Cotubanamá National Park

Cotubanamá National Park is a protected coastal and marine national park on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic in La Altagracia Province. It includes significant coral reef, coastal and island habitats and is a major conservation area for regional marine biodiversity.

The park encompasses offshore islands and mainland coastline with sandy beaches, mangroves, sea caves and coral reefs; visitors frequently come for boat trips, snorkeling and beach visits, especially to Saona Island. Popular activities include observing marine life in fringing reefs and exploring coastal caves and beaches.

The area was originally designated as Parque Nacional del Este in 1975 and was later renamed Cotubanamá National Park to honor a Taíno cacique. The protected area has been managed to conserve its terrestrial and marine ecosystems while accommodating regulated tourism.

The park covers parts of the southeastern tip of Hispaniola in La Altagracia Province, including offshore islands such as Saona Island and the adjacent coastal waters.

• Terrestrial and marine protection: The national park protects both terrestrial and marine environments, including coral reef habitat and coastal mangroves that are important for marine biodiversity.
• Name and history: The park was originally established as Parque Nacional del Este and later renamed to honor the Taíno chief Cotubanamá.

What to See #

• Saona Island: Saona Island is a large offshore island included in the park known for sandy beaches, shallow coastal waters and tourist boat landings.
• Mainland coastline and reefs: The park's mainland zone includes coastal forest, sea caves and fringing coral reef systems that support marine life and snorkeling.