Bahia de las Aguilas, Protected bight in Pedernales, Dominican Republic
Bahia de las Aguilas is a protected bight on the southwestern coast featuring a roughly 8-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear Caribbean waters. Limestone cliffs frame the shoreline and create a sense of remoteness in this natural setting.
The bight became the center of land disputes in the late 1990s that resulted in government protection as public territory. This action secured the area within Jaragua National Park and prevented private development of the shoreline.
The fishing community at La Cueva maintains traditional boat navigation and knowledge passed through generations. Visitors can observe how local people depend on and interact with the marine environment daily.
Reaching the beach requires traveling roughly 25 kilometers from Pedernales town to La Cueva village, then continuing by boat or off-road vehicle. Visitors should prepare for rough terrain and hire local guides for safe access to the area.
The waters shelter intact coral reefs and seagrass beds where endangered sea turtles nest year-round. These breeding grounds make the location a critical refuge for a species facing extinction threats.
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