The Bávaro Lagoon, a Natural Paradise in Punta Cana

Even if you have already visited the Dominican Republic several times, you’ll find that the country still has ways of surprising you with unique destinations for every time you visit.

Did you know that Punta Cana has an incredible lagoon with incredible natural scenery? Today we’re going to talk about the Bávaro Lagoon.

Where is the Bávaro Lagoon located?

As the name suggests, the Bávaro Lagoon is very close to Playa Bávaro so, if you stay in this area, you can take a day trip to visit the lagoon for a few hours. However, and despite the fact that it is very close to the coast, it’s not possible to reach it on foot, but rather you have to take a short car ride, either driving yourself or taking a taxi. The journey is approximately 15 kilometres, depending on where you are in Playa Bávaro, and it will take you approximately 25 minutes to reach the area of Cabeza de Toro, where access to the Bávaro Lagoon is located.

It is also possible to get here from other parts of Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic in general, but you have to bear in mind that you’ll need more time and you may end up spending a whole day between the journey and the time you spend exploring it. 

Source: conociendolonuestro.com

What will you find at the Bávaro Lagoon?

The Bávaro Lagoon is a protected natural area whose landscapes will be the highlight of your holidays in the Dominican Republic.

This area is home to a very special biodiversity, as it is a place frequented by birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, in addition to the fact that we can find more than 200 plant species. As you can imagine, many of these species are endemic, which makes the lagoon even more special in terms of the life you can find here.

As you may be imagining, the Bávaro Lagoon has an area with mangroves, which you can enjoy while taking one of the most authentic nature photos in Punta Cana. 

Right when you arrive, you’ll find nature in its wildest state, with hardly any signs of human activity. Lush plants, prominent vegetation and all the charm of being out in the middle of nature. 

You’ll see that its waters are not as clear as those of Playa Bávaro, for example. The lagoon is surrounded by vegetation and animal life, which make the water less transparent, typical of this kind of place. It also has a greenish tone that can even tend to appear brown at certain times of the year. 

Activities at the Bávaro Lagoon

The Bávaro Lagoon, in the Dominican Republic, offers endless activities that you can enjoy when you visit it. Many of these activities have to do with nature and are focused on what is referred to as ecotourism, a type of alternative tourism in which activities are carried out that allow you to enjoy the natural environment with a certain amount of exclusivity.

Bird watching, for example, is one of the most highly valued and enjoyed activities, both by visitors and by Dominicans themselves who decide to come with their families or friends to see this incredible lagoon. This bird watching activity will be the highlight for those who love this type of tourism as you can enjoy seeing more than 86 species of birds, of which 8 are endemic. You will be able to find “yaguacines”, pelicans, seagulls… It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t be able to see them all, because many can only be found at certain times of the day or in very specific seasons. What is certain is that you’ll take back an incredible memory of the Bávaro Lagoon and the Dominican Republic. 

Another of the activities that stands out in this area is kayaking, which will allow you to explore the lagoon and all of the treasures it contains up close. As you navigate through its waters, you’ll discover different settings, each with its own plants and wildlife. If this activity seems interesting to you, it’s important for you to know that one of the best times to do it is at sunset when the last rays of sun fall on the lagoon, creating the most captivating colours. Doesn’t that sound just divine? 

In addition to bird watching and kayaking, you can find other options such as hiking, scenic sailing and sport fishing. 

You can book all these activities at the entrance to the Bávaro Lagoon from Cabeza de Toro, where you’ll also find shops with high-quality handcrafted products and restaurants where you can enjoy the area’s gastronomy. 

Some recommendations for visiting the Bávaro Lagoon

As we’ve indicated, the Bávaro Lagoon is a place where both locals and visitors go, so it’ll come as no surprise that the best time to visit is early on in the day to be able to enjoy it even more. 

It’s also important to emphasise the fact that the visit will likely take hours, so don’t forget to wear sun protection to protect your skin from any sun damage.

Remember that the area around the Bávaro Lagoon also has lots of untouched nature, so it’s best to wear closed shoes to be able to walk around more comfortably, instead of wearing flip flops. 

What do you think of the option of exploring the Bávaro Lagoon on your next holiday? Were you already familiar with this incredible destination in the Dominican Republic?