Bahia De Las Aguilas
Far From Civilization
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic is Bahia de las Aguilas, however, it’s super far from ANYTHING, and surrounded by miles and miles of thorny desert.
Its remoteness is both a blessing and a curse.
Getting here can be treacherous and I don’t recommend going out of your way JUST for this beach.
However, if you visit during a weekday, especially off season, you’re likely to be the only one on this deserted paradise.
Remote Camping in the Dominican Republic
After driving down a long dirt road off the main highway you’ll find a “rancho” with a reasonably priced restaurant and a small beach. This isn’t the famous beach, but it’s cute, and the great thing is you can camp, FOR FREE, right on the beach.
The Rancho has security so camping is safe. They’ll watch over you at night, and over your belonging while you check out the beach during the day. (having said that any thieves would be going severely out of their way to snatch your stuff here)
Not a lick of shade
Be forewarned. Bahia de las Aguilas is in the desert. This is the last place I would want my car to breakdown, and I sure would not want to be here if civilization abruptly ended. There’s no shade, anywhere. The sun beats down its tropical madness from dawn till dusk.
You can drive all the way to the beach down the road pictured below, but only if your car is 4×4 and can go down (and back up) the initial steep hill.
If not, you’ll have to do what we did, park your car and hike a couple miles in the blazing sun. Alternatively you could pay for a boat ride from the rancho to the beach.
(We’re cheap so we rigged some shade and sucked it up)
Pristine White Sands
[Tweet “Once you make it to this beach, your eyes will hurt from how gorgeous it is”]
The heat will be completely worth it as you lower yourself into the crystal waters.
Bring lots of water.
Stay on the beach for as long as you like, but remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen. Food isn’t a bad idea either.
If you make it to the beach before other tourists, you’ll be able to find yourself a spot under one of the few shade trees and even spend the day in complete peace.
[Tweet “Apply sunscreen, Read, Take a dip, Drink water, Repeat…..”]
The beach is also home to lots and lots of butterflies, which just adds to the magic.
Once you’ve had your fill, head back to your camping spot and enjoy a beautiful night’s sleep under the milky way.
If you don’t like camping, or don’t have gear, there are little cabins available for rent as well, but I’d recommend getting in touch with them first. It would be a shame to make it all the way there and have no where to stay.
Rancho Las Cuevas. Bahia de las Aguilas facebook
Alternatively, you could get a room in the “neighboring” town of Pedernales, which isn’t all too welcoming.
If you’re visiting the South West, do NOT miss this beach.
Add to your DR trip on RoadTrippers:
Bahia de las Aguilas, Translates to “Eagles Bay”
This looks freaking amazing. If I come to Dominican Republic, this would be the first or second place I would want to visit.
Good call Ted! It’s worth it. :)
I love, love, LOVE the Dominican Republic! My husband and I are going back in June and this beach is the prettiest I’ve seen, even more so than Bavaro Beach. If we happen to go that way, I definitely want to check this beach out.
Doesn’t even compare to Bavaro beach :) Get out of the resorts, go check out the ‘real’ DR :) Let us know how it goes.
Jade and Gabriel, I just want to drive on that road! I love an open road…and it’s gorgeous!
Love, love, love your photos!
Thanks for the compliments Corinne!! This road is really lovely. :)
hah, never been there. I was too lazy to go there from Enriquillo where I was living…which is also beautiful :)
You’re missing out!! Where are you now?
Hi, whats the name of the rancho where you camped?
it’s called Rancho la Cueva . It’s the only thing around ;) see the link after the paragraph past the last picture !
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