What else can one ask for?

We’d like to take the time to tell you about the coolest lagoons around, more specifically twelve awesome ones called the Indigenous Eyes (Ojos Indigenas). These fresh water crystal clear

Walking along the Indigenous trail

magical waters were named Indigenous Eyes due to their beautiful shape and color, resembling that of an eye if seen from above. Each of the twelves lagoons was given a particular Taino (native Dominican tongue) name given by the renowned historian and Dominican scholar, Bernardo Vega. The lagoons found within the 1,500 acres of protected and conserved ecological park are home to fish, turtles and even a duck! The park itself is home for more than a hundred of different species of birds have been identified in PUNTACANA during the winter migration season. Wasps, butterflies, ants and termites are common in Indigenous Eyes. Do not fret though, paths are clearly visible and signage is up ensuring your safety as well as the safety of plant and animal life. 

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Fresh water fish in the Indigenous Eyes

“The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve is a private protected area owned and operated by the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation. Consisting of lowland subtropical forest, the reserve covers 1,500 acres of land dedicated to conservation, scientific research, and recreation. The Ecological Park consists of numerous exhibits describing the cultural and natural history of the island. Visitors can visit a petting zoo with many domesticated animals common in the Dominican Republic since colonial times, a sugarcane exhibit, an iguana habitat and many other attractions”. Puntacana.org

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Just in case you still need convincing read the listed reasons below as to why you should visit our Ecological Park!

1.      YOU GIVE BACK! Proceeds go to conduct research, investigation, and environmental education programs in the reserve through the Center for Sustainability.

2.      YOU GET TO WITNESS ALL KINDS FAWN AND FAUNA! The reserve is categorized as a “Transition Zone Sub-Tropical Forest,” since flora and fauna characteristic of both the Dry and Humid Sub-Tropical Forests can be found. Reptiles from the Anolis genus are abundant in this area, as well as small green snakes, frogs and other lizards. But not to worry, there are no venomous snakes on the Island of Hispaniola. The reserve has over 500 plant species, 36% of which live nowhere else in the world but the Dominican Republic. Red Land Crabs are common in the Ecological Reserve.

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3.      YOU WITNESS EXOTIC TRESS! The lagoons are fed by an underground freshwater river known locally as Yauya, it eventually makes its way to the ocean and provides the mangrove trees (located in front of the beach) with hydration and the perfect combination of salt and freshwater. Once you explore the Reserve you can go check out the rare ecosystem these trees create which provides a home for a great variety of other organisms. 4.      YOU WALK ON HISTORY! The ground in Punta Cana is primarily limestone coral made of fossilized oceanic material that has been pushed above sea level over thousands of years. If you look closely you can find fossilized seashells, sponges and other marine relics in the rocks throughout the reserve. The annual rainfall in Punta Cana can reach 1,300 mm, but the porous nature of the limestone causes the water to filter through quickly to the groundwater. For this reason there are few rivers in Punta Cana.

Although the reserve welcomes all, PUNTACANA asks that you respect the land and the rules that have been strategically created by the PUNTACANA Ecological Foundation. We love and respect the land and hope that you do as well. Feel free to and go on an adventure and have fun!

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If you do take our advice and that of pasts visitors, who have said the park is “gorgeous and refreshing”  as well as a “magical place” we suggest you bring insect repellent, a bathing suit, towel and wear close-toed shoes. There is a lot to do within the Punta Cana region and although the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve is only one of the many places to visit and explore within our resort property, it is defiantly one of the most impressive.

Once you’re finished walking, swimming and site seeing you can go one over to the ranch and ride a horse, feed the animals or treat yourself to a holistic spa treatment over at our Six Senses Spa, which is the only one to be found within the Americas by the way!

You don’t have go far to experience a white sand beaches, water sports, world class dining, and numerous sustainable excursions. We invite you to enjoy all the greatness we have to offer! Dive into our delicious dish and waters!