Within the boundaries of this 600-square-mile natural reserve at the southern tip of the peninsula is a six-mile-long saltwater lagoon and collection of small islands forming Laguna de Oviedo.  The top bird-watching spot in the country, the lagoon is home to the DR’s largest flamingo population as well as several other species of birds.  Also within the park is Bahía de la Aguilas, a remote seven-mile-long stretch of virgin white sand with an intense blue sea to one side and an expansive desert-like terrain visited by migratory birds to the other.  Las Aguilas is arguably the most gorgeous – and least spoiled — beach in the entire country. While getting there by private vehicle is possible, it isn’t necessarily easy.  Independent boat captains operate an informal ferry service to the beach from the town of Pedernales.

Directions: Follow signs along Highway 44 going south out of Barahona