Los Patos
A very short river running from spring to sea on the Barahona coast, with bathing pools.
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At Los Patos a spring rises within a few dozen metres of the sea, which makes the river running from it one of the shortest anywhere, and the cold fresh water is held in pools beside a pebble beach where the Caribbean breaks. People move between the two. The village behind is small and food stalls operate along the road. The Sierra de Bahoruco rises directly behind, which is where the water comes from.
What you actually see
- The very short river - a spring reaching the sea within a few dozen metres.
- The cold pools - the fresh water held in basins beside the beach.
- The pebble beach - the shore where the Caribbean breaks alongside.
- The mountains behind - the Bahoruco range that feeds the spring.
When to go
November to April is drier and calmer. Weekends and holidays are crowded. The spring runs year round.
Honest expectations
The sea is rough with a strong undertow and is not a swimming beach. Weekends bring crowds and litter. Facilities are food stalls and basic changing rooms.
Nearby
Balneario San Rafael is north, and Paraíso is beside it.
What to pack for Los Patos
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.