Cayos Siete Hermanos

The Siete Hermanos are seven small sand and coral cays lying off the northwestern coast within the Monte Cristi national park, uninhabited and low enough that some of them barely rise above the water. They hold nesting seabird colonies including terns and boobies, hawksbill and green turtles nest on the sand, and the reefs around them are the best in the region. Boats run out from Monte Cristi when weather allows.

What you actually see

• The seven cays - low sand and coral islands within the national park.
• The seabird colonies - terns and boobies nesting on the open ground.
• The turtle nesting - hawksbill and green turtles using the beaches.
• The reefs - the coral around the cays, among the best in the region.

When to go

December to April has the calmest crossings. Seabird nesting peaks in spring and summer. Trips are cancelled in wind and swell.

Honest expectations

Crossings are rough and often cancelled; the sea here is exposed. Landing is restricted during the nesting season. There are no facilities of any kind on the cays.

Nearby

Monte Cristi is southeast, and Estero Hondo is east.