The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic
Salta de Socoa, another waterfall in the Dominican Republic

The 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is well known for its beautiful beaches, its friendly people, the delicious rum and it’s year-round t-shirt weather. But this island in the Caribbean Sea won’t give away all its secrets so easily. Hidden in the countryside, there is a variety of breathtaking and unique waterfalls ready to be discovered. We at Dominican Expert put together the 5 most remarkable “Saltos” as Dominicans say, in case you get tired of the 27° warm ocean water and you are looking for a cool experience! Our collection includes two well-known waterfalls and three true hidden gems, which hardly any tourist in the Dominican Republic know about.


1. Salto El Limón

The Salto El Limon is definitely the beauty queen among waterfalls, and after looking at the pictures you will understand exactly why! It is not the highest waterfall with its 50 meters, but the beauty of the untouched nature surrounding it gives you the illusion of being hours away from civilization. El Salto del Limon is located on the Samaná peninsula and is best reached by car or an organized excursion from nearby Las Terrenas.

Salto El Limon, Samaná.

How to get there: There are several places to stop between Las Terrenas and Santa Barbara de Samaná. You can leave the car at one of the many local roadside restaurants, such as El Pino or parada Franklin. From there it takes about 40 minutes of walking or about 30 minutes on horseback.


2. Salto Socoa

The beauty of the Salto Socoa is beyond imagination and this small waterfall, surrounded by pristine nature, will exceed your expectations. The landscape is dotted with many small natural pools, which makes it easy for you to find your favorite spot to relax with the sound of the splashing water. There is even a camp site with the opportunity to spend the night on a hillside, drifting off to sleep to the sound of the waterfall. Awesome!

Salto Socoa

How to get there: The Salto Socoa is located on the highway heading from Santo Domingo to Samaná. After passing the second toll station, you will find a sign telling you to take the next exit to the right. From here just follow the road for a few minutes until reaching the small parking lot.


3. El Salto de La Jalda

With 120 meters, the Salto la Jalda is considered the goliath of waterfalls in the Dominican Republic and indeed, the whole Caribbean! Ironically, you rarely see any tourist there and it’s even unknown to many locals. The tour will take you about 4.5 hours by foot or 2.5 hours on horseback.  For those in hurry, there is also the possibility to land right in front of the waterfall with a helicopter. We personally recommend the hiking experience, but if you are short on time and you always wanted to try out a helicopter, pack your bathing suit, buckle your seatbelt and enjoy!

El Salto de La Jalda

How to get there: From Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, you will head towards Sabana de la Mar, where you will take another road to Magua. There you will see a sign directing you to Loma de Magua, which is part of the national park.  We recommend a local guide for an easier experience as the waterfall is very remote and the hiking trail occasionally difficult to follow.


4. Salto Alto de Bayaguana

This one is special! Generally, waterfalls get more intense throughout the rainy season. During this time, the Salto Alto de Bayaguana has 3 streams that fall smoothly into a beautiful natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The whole scenery will make you question reality! This waterfall is the closest to the capital of the Dominican Republic and is therefore perfectly suitable for day trips from Santo Domingo.

Salto Alto de Bayaguana

How to get there: This beautiful waterfall is a few kilometers from Bayaguana and about 1.5 hours away from Santo Domingo. It´s just a dirt road so we recommend an SUV.


5. Salto de Aguas Blancas

At about 1,680 meters above sea level, it’s one of the highest altitude waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. The plant life is completely different and temperatures can drop dramatically at night (in winter even below 0°). Be warned! Jumping into this waterfall is only for the brave! Salto de Aguas Blancas makes a perfect stopover while exploring the Cordillera Central from Jarabacoa or Constanza.

Salto de Aguas Blancas

How to get there: The Salto de Aguas Blancas is about 20 kilometers from Constanza in the direction of Valle Nuevo and the pyramid. There are many signs on the road so it’s easy to find. However, we recommend an SUV for visiting this waterfall as it is only a dirt road with many rocks and potholes to navigate.

The Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic are the perfect getaway that can be combined with roundtrips or self-driven tours while discovering the Island (For example our Natural Beauty of the Dominican Republic round trip). There are no entry fees and most of them are easy to find while followings the signs on the road. Some Waterfalls require quite a walk to reach them so make sure to take some snacks with you. If you are interested in visiting some of the waterfalls mentioned in this blog post, ask our travel experts for your customized itinerary.

 

You want to explore some or even all of the top 5 waterfalls of the Dominican Republic? Ask us for your personalized itinerary and get to know the best places of the Caribbean!
You want to go birding in the Dominican Republic and see the immense variety of this country? Ask us for your personalized birdwatching itinerary and get in touch with our professional travel experts.

Roundtrips

This short trip is specially designed for nature lovers who want to experience the animal and natural diversity of the Dominican Republic up close and far away from any civilization. Travel back in time and spend two nights in the National Park "Los Haitises", where over 4000 years ago the indigenous people of the island used to live in the caves there. During mating season from mid-January to mid-March, you will be able to witness the impressive humpback whales and see many bird species (some of them endemic) during an early morning bird watching tour.

5 Days / 4 Nights
from from 1,295 USD per person in double occupancy

Our round trip for golfers and connoisseurs starts in a renowned golf hotel, located directly on one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 4x green fees are waiting for you! In the UNESCO protected "Zona Colonial", the old town of Santo Domingo, you will find historic buildings, picturesque little streets and an excellent selection of gastronomic specialties. The "Zona" is full of life and colorful surprises! You will visit the most important rum distilleries in the country, experience cigar production first hand and see how a chocolate bar is made from a cocoa bean. You will also be able to eat delicious fresh fish, dine in the most historic square of the entire country and, of course, be invited to noble rum tastings - a real epicurean journey! Finally, relaxing days and golf await you in Puerto Plata, in a high-class boutique hotel on the beach - a perfect conclusion to this exciting golf trip through the Dominican Republic!

13 Days / 12 Nights
from USD 5,965.- per person in double occupancy

This golf trip starts in La Romana, at the prestigious Casa de Campo hotel. Here you can settle in, enjoy the hotel's amenities and excellent service, as well as indulge your passion for golf - 5x green fees are waiting for you! In the UNESCO protected "Zona Colonial", the old town of Santo Domingo, you will find historic buildings, picturesque little streets and an excellent selection of gastronomic specialties. The "Zona" is full of life and colorful surprises! Another highlight of the round trip is the peninsula of Samaná, which is one of the absolutely most beautiful regions of the country thanks to its miles of dream beaches and lush tropical nature. In addition to relaxing at the first-class, quiet beach hotel Sublime Samaná, you will embark on a journey through the Los Haitises National Park, where breathtaking natural beauty, countless bird species and exciting Taino caves await you. The last days of your trip you will spend in Punta Cana, the Caribbean No. 1, which impresses with its almost endless beaches - perfect to end the holiday and play a few rounds of golf on the most renowned courses in Punta Cana.

17 Days / 16 Nights
from From USD 7,490.- per person in double occupancy
Dreams Dominicus La Romana (All-Inclusive), Bayahibe

You want to spend a relaxing vacation with a lot of comfort in the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts, but still get to know a bit of the Dominican Republic, the country and its people? Then this trip is perfect for you! It combines the best resorts on the most beautiful Caribbean dream beaches with unforgettable experiences and impressions in beautiful places "off the beaten track", which remain hidden to most tourists. You will also make a short trip to the tropical peninsula of Samaná and visit the national park "Los Haitises". Our private transfers with professional drivers will take you to the most beautiful areas and unique accommodations of the Dominican Republic according to your wishes and with a lot of comfort.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,640.- per person in double occupancy
Las Dunas de Baní, the sole desert in the Caribbean

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this area is still almost completely undiscovered by tourists. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover this region intensively and accompanied. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. In this region you will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and pristine beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed! If you travel with a driver-guide, you will also learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot.

