Right in Cabarete’s back yard sits El Choco National park, a couple lagoons, and the caves.  They all offer a great day trips and a chance to explore Cabarete.

El Choco National Park & The Caves of Cabarete

Bordered by the foothills of the Cordillera Septentrional to the south and the Cabarete Lagoon to the North, the park guards 77 square kilometers (48 square miles) of pasture land, lagoon, jungle, tropical plants, Caribbean birds, caves, and abruptly jutting hills. Many of the freshwater springs encountered in the park have subterraneous origins deep in the belly of the earth.

Although there are no volcanic origins in the Dominican Republic, with years of erosion the foothills seen from Cabarete have a green upside-down egg crate appearance. Upon a closer view of these, it is obvious they are coral reefs.

swimming in the mineral rich water

The Area Protegida Cabarete and Goleta should not be missed, they are a vision of true beauty. Getting to these parks is very easy from Cabarete, getting lost in the labyrinths is even easier. We highly recommend that your first visit be with a reputable guide company.

The Cabarete Caves Company, which offer 1.5 hour tour suited for all ages, leads people through impressive areas and hillls

Swimming in the Cave

accomanied by very interesting explanations. Through the tour you will enter 6 small caves and learns a lot about the vegetation of the island. The site where the caves are was once an orchard, and there are many different fruit trees.

The cave formation is stalactite and stale mights. The guide will also explain about the bones and Indian art that can been seen on the walls. There is a 800m long track that dives into the ground through the caves, and you end the tour at the end on the surface. The highlight of the tour is a cave in which you can dive 20m below the surface, and can bathe in a small, crystal clear water. There are also hundreds of bats living the caves.

In all, the Cuevas de Cabarete are not comparable with major European tour caves but the visit is still worthwhile because of the fun family atmosphere and the varied explanations. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and camera.

To get there: Look for Callejon road, right across the street from Ocean Dream Plaza, on the western side of Cabarete .  Follow the road to the end, about a 15-minute walk or 4 minute moto.  There you will find the “Cabarete Caves” entrance. A great wet tour, and a ton of fun.

The Caves of Cabarete

Entrance to the Caves of Cabarete