Lake Enriquillo & Isla Cabritos
Lago Enriquillo
The largest and lowest lake in the Caribbean, about 40 metres below sea level and saltier than the ocean. Boat trips to the island offer sightings of wild American crocodiles, rhinoceros iguanas and flamingos.
Lake Enriquillo is the largest and lowest lake in the Caribbean, and its salinity is higher than that of seawater. Cabritos Island in the middle of the lake, along with the surrounding shores, belongs to a national park. Visitors usually set off from the park entrance near La Descubierta on the north shore, or from a lakeside jetty. Early in the morning you can see American crocodiles basking in the shallows. Rhinoceros iguanas and Ricord's iguanas crowd the shore and approach visitors, and flamingos and other waterbirds gather. In recent years rising water levels have flooded parts of the shore and roads, so boat trips to the island depend on the water level, and you should check locally before setting out. The area is hot and unshaded, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. From Barahona, a drive around the lake takes about 1.5 hours. It can be combined into a full day with the Indian Face rock carving and the Las Barías spring baths.
Opening hours
About 08:00–16:00 (depends on boat schedules)
Nearby sights
- Las Caritas de los Indios
- Laguna Cabral (Laguna del Rincón)
- Hoyo de Pelempito
- Polo Magnético
- Larimar Mines (Los Chupaderos)
- Barahona Malecón & Parque Central
- Cabo Rojo
- Playa El Quemaito