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 1,140.- per person in double occupancy
Dominican People

On this unique round trip, within only one week, you will discover the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic which most tourists never get to see. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover the Dominican Republic intensively and supervised. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. Travel through the heart of the island with waterfalls, lakes and mountains; and don't worry, you won't miss the beautiful beaches on this trip either. Moreover, if you travel with a driver-guide, you will learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot. As one of the highlights you will visit the remote and untouched national park "Los Haitises" during the trip.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 3,540.- per person in double occupancy
La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of natural beauty unique in the Caribbean. This versatility provides the ideal conditions for any kind of adventure experiences and sporting activities, which you will experience in two weeks on our round trip "Active Island Experience". The always pleasant air and water temperatures throughout the country make the activities even more special experiences. From activities like canyoning, river rafting, paragliding, hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls, mountain biking, surfing and kiting: this trip combines everything an adventurer's heart desires! Of course, you can choose the type and number of activities that best suit you - we will be happy to customize the trip according to your wishes. Besides, on this trip you will get to know beautiful landscapes, dream beaches and exciting places that remain hidden to most tourists and learn a lot about the Dominican culture and local life.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,875.- per person in double occupancy

Discover the Caribbean far away from civilization on this rental car tour and explore some of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic, which remain hidden to most tourists. Perfectly suited for mountain and outdoor lovers! One of the highlights of this is the ascent of Pico Duarte: at over 10,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Central and thus in the entire Caribbean region. On this mountain tour in the Dominican Republic you will experience a unique natural landscape, which presents itself in a breathtaking way in the different climates you will hike through: from tropical landscapes to pine and deciduous forests, past crystal clear mountain streams to rocky summit landscapes. Definitely a unique experience! Other highlights of this adventure trip in the mountains are the crossing of the highest pass road of the Caribbean in the Cordillera Central, overnight stay in the highest hotel of the Caribbean as well as an unforgettable canyoning adventure. The level of difficulty of all sporting activities can be adapted to you depending on your fitness and abilities.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 1,795.- per person in double occupancy

35 Comments

  1. Dannie

    Hello I will be visiting in May , and I would like to know how far of a drive are any of the waterfall with natural pools from Punta Cana? Can you provide me with any of the car rental place information in punta cana closest to Corte Sea condos ? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Christian Jannasch

      Dear Dannie,
      thanks for your comment. I have sent you an email with further information right now.
      Best regards
      Christian

      Reply
  2. Melinda

    is there any hiking tour to get to El Salto de la halda from Punta cana

    Reply
    • Christian Jannasch

      Hi Melinda,
      thanks for your comment to our waterfall blogpost. Salto de la Jalda is a great off-the-beaten track adventure from Punta Cana, but it’s not that easy to reach. Basically, there are two options:
      – if you have a rental car (contact us for competetive rates with full insurance) just go to the town of Magua, approx. 1.5 hours drive from Punta Cana. From there it’s an approximately 3 hours hike one-way, depending on your fitness level. We can help with further recommendations.
      – if you would like to a private transfer, we can help organizing this, incl. a guide and driver. However, this won’t be cheap as it is not a common excursion.

      Last option would be to go there by helicopter, but that’s not the fun of exploring waterfalls, isn’t it. 😉

      Please let us know if you need further information.

      Best regards
      Christian

      Reply
  3. Angeles Moreno

    Im visiting in May staying at the hardrock resort, how far of a drive is it from the resort to one of these waterfalls?

    Reply
    • Christian Jannasch

      Dear Angeles,

      thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, Punta Cana does not have that many waterfalls as it is mostly a plain area. Salto de la Jalda is one of the closest ones (but also one of the toughest), you can find some information in my last comment above.
      The waterfall mentioned in the blogpost “Salto Alto de Bayaguana” is also reachable within more or less 2 to 2.5 hours from Punta Cana, buy you would need to hire a taxi driver to go there or rent a car. If you need a rental car with full insurance and 0 USD CDW, please let us know.

