Laguna de Oviedo
Mangroves, cays and flamingos in the south-west
/lah-GOO-nah deh oh-VYEH-do/
Laguna de Oviedo
Definition
Laguna de Oviedo is a brackish coastal lagoon in the south-west of the Dominican Republic, within Parque Nacional Jaragua, featuring mangroves, small islands and birds such as flamingos.
Overview
Laguna de Oviedo is a brackish lagoon within Parque Nacional Jaragua in the south-west of the country. Its mangroves and cays are home to water birds, including flamingos. Visits are made by boat with authorised guides, travelling through channels among the mangroves.
Natural and cultural significance
Its value lies in the balance between salt and fresh water and in its role as a bird sanctuary within a national park of exceptional biodiversity.
Main features
Brackish lagoon, mangroves, small cays and birdwatching, with boat tours.
Landscape and ecosystem
The lagoon blends brackish and fresh-water inputs, with mangroves sustaining a productive coastal ecosystem.
Wildlife
It is a key spotting site for flamingos and other water birds, as well as mangrove wildlife.
What visitors should know
Excursions are made by boat with guides; sun protection and binoculars for birdwatching are recommended.
How the place is accessed
Accessible from the Pedernales region, on boat tours with authorised park guides.
Responsible visiting
Keep your distance from the birds, do not feed animals and follow the park's authorised routes.
Barahona
Routes towards the south-west and Laguna de Oviedo, in Parque Nacional Jaragua, are organised from Barahona.
BarahonaRelated dictionary entries
Parque Nacional Jaragua
Parque Nacional Jaragua is the largest protected area in the southwestern Dominican Republic, featuring beaches, lagoons, islands and arid landscapes of exceptional biodiversity.
Bahía de las Águilas
Bahía de las Águilas is a largely natural and protected bay in the Pedernales province in the far southwest of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its long, light-colored sandy beach, clear Caribbean sea, and arid coastal landscape. The bay is part of the protected natural area surrounding Cabo Rojo and the Parque Nacional Jaragua.
Lago Enriquillo
Lago Enriquillo is a saltwater lake in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, the largest in the insular Caribbean, surrounded by an arid landscape and home to crocodiles, iguanas, and birds.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Laguna de Oviedo?
Mangroves, cays and water birds such as flamingos, on boat tours.
Is it part of a national park?
Yes, it lies within Parque Nacional Jaragua.
How do you visit?
By boat with authorised guides, departing from the Pedernales region.