If you have heard about one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, Bahia de las Aguilas, then you may be eager to visit. Your next question will logically be…where do I stay when I visit?
Where you decide to stay greatly depends on how many days you have in the area and how relaxed or rushed you would like your trip to be. Many visitors decide to stay closer to Barahona and make a day trip to Bahia de las Aguilas. While this is doable, it makes for one exhausting day (and you don’t get to wake up on the beach). A more convenient option would be to stay closer to Bahia de las Aguilas.
The options for accommodations are either in the nearby town of Pedernales, with comforts like air conditioning and a pool OR in Cabo Rojo, camping or glamping right on the beach!
CAMPING NEAR BAHIA DE LAS AGUILAS
For all you campers out there, you have your own camping gear and you want to sleep in your own tent . . . by all means! Note that because this beautiful beach is in a national park, YOU CANNOT CAMP ON THE BEACH AT BAHIA DE LAS AGUILAS. However, you still have options.
Camping in Cabo Rojo:
Past Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas, there is an area where you can pitch your own tent near the Cueva de los Pescadores. The only cost that you will incur here is the entrance fee to the national park, which everyone must pay, $150 DOP (approx. $3 USD).
In this camping area, there are no other amenities. If you would like to use the restroom and/or showers at the nearby Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas, you can for a small cost. They charge $100 DOP (approx. $2 USD) to use the showers and $50 DOP (approx. $1 USD) to use the toilets. You can also dine at the restaurant at the glamping lodges for your meals, which are within walking distance.
Please note that there is not dediciated security in this area. Security is nearby at the Ecolodge, however they are not assinged to keeping you protected. Also, the area is not kept particularly clean for campers. This may not be the ideal spot for you. There is another option.
Camping in Pedernales:
In the nearby town of Pedernales, there is another camping spot on the beach. It is called El Navio Bar & Restaurant. This beachside bar, restaurant and camping grounds. There are bathrooms, showers and 24 hour security.
Renting a tent from El Navio costs $3000 DOP (about $50 USD) per night. This includes a private tent with a mattress, pillow and sheets. It also includes a typical Dominican breakfast. You can use the beach beds during the day and enjoy a bonfire at night.
You can use the property to pitch your own tent and use the facilities for $1500 DOP (about $25 USD) per night.
If you choose to camp here, you can skip Cabo Rojo altogether, and take a boat from Pedernales straight to Bahia de las Aguilas. This is a great option for anyone visiting the area on public transportation, since getting to Cabo Rojo can be a challenge.
Photo credit: El Navio Bar & Restaurant
GLAMPING NEAR BAHIA DE LAS AGUILAS
If you did not grow up camping outdoors (like myself), and the whole idea of it is slightly overwhelming BUT you want to be adventurous and go to sleep and wake up on the beach, glamping might be your thing.
In Cabo Rojo, near Playa de la Cueva, there are two glamping lodges located right on the beach. Both of these lodges also provide boat service to Bahia de las Aguilas for an additional charge. It doesn’t get more convenient than that!
Let’s break down your glamping options near Bahia de Aguilas in Cabo Rojo.
849-245-8774
Price: Mid-range
Perfect for: Solo-travelers, couples, families, large groups
Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas is a full-service lodge that provides accommodations in tents. It is no luxury hotel, but the amenities and conveniences that are offered make it an enjoyable experience while still allowing you to bask in the natural experience. If you don’t have a phone with a data plan, you will really be able to disconnect as there is no wifi available here. In many ways, this eco-friendly retreat is even better than a luxury hotel.
Photo credit: Cueva de las Aguilas
Getting There
To arrive at Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas, follow the road to Cabo Rojo towards La Cueva de las Pescadores and drive as far as you can before the road ends. You will see the Rancho Tipico Cueva de las Aguilas sign and a parking area on your right. The lobby area of this open-air establishment is where you will check-in. There is also a small gift shop, a bar, and a restaurant with a large sitting area under a thatched roof that looks out into the most serene view of the water.
Glamping Tents
From the restaurant/lobby area, you follow the stone path to access the tent area. Cuevas de las Aguilas has a variety of sizes of tents, some on the first line (beachfront), and some on the second line (very close to the beach often with a view of the water) that sleep 1-6 people. They all come with beds, mattresses, sheets, a small table, a light, an electric outlet, and a fan. The tents have venting windows as well to open if you want an extra breeze. Outside your tent, you will find chairs or a hammock to relax and enjoy the view.
Restrooms and Showers
There are multiple shower and toilet areas spread out around the property that are shared with all of the guests. These structures do provide privacy but do not have ceilings, which makes for a very natural bathing experience. The clever decor has the shower water emerging from a conch shell or coconut. The shower areas are very spacious and have hooks for your towel, toiletries, or clothes to change into. A quick-dry towel, as well as this travel toiletry bag, will come in handy here.
Amenities
The restaurant at Cuevas de las Aguilas serves breakfast (included in the accommodation price), lunch, and dinner. The menu can be found here. The lodge also provides boat service to Bahia de las Aguilas (not included in the accommodation price). If you are interested in a premium or VIP service while at the beach at Bahia de las Aguilas, they have a variety of options that can be delivered to you on your beach day. Some of these packages even include a table, chairs, an umbrella, a hammock, and snorkeling equipment. If you want luxury on the beach, this is the option for you!
The view of the sunset from this glamping site is incredible. The sun descends directly in front of you over the ocean. At around 9 pm, every night, the staff will create a bonfire to warm you on those chilly nights. Sit around the bonfire and look up into the sea of stars before retiring into your bed…that happens to be in a tent.
