Here, there's no row of duty-free shops or hotel towers: ochre cliffs, a translucent sea, and behind it all, the bluish ridges of the Sierra de Bahoruco. The Cabo Rojo pier, in Pedernales province, received its first ship in January 2024; it's the Dominican Republic's newest maritime gateway, set at the country's southwestern tip, close to the Haitian border. The cape takes its name from the reddish tones of its rocks, long mined for bauxite: yesterday's mining facilities have given way to today's passengers. Cruise lines come here for one reason, and it's clear from the gangway: the wilderness of Jaragua National Park begins practically at the foot of the ship.

Bahía de las Águilas, Eight Kilometres Without a Single Building

Regularly ranked among the top beaches in the Dominican Republic, Bahía de las Águilas unfurls eight kilometres of pale sand between coral rock headlands, without a single structure. It's usually reached by boat from the fishing hamlet of Las Cuevas, after a short crossing along cliffs and candelabra cacti. The water shifts from sea-green to deep turquoise depending on depth; the seabed is good for snorkelling, and the luckiest visitors cross paths with a turtle along the way. There are almost no services on site: it's precisely this untouched state, protected by the park, that gives the place its value.

Oviedo Lagoon and Its Flamingos

On the other side of the park, less than an hour's drive away, Oviedo Lagoon spreads its brackish waters behind a barrier beach. Local guides' boats weave between islets where pink flamingos, spoonbills, and herons nest; rhinoceros iguanas, endemic to the island of Hispaniola, bask on the limestone banks. The whole area belongs to the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO, one of the most precious biodiversity refuges in the Greater Antilles. Allow two to three hours for the full outing, binoculars strongly recommended.

Pedernales, a Far-Flung Corner Just Waking Up

The small town of Pedernales still lives to the rhythm of fishing and cross-border trade. Its modest waterfront, fried-fish stands, and quiet streets offer a glimpse of life in the Dominican far south, long kept off the beaten path. In the shops, larimar jewellery stands out, made from that milky-blue stone mined only in the mountains of this region — nowhere else on the planet. Excursions sometimes stop here for a sugarcane juice or a photo of the fishing boats, before continuing on toward the protected coves.

The Terminal Beach and the Salt Flats

For those who'd rather stay within walking distance, Cabo Rojo Beach runs right alongside the port facilities, with its pale sand and calm waters. The immediate surroundings hold a special treat for photographers: former salt flats and shallow pools where the morning light catches almost unreal shades of pink and orange.

In the evening, as the ship pulls away from the coast, the Sierra de Bahoruco turns violet, and not a single electric light yet breaks the darkness along the shore for kilometres. This brand-new port of call tells the story of a Dominican Republic from before mass tourism — and it's hard not to hope it stays that way.

Practical Notes

• A recent terminal with little development yet: organized excursions remain the simplest way to get around.
• Bahía de las Águilas is reached by boat from Las Cuevas or by off-road vehicle.
• Dominican peso; US dollars accepted at tourist-oriented businesses.
• Intense sun and little shade in Jaragua Park: water, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.