Laguna de Oviedo

Laguna de Oviedo lies behind the coast in the far southwest, cut off from the sea and saltier than it, ringed by dry thorn forest and dotted with small islands. It holds the largest concentration of American flamingos in the country, several thousand at peak, along with roseate spoonbills, herons and large numbers of migrant shorebirds through the winter. Boat trips run with community guides from the park entrance, stopping at islands where rhinoceros iguanas come to meet the boats and Ricord's iguanas, one of the rarest lizards in the world, also live. The surrounding Jaragua National Park is the largest protected area in the country and covers dry forest, coast and offshore islands.

What you actually see

• The flamingo flock - the country's largest, thousands at peak.
• The islands - rhinoceros and rare Ricord's iguanas on the boat stops.
• Shorebirds - large numbers of northern migrants through the winter.
• Jaragua National Park - dry forest, coast and offshore islands around it.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and the peak for both flamingos and northern migrants. Boat trips leave in the morning, which is when the birds are most active and the water calmest. The southwest is hot and dry year-round.

Honest expectations

It is five hours from Santo Domingo and only makes sense as part of a southwestern trip. Boats are small and open with no shade, and the sun on the water is punishing. Flamingo numbers vary and the birds may be distant. Community guides speak little English. Facilities at the entrance are basic.

Nearby

Bahía de las Águilas is an hour and a half west; Barahona is two hours north.