      Best regards
      Christian

      Reply
  4. Gianna

    Is getting to Salto Alto de Bayaguana an easy hike or do you need to go by vehicle ?

    Reply
    • Christian Jannasch

      The waterfall of Bayaguana is not that easy to find. The best is, if you either take a GPS or a guide with you. If you have a SUV, you can approach the waterfall quite close, if you just have a regular car, you would have to walk a few kilometers or take a motoconcho.
      Let us know if you need a car as our rental cars are fully insured with zero deductible.

      Reply
  5. ALAMGIR

    I have learned huge knowledge from here. I am waiting for your updates.

    Reply
  6. ALAMGIR

    Thanks For Sharing Such beautiful information with us.

    Reply
  7. ALAMGIR

    thank you for the wonderful links and resources

    Reply
    • Phil from Dominican Expert

      Hey Alamgir,

      thank you for the nice comments, we are always happy to read if we could help someone with our travel information from the Dominican Republic. If you need any help or assistance to plan your own vacation, we can help you as well.

      Thanks and have a nice weekend!

      Phil from Dominican Expert

      Reply
  8. Sandra Eagle

    Can we take a bus that would get us close to these waterfalls , currently we are in puerto plata.

    Reply
    • Benita Rose

      Hi Sandra! From Puerto Plata it would be a bit difficult to get there by public transport. We recommend visiting the 27 Waterfalls close to Puerto Plata.
      Good luck and have fun!
      Dominican Expert Team

      Reply
  9. Lisa Poulin

    good afternoon, we will be arriving in Puerto Plata 2/8/2020. I’m not interested in visiting multiple stops for a long day. perhaps a 1/2 day visit to a recommended waterfall with driver/guide. is this something Dominican Expert can assist with? please feel free to email any reply if possible. Thank you, Lisa

    Reply
    • Benita Rose

      Dear Lisa, Thanks so much for your interest in our services. We will be sending you an email with the enquired information.
      Best regards,
      Benita
      Dominican Expert

      Reply
      • Jullia

        good day Bonita….. would you mind sending me the info on waterfalls. We will be staying in Punta Cana

        Reply
        • Larissa Liechti

          Dear Jullia,
          Thank you very much for visiting our blog and your comment. From Punta Cana I would recommend you the mentioned Salto de La Jalda. You could either go their on your own with a rental car or your resort can help you with a tour.
          Have a nice stay and I hope you will have a fantastic time here in DR.
          Sunny greetings,
          Larissa and the
          DOMINICAN EXPERT team

          Reply
  10. sara

    Hello, I will be at the bahia principe luxury samana and woulkd like to know what is the closest waterfall and also how long it would take me to get there with a tour bus. Or if better to get there by car.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Benita Rose

      Hi Sara, the closest waterfall from your hotel would be El Salto Limon waterfall, which is about 1 hour drive. You can either go with a tour bus, or by car, both would be suitable options.
      Best regards,
      Benita
      Dominican Expert

      Reply
    • Angie

      I am stopping at bahia principi and would like to know how to get to Salto El Limon?

      Reply
      • Benita Rose

        Hi Angie,
        Thank you for your comment. 🙂 Which Bahia Principe Hotel are you staying at? There are many different ones across the island.
        Best regards,
        Benita Rose
        Dominican Expert

        Reply
  11. Mark

    Hi,

    I want to visit Las Golondrinas waterfall but I cant find any good directions or maps to get there. Could you give me a detailed route to follow please. I will be hiking there if possible after arriving to the closest town.

    Thanks

    Reply
  12. Mark

    Hi,

    Could you tell me if Salto Las Golindrinas is walking distance from Salto Arroyo Grande ?
    It seems it can be also be accessed from Jamao De Norte easier than Salcedo.
    Would I be able to take a motoconcho directly to the falls or is there still a hike once you arrive ?
    According to the map , Salto Los Bueyes or Arroyo Grande is only a 10 minute walk from Golondrinas but the locals seem to be stumped as to knowing how to find it and Im going crazy trying to find out how to get to both on one trip.

