Caribbