Los Haitises
The National Park of Los Haitises is Located at the western end of the bay on the south shore across from Sanchez, this park features mangrove swamps with giant mangrove trees forming a lush, green canopy above the watery trails that wind through the swamps. Taino caves where the islands first inhabitants lived are another popular attraction of the park. Tours leave from Samana, Sanchez and Sabana de la Mar at the park's eastern edge across the bay from Samana.
The 208 square kilometer area is actually a series of hillocks, divided by narrow gullies, which create the impression of numerous tiny islands or keys. Large sections of Los Haitises are mangrove swamps, populated by protected native species of flora and fauna, such as Hutias (giant rats), turtles, wild pigs, parrots and turtledoves. Fossils and pre-Columbian remains have also been found in the caverns here.