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Benita Rose

      Hi Mark, thanks for your comment! Yes, you can visit both falls, preferably from the Moca- Jamao al Norte road (aprox. 30-40 minutes driving time, about 11km), this is quicker than from Salcedo (more or less 1.5 hrs driving time). On the way to the unpaved road which leads to the falls you should be able to find someone who takes you by motoconcho.
      Good luck!
      Benita
      Dominican Expert Team

      Reply
  13. Debbi

    If we are staying in Miches Playa Esmeralda are there any easy tours for a family with three younger kids? 6, 8 and 10. They don’t do well on horses or a three hour hike. What are our best options?

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Hi Debbie,
      Thank you very much for visiting our page and your comment. I am happy to send you further information by mail, you will be contacted shortly.
      Best regards,
      Larissa
      Dominican Expert

      Reply
  14. Doug Hughes

    I’m arriving in Dominican Republic via Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, which docks on Nov 4, 2022 at Puerto Plata, and stays from 7 am to 4 pm. I have always loved waterfalls but I’m 73 years old and probably not in good enough shape to take the advertised “27 Waterfalls” excursions if they involve long bouts of hiking and are considered “strenuous” by the cruise line. Is there one (or maybe two) nearby waterfalls that I could get to by private taxi from the dock that wouldn’t take more than a couple of hours total, and also wouldn’t force me to hike for more than, let’s say, 1/2 mile? I’m not planning on swimming in the waterfall, but I do have a new iPhone camera I’d love to try out.

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Dear Doug,
      thanks for your comment on our post. I will be sending you an email with the enquired information.
      Have a wonderful cruise – Bon voyage!
      Best regards,
      Larissa
      Dominican Expert

      Reply
  15. Linda Hoxie

    Similar to Doug, we will be arriving in Puerta Plata by NCL cruise May 9th, 2023 and stays in Port from 7 am to 3 pm. (We would like to be back at the ship by 2pm) We love waterfalls but are both in our 60’sand not in good enough shape to take the advertised “27 Waterfalls” excursions that are considered “strenuous” by the cruise line. Is there one (or maybe two) nearby waterfalls that we could get to by private taxi from the dock that wouldn’t take more than a couple of hours total, and also wouldn’t force us to hike for more than, let’s say, 1/2 mile to a mile?

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Dear Linda,
      We appreciate your comment on our post. I will be sending you the requested information by e-mail.
      I hope you will enjoy your day in the Dominican Republic and have a fantastic time on your cruise!
      Sunny greetings,
      Larissa
      Dominican Expert

      Reply
  16. Tina Bruske

    Hello. I am visiting Guayacanes in May with a group of 10 people. I would like to find a great waterfall hiking activity that is inexpensive for my family. Also any info on boat rides for the day for 10 please. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Dear Tina,
      Thank you very much for your comment on our blogpost.
      I would recommend the Salto Socoa or the Salto Alto de Bayaguana. For a boat ride you will find plenty of options for an excursion to Isla Saona, which is very beautiful and recommendable. If you need any recommendations, please feel free to reach out by mail info@dominicanexpert.com.
      I already wish you a wonderful time here in DR.
      Sunny greetings,
      Larissa and the
      DOMINICAN EXPERT team

      Reply
  17. katie walters

    hello, I am interested in a Dominican vacation with tours of nature and waterfalls.
    Can you please advise and guide me on a safe vacation? Best place to stay close to these natural attractions please.

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Hi Katie,
      Thank you so much for reading our blog and reaching out to us.
      Great to hear that you are interest in visiting our beautiful island soon – we can’t wait to welcome you here.
      I will contact you by mail for all further details.
      Have a great day!
      Kind regards,
      Larissa
      and the DOMINICAN EXPERT team

      Reply

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