dominican Republic – monitoring and restoration of coral reefs by volunteers and divers.
• Ecored Dominicana – initiatives to make businesses and tourism greener and more sustainable.

Tips for Sustainable travel in the Dominican Republic

Choose the greenest option – Guagua’s (minivans) and Caribe Tour(s) buses are the most sustainable option.
Where to stay – sleep in one of the Dominican Republic eco lodges. 
Activities – support conservation by going to Los Haitises, Jaragua and Lago Enriquillo.

Want to explore the Dominican Republic with a small ecological footprint? Check out more than 40 sustainable travel tips!

Dominican Republic Eco lodges and Travel safety

Check in advance what the safety situation is in the Dominican Republic and in the areas, you plan to visit. Of course, first-hand information is always the best, but don’t believe everything you read on social media channels. You can also consult your country’s official government website. For American citizens, this is the Dominican Republic page:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/DominicanRepublic.html

Check out all our Dominican Republic Lodging and Tours.