Salt, Sand & Sea in Salinas, Bani
Punta de Salinas, un paraiso entre dos playa.
Salinas Point, a paradise between two beaches.
This is the motto of Salinas in Bani. Maybe that was the case at some point, but not today. The point of Las Salinas outside of Bani is a beach destination for locals and visitors alike. I’m sure at some point, it was the place to be on the weekend. Now, due to neglect, the structures and restaurants are dilapidated. Even the once-bright entrance sign is dismal. If you visit during the week, it looks like the beach equivalent of a deserted western town before a shootout.
Despite that bleak description, Salinas is still a place to check out. We’ll tell you why.
Why go to Las Salinas?
THE TWO BEACHES
“A paradise between two beaches”. The point of Las Salinas is the tip of a peninsula. On one side is the small Bahia de las Calderas, and on the other side is the Bahia de Ocoa which opens up into the Caribbean Sea. From both sides, you have a beautiful view of the sea and mountains with an incredible breeze.
The bay to the right side of the peninsula is extremely breezy, which makes this a great spot if you are into wind sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing. The bay tends to not be as clear on this side because of the choppy water.
The left side of the peninsula is the sea and the water tends to be more tranquil. The water is clear and is a great place to swim and snorkel. The sand is grey and soft. There are palm trees sprinkled along the beach for some great natural shade. To get here, use the walking path next to the restaurant.
This is the kind of beach that you can enjoy when you bring your own food and fun. Bring your beach gear and activities to create the experience. You can’t rely on the area to provide any amenities. There is a restaurant on the beach (that doesn’t look particularly inviting), but it is a good place to get a cold beer if you didn’t bring one.
Follow the path to the right of the restaurant to get to the beach on the left side of the peninsula. Get a cold Presidente beer from the restaurant before heading to the beach. THE SALT PANS
Salt pans, saltworks, salt ponds, whatever term you want to use, Bani has been producing salt there for over 500 years. This is my favorite part of the area! In part, because I have never seen anything like it in person. The salt farm is on the road leading to Las Salinas Point. You can’t miss the archaic structure and the mountain of salt that resembles piles of snow underneath it.
The salt ponds are so productive in Las Salinas because of the weather. The synergy of the area’s heat, arid climate, sun, and wind is the perfect combination to make salt. They use one of the oldest methods of salt production - solar evaporation. Solar salt production means they are capturing salt water in shallow ponds where the sun evaporates most of the water.
A series of ponds are connected by a main path with tracks on it used to transport the harvested salt to an area where it can be bagged and prepped to sell. Salt is shoveled into rafts on the ponds, then moved into wheel barrels along the tracks. The salt ponds vary in hues, but the most eye-catching areas are the pink ponds.
Why are some of the ponds pink? The color of the water depends on the amount of microscopic algae and halobacterium in the ponds. As the water gets saltier, some microbes die off. Other microbes are specially adapted to salty conditions and they flourish, changing the color of the water. This means, the pinker the water, the closer the salt is to being ready to harvest. It also creates a stellar view!
If you would like to check it out, ask to speak to the manager. He will tell you if you can go explore it and may offer an explanation of the process (in Spanish only) for a tip. If you go and explore, make sure to watch your step (this is not really a place for tourists and visitors), and be respectful of the workers doing their job.
THE SAND DUNES
The dunes of Las Salinas are also a must-see spot if you are in the area. For $2, you can explore this unique area and feel like you have been transported to the middle east. Check out our in-depth post about the sand dunes of Bani and travel tips for your visit.
GOOD FOOD
The seafood platter
Surrounded by water, you know this area must have good seafood. You would be right. There are a number of restaurants that offer fresh catches. Our favorite for the food, atmosphere, and overall vibe is the Restaurante Bahía De Los Piratas or Pirate’s Bay Restaurant.
Walk up the stairs at the unassuming entrance, and get outdoor seating if possible with a view of the bay. They have an extensive seafood menu as well as meats and pasta for non-seafood-loving people. If you are with a group, we suggest trying the Seafood Platter…it’s delicious! Between the food, the view, and the breeze, Restaurante Bahia de los Piratas is an oasis.
DAY TRIP FROM SANTO DOMINGO TO LAS SALINAS, BANI
If you want to experience Las Salina, Bani, but don’t want to plan each step and drive yourself, we recommend using a local tour company. Kayakeros del Caribe has an exciting excursion every Sunday for only $80 a person. The Kayaking Salinas de Bani excursion includes:
Photo credit: Kayakeros del Caribe
Transportation to and from Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Breakfast
Visit the Sand Dunes of Bani (includes entrance fee)
Kayaking Salinas and exploring the mangroves
Lunch
Salt Mines Photo Session (professional photographs)
Tour around Las Salinas Bay in a boat
Snorkeling
Trip Insurance