Day Trip to Bahia de las Aguilas from Barahona
If you’re staying in Barahona (possibly at Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge?) then you should definitely take advantage of your location! It’s only about three (ish) hours to get to Bahia de la Aguilas and it will be well worth your time. If you’re planning a day trip to Bahia de las Aguilas from Barahona (or anywhere, really) keep reading!
What to Expect
Make sure to check out all the sites on your way! You’ll drive past the super Instagrammable San Rafael overlook and through Los Patos, then past Oviedo. The final stretch to Pedernales is through dry, arid terrain that almost looks like a desert. It was at this point that my husband and I wondered where exactly we were headed! Also make sure to buckle up because free roaming cows, motorbikes and over stuffed cargo trucks make the journey a little bit extra.
Beautiful San Rafael
Arriving in Pedernales
Pulling up to a beach bar you’ll realize that you’re next to a surf camp (tents on the beach). Don’t forget to wave to Haiti as you’re close enough to the border to see a stretch on the drive in! From there you’ll take a boat, however in our case the water was super rough and the boat wasn’t safe. So we took a four wheel drive truck, with a driver, up and over the hill (I called it “death hill”) and this is a teeth clenching experience for sure! The sight on the other side of the cliff is what you came for, though, so hang on!
View from hill of Pedernales launch point and surf camp
The boats we didn’t get to take (but hopefully you do!) in Pedernales
Beautiful Bahia de las Aguilas
The beach is stunning and totally worth it. Also, a wonderful little surprise: hundreds of butterflies! Wasn’t expecting that on the beach but it was lovely.
View from the sand at Bahia de las Aguilas
Tips
- Go on a weekday! The weekend sees a lot more visitors so if you want the deserted beach experience try a weekday. We went on a Monday and had the entire beach to ourselves after the first hour and a half (only a few other people were there when we first arrived).
- There aren’t facilities so bring towels or chairs to sit on. Also, don’t be a jerk and pick up your trash! There are trash barrels so please use them.
- Pack a picnic! We brought lots of water and had beer, wine, salad, fruit, chips, salsa and some chicken. Don’t give me too much credit for it, though, because the Casa Bonita staff packed it for me!
- Bring bug spray. I can’t stress this enough. I got destroyed by some kind of fly and it left red welts over my legs and bum for the rest of my stay in the DR.
I’d love to know what you would pack in a beach picnic! Make sure to comment and let me know, I’m always looking for inspo! Also, if you’re looking for a place to stay near Bahia de las Aguilas make sure to check out my review of Casa Bonita and my Casa Bonita travel gallery post.
