Bahia de San Lorenzo (Los Haitises National Park)
Los Haitises National Park, LOWER BAY—SOUTH SIDE
19°.05.79N 69°29.19W
9.5 nm from Rio Yuna
(Although the name includes the word Haiti there is no association with the country)
“THIS IS A “DO NOT MISS ANCHORAGE”
The park is in the southwest corner of Samana Bay and the administration office is tucked amid the rocks to the left of some abandoned pier pilings within Bahia de San Lorenzo, although the building is seldom manned. As of this writing, you may stay in the park for two days for 100 pesos per person per day.
The park is administered by staff from the Environmental Agency (medio ambiente). They will approach your boat in a launch. Invite the commander and his assistant to board your boat. Pay the fee, ask any questions you may have, and remember a small gift or small tip is always appreciated. However you choose to thank them, your stay in this park will be priceless. (Officially they may tell you that you need a permit obtained in advance to anchor. However, in all likelihood you will be permitted to stay. I still do not know exactly how or where one obtains the permit).
If you traveled along the northern coast of Samana Bay at all,you may be better prepared for your initial view of this scenery, since your senses of awe will be overwhelmed. It is in every sense breathtaking and there are insufficient superlatives to do it justice. If an artist were to visit they would delight in the natural light. The hills, covered with dense deep green vegetation, rise majestically skyward. Back behind them are misty blue/green mountains. Once the initial shock has dissipated one can relax into thoughts of creation and indeed Mother Nature herself, for this is truly a work of art on her part.
Allow yourself plenty of time to explore since there is so much to see. The edges of the rocks hover six inches above the water due to erosion over centuries as if to remind you of their age. All around are birds; their lifestyle unchanged for generations and one can imagine pterodactyls soaring above. Time stands still here. One of the markers of time is the drawings inside the limestone caves. At approximately 19°04.82N 69°28.06W, (to the west of the abandoned pier pilings) find the entrance to a creek leading to the caves. The water shallows to two feet with mangroves to one side so beware puncturing your inflatable.
Paddle your craft to the end of the creek and capture the tranquility of the mangrove swamp as you walk along the path to the caves. Once inside there are information posters. In the caves one can clearly see ancient markings and flash photography is allowed. Savor the damp tranquil atmosphere previously shared by Native Americans, many generations ago.
Capture the fresh smell of the salt air and vegetation, breathe deep the clean air. In the early morning watch the sun burn off the mist and listen to virtually nothing apart from the occasional bird or the splash of a fish. This is a truly remarkable anchorage. Most often you will be alone or perhaps with one other boat. This anchorage rates with the best in the Caribbean, if not the world. No description can do it justice……go see for yourself!
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