Location. Parque
Nacional del Este is on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic. This intact coastal
ecosystem provides prime habitat for hundreds of species of plants, birds, fish
and other marine animals.
Animals. As one of the Caribbean's largest
marine parks, the park is a nursery for 112 of the Dominican Republic's 303
bird species. Eight species of birds are found only on Hispaniola, including
the ashy-faced owl and the Hispaniolan lizard-cuckoo. Four species of sea turtles
use the park's shores as nesting sites. Manatees, bottlenose dolphins, numerous
fish species and an immense coral reef system live in the park's offshore waters.
Diving and deep sea fishing. From Bayahibe,
in front of the north-west side of Saona island get by motor boat to Catalinita
island not to be confused with isla Catalina. Catalinita
is on the north-east end of Saona island it is on the Mona Passage side of the
barrier reef that goes north-south along the eastern end of mainland Dominican Republic, so
the eastern end of Catalinita is very close to very deep water and this is the
best place to see bigger animals. Everytime you go to this site you see sharks,
barracuda and large rays.
Forget for a moment the white sand beaches of the Saona south coast, with palm,
catamaran and merengue. Visit the
rocky north side of the island, parallel to parque national del este, creating
a channel at the end of which you will see the fantastic small Catalinita island.