La Caleta Underwater National Park

Birds

While primarily an underwater park, La Caleta’s coastal areas and nearby mangroves attract various bird species, making it a great place for birdwatching. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the region.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
With its impressive wingspan and striking red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the coastal waters, often stealing food from other birds in mid-air.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A familiar sight along the coast, brown pelicans are expert divers, plunging into the water to catch fish with their expandable throat pouches.

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)
Recognizable by its bright orange beak and black crest, the royal tern is often seen hovering over the water before diving for small fish.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
This elegant, long-legged wader frequents the shallow waters near the park’s coastline, gracefully hunting for fish and small aquatic creatures.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A skilled hunter, the osprey is often seen circling above the water before plunging feet-first to snatch fish with its powerful talons.

White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
This tropical pigeon thrives in coastal forests and mangroves, feeding on fruits and playing a vital role in seed dispersal.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
A nocturnal hunter, this heron is often found along the park’s shorelines, patiently waiting for crabs and other crustaceans to emerge.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
A skilled seabird, the brown booby is often seen gliding over the water before making dramatic plunge-dives to catch fish.

Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)
A common sight in the Caribbean, the Zenaida dove is known for its soft cooing calls and preference for coastal scrub and mangrove habitats.

Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus)
This small songbird is often heard before it is seen, with a persistent call that echoes through coastal forests and mangroves.

La Caleta Underwater National Park is not only a marine paradise but also a refuge for a variety of bird species that thrive along its coastal habitats. Whether exploring the vibrant reefs below or observing the birdlife above, the park offers a unique natural experience.

Popular

La Caleta Underwater National Park, located off the coast of the Dominican Republic, is a marine protected area known for its rich biodiversity and stunning underwater landscapes. It is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers due to its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life. Below are some of the most popular species found in the park.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
This majestic marine reptile is commonly seen gliding through the waters of La Caleta. Known for their smooth, greenish shells, green sea turtles are herbivores that feed primarily on seagrass and algae.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Smaller than the green sea turtle, the hawksbill is easily identified by its narrow, pointed beak and beautifully patterned shell. These critically endangered turtles play a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral reefs by feeding on sponges.

Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas)
A large marine mollusk with a distinctive pink shell, the queen conch is an important species in the park. These slow-moving creatures help maintain seagrass beds and are a vital part of the marine ecosystem.

Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi)
A top predator in La Caleta’s waters, the Caribbean reef shark is a sleek, powerful species that contributes to the balance of the underwater ecosystem. Although they can be intimidating, they are generally not aggressive toward humans.

Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)
Recognizable by its unique pattern of white spots on a dark body, the spotted eagle ray is an elegant swimmer often seen gliding through the park’s waters. They feed on crustaceans and mollusks found in the sandy seabed.

Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
An important reef predator, the Nassau grouper is known for its stout body and ability to change color. This species plays a key role in keeping fish populations balanced within the park’s reef system.

French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)
These striking fish have black bodies with bright yellow accents and are commonly seen in pairs. They feed on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates, contributing to reef health.

Lionfish (Pterois volitans)
An invasive species in the Caribbean, the lionfish has distinctive red, white, and brown stripes with long venomous spines. While beautiful, they pose a threat to native fish populations due to their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators.

Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus)
A nocturnal species, the spiny lobster is recognizable by its long antennae and lack of claws. These crustaceans play a significant role in the marine food web and are an important part of the local fishing industry.

Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis)
Named for its bold black stripes resembling a military insignia, the sergeant major is a small but highly visible fish. These territorial fish are commonly seen darting around reefs and wrecks, adding vibrant movement to the underwater scenery.

Birds

While primarily an underwater park, La Caleta’s coastal areas and nearby mangroves attract various bird species, making it a great place for birdwatching. Below are some of the popular bird species found in the region.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
With its impressive wingspan and striking red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the coastal waters, often stealing food from other birds in mid-air.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A familiar sight along the coast, brown pelicans are expert divers, plunging into the water to catch fish with their expandable throat pouches.

Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)
Recognizable by its bright orange beak and black crest, the royal tern is often seen hovering over the water before diving for small fish.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
This elegant, long-legged wader frequents the shallow waters near the park’s coastline, gracefully hunting for fish and small aquatic creatures.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A skilled hunter, the osprey is often seen circling above the water before plunging feet-first to snatch fish with its powerful talons.

White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
This tropical pigeon thrives in coastal forests and mangroves, feeding on fruits and playing a vital role in seed dispersal.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
A nocturnal hunter, this heron is often found along the park’s shorelines, patiently waiting for crabs and other crustaceans to emerge.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
A skilled seabird, the brown booby is often seen gliding over the water before making dramatic plunge-dives to catch fish.

Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita)
A common sight in the Caribbean, the Zenaida dove is known for its soft cooing calls and preference for coastal scrub and mangrove habitats.

Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus)
This small songbird is often heard before it is seen, with a persistent call that echoes through coastal forests and mangroves.

La Caleta Underwater National Park is not only a marine paradise but also a refuge for a variety of bird species that thrive along its coastal habitats. Whether exploring the vibrant reefs below or observing the birdlife above, the park offers a unique natural experience.