Making a Reservation
By using Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas’ direct site, a reservation can be made and the balance paid for via credit card or PayPal. This method is non-refundable. Alternatively, a reservation can be made by using booking.com
829-576-7740
Price: Mid-range to Luxury Perfect for: Couples, special occasions, families, groups
If Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas is glamping, then Eco del Mar is high-life glamping. Eco del Mar stands apart with its large, open-air, chic reception area. As soon as you walk in, you know this is going to be an epic experience.
Eco del Mar is a romantic, luxury property that feels upscale at every turn, even though you are walking on the sand. Make a reservation at one of their suites for the ultimate getaway where nature meets grandeur.
The Safari Suite at Eco del Mar
Getting There
Follow the road to Cabo Rojo towards La Cueva de los Pescadores. Before you arrive at Glamping Ecolodge Cueva de las Aguilas, Eco del Mar is found on the right. You can’t miss the lovely entrance gate with the lodge’s name designed in shells.
Tents and Suites
While Eco del Mar offers normal Garden Tents (that include beds with mattresses and sheets), there is a shared toilet and shower area. However, The Touareg and Al Mare Tents are more upscale with canvas tents and have an outdoor bathroom area that is private.
Eco del Mar steps up the glamping even more with wooden cabins called Cactus Suites. These cabins come with 1 or 2 beds, a dresser, a chair as well as a porch out front to sit and relax on. The cherry on top is the epic, open-concept bathroom. The toilet is located in the cabin (in a private room), but then open another door and walk down the stairs to a large outdoor space with high walls and no ceiling where the shower is located. Talk about a freeing experience!
The ultimate suite at Eco del Mar is the Safari Suite which sleeps 6 people. This enormous tent with draped cloth on the ceiling makes me think of something from Aladdin, where the sultan would sleep on his travels through the desert. The area is beautifully decorated with 3 separate areas for guests to sleep. The sleeping areas aren’t completely private, so this tent would be best for families or close friends that don’t mind sharing sleeping space.
Restaurant
The restaurant at Eco del Mar offers a wonderful selection of food for breakfast (included in the rate), lunch, and dinner. The dining area is uniquely separate, each table on its own platform on the beach.
The bar, that is built around a tree, right on the beach can’t help but grab your attention. Enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks and cocktails here. The vibes that this area gives is everything a beach vacation is about!
Amenities
Eco del Mar provides boat service to Bahia de las Aguilas as well as packages that include lunch and beach equipment that can be brought to you at the beach in Bahia. There is also an outdoor spa on site that offers massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, and more!
Making a Reservation
You can reserve a tent or room on a variety of booking sites, such as airbnb or hotels.com. The best way to make a reservation is to contact the lodge directly to make a reservation. In this way, you will find the best prices. Use the phone number above to call or text via Whatsapp to contact Eco del Mar. You will then be directed to pay a 50% deposit via Paypal to complete the reservation.
If camping or glamping is not up your alley, let's explore houses, apartments, and hotels in the area of Pedernales as an option whn you want to visit Bahia de las Aguilas.
TO CHILL: STAYING IN PEDERNALES
If you are not into camping, glamping, or not having AC and hot water, but still want to stay in the close vicinity of Bahia de las Aguilas, staying in Pedernales is your best bet. This nearby town is a close enough drive to Cabo Rojo, so you will easily be able to drive back to your comfy and cool accommodations after a day at the beach.
Pedernales is the westernmost town on the south coast of the Dominican Republic. It holds a border crossing to the town of Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti. Pedernales has small supermarkets, banks, ATMs, and other useful facilities.
This area is not famous for its thriving hotel business…yet. There is a large construction project in Cabo Rojo that will bring around 12 large resorts to the area. Until then, there are a few options in Pedernales for accommodations while visiting Bahia de las Aguilas. These will also be a more affordable options even when these resorts are completed and open for business.
Vista de Aguilas Ecolodge
Price: from $100/night
Vista de Aguilas Ecolodge is the same owner as Cueva de las Aguilas glamping in Cabo Rojo. The aesthetics are similar, but there is more of a hotel/lodge with a pool. This ecolodge is located in the middle of the town of Pedernales. Since there is a direct connection to their glamping site on the beach, they can most likely arrange travel and a boat ride to Bahia de las Aguilas.
Photo credit: @vistadeaguilasecolodge
Villa Taina in Pedernales
Total guests: 5
Price:
This simple 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is a great option for small groups and families. It is conveniently located in the center of town and close to Pedernales beach.
Photo credit: Airbnb
Total guests: 2
Price: $43/night
These cute studio apartments with kitchenette in Pedernales will be a great match for a single or couple traveler(s).
Photo credit: Airbnb
Casita in Pedernales
Total guests: 8
Price: $189/night
This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath with a pool is the perfect spot to come and relax with a group after a day at the beach.
Photo credit: Airbnb
There are more Airbnbs in the area that may fit your needs and budget better. These were just a few options.
PLAN A STAY NEAR BAHIA DE LAS AGUILAS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE
As we mentioned in a previous post, Cabo Rojo and Bahia de las Aguilas will not remain this out-of-the-way, serene destination for much longer. Large, all-inclusive hotels and an airport are coming to the area. While that may be good for the local economy, the experience will not be the same.
Take advantage and plan your trip to Bahia de las Aguilas now. Watch the stars outside of your tent and wake up to the sound of gentle waves or stay in the local town of Pedernales, that’s filled with local character. Whether you choose to camp, glamp, or chill, come now and enjoy your stay before it all changes.
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