Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic

Cabo Rojo is an up and coming destination on the Dominican Republic’s untouched southwestern coast. Home to Bahía de las Águilas (widely considered the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean), a growing cruise port, and the wilderness of Jaragua National Park, this corner of Pedernales province offers what much of the Caribbean has lost: pristine nature without the crowds!

Where is Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic?

Cabo Rojo sits in Pedernales province at the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, roughly 300 km from Santo Domingo. The area includes the new Taino Bay cruise port and serves as the gateway to Bahía de las Águilas beach.

Note: This is Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, not the town of the same name in Puerto Rico.

Jaragua National Park

Cabo Rojo at a Glance

Location: Pedernales province, southwestern Dominican Republic
Distance from Santo Domingo: 300 km / 186 miles (4.5-5 hour drive)
Main attractions: Bahía de las Águilas beach and Jaragua National Park
Cruise port: Taino Bay Pedernales (opened 2024)
Best time to visit: December through April (dry season)
Language: Spanish (limited English outside organized tours)

Important Note: Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic is a different destination from Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.

Bahia de las Aguilas

Why Visit Cabo Rojo?

Most Caribbean destinations sold out decades ago. Cabo Rojo hasn’t. The Dominican government is developing this region into a major tourism zone, with resorts and infrastructure projects underway. But right now, visitors experience something increasingly rare: an 8-kilometer pristine beach with almost no one on it, national parkland teeming with flamingos and iguanas, and a coastal landscape that feels untouched.

This is the Dominican Republic before Punta Cana became Punta Cana.

The tradeoff? Limited hotels, fewer English speakers, and infrastructure that’s still catching up. If you’re comfortable with a bit of adventure, the reward is worth it.

Pristine Bahia de las Aguilas beach

No Sargassum Seaweed

If you’ve been to Punta Cana or other east coast beaches, you’ve probably encountered sargassum: the stinky brown seaweed that washes ashore and can make beaches unpleasant from April to September.

Cabo Rojo doesn’t have that problem.

The southwest coast faces the Caribbean Sea rather than the Atlantic Ocean, keeping it far from the currents that carry sargassum to the eastern beaches. Bahía de las Águilas remains one of the most consistently clean and pristine beaches in the Dominican Republic year-round. Occasional seaweed may appear after storms, but the massive buildups that plague Punta Cana are extremely rare here.

Sierra de Bahoruco National Park

Cliffs Of Jaragua National Park

Explore Cabo Rojo

Cruise Port Guide The Taino Bay cruise port opened in 2024, bringing Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, and other lines to Pedernales. Get ship schedules, shore excursion options, and tips for making the most of your port day. → [Cabo Rojo Cruise Port Guide Coming Soon]

Bahía de las Águilas This 8 km stretch of white sand and turquoise water is consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches. Learn how to get there, what to bring, and how to avoid the crowds. → [Complete Bahía de las Águilas Guide Coming Soon]

Things to Do Beyond the beach: Jaragua National Park, flamingo-watching at Laguna de Oviedo, the dramatic views at Hoyo de Pelempito, Sierra de Bahoruco National Park and the authentic streets of Pedernales town. → [Things to Do in Cabo Rojo Coming Soon]

Where to Stay Hotel options are still limited, but growing. Here’s what’s available now in Pedernales and nearby Barahona, plus what’s coming as development continues. → [Cabo Rojo Hotels & Accommodations Coming Soon]

Tours & Day Trips From beach excursions to national park adventures, these are the best ways to experience southwest Dominican Republic with a local guide. → [Cabo Rojo Tours Coming Soon]

Bahia de las Aguilas

Arriving by Cruise Ship?

If your ship is calling at Cabo Rojo (Taino Bay), you’re in for a treat. Bahía de las Águilas is the main draw, and most cruise lines offer shore excursions that include boat transfers, beach time, and lunch.

A few things to know before you dock:

The beach is about 45 minutes from the port (road plus boat transfer). Book excursions in advance if visiting on a busy ship day. The port area itself is still developing, so plan to take an excursion rather than exploring on foot. Cash in Dominican pesos is helpful for tips and small purchases. → [Complete Cruise Port Guide Coming Soon]