Isla Cabritos National Park

The basics

Located in a remote region of the Dominican Republic, Los Cabritos National Park is most easily visited as part of a guided tour from Paraiso, Los Patos, and the Barahona region or from Santo Domingo. Tours often include a boat ride and time on the island, along with nearby attractions such as the Las Caritas Taino cave or Oviedo Lagoon.

Independent travelers can organize a boat tour from the main entrance, which also is home to a visitor center with exhibits and viewpoint, an aviary, observation platform, and floating docks.

Things to know before you go

• The area has some of the highest temperatures in the Dominican Republic. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

• A cafeteria can be found at the national park entrance station.

• Rising water levels and heavy rainfall can affect lake water levels and road access.

How to get there

The park and island is located in the middle of Lake Enriquillo and accessible by boat. Boat tours can be arranged at the national park entrance station, near the town of Descubierta, northwest of the lake. By car, take Highway 46 west from Barahona. A guided tour is the easiest way to visit the lake and island.

When to get there

Isla Cabritos National Park is known for having some of the hottest and driest weather in the Dominican Republic. Avoid visiting in the summer to escape the worst of the heat, or time your visit for early in the morning. If you come in the spring, you’ll have the opportunity to see blooming desert flowers and butterflies.

Wildlife at Los Cabritos

A wide range of wildlife flourishes at Los Cabritos. In addition to the endangered Ricord’s iguana, the threatened rhinoceros iguana, and hundreds of American crocodiles, the island is home to more than 60 species of birds, including flamingos, egrets, terns, and herons. More than 100 species of plants also can be found around the island.