Dunes of Bani

About

Running for 15 kilometers along the Dominican Republic’s southern coast, the Dunes of Baní are one of the island’s most unique natural attractions. Who expects to see a desert on a tropical island? The dunes also technically aren’t a desert - instead, they’re tens of thousands of years of sedimentary deposits from two nearby rivers. The rolling dunes, dotted with hardy scrub eventually give way to the blue waters of the sea, rewarding those who make the sometimes strenuous hike with a view not found anywhere else in the Caribbean. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can even rent boards at the entrance for sandboarding. Please note: the sand gets very hot, so it’s recommended to wear sneakers and a hat, and bring lots of water. The entrance fee (100 pesos) is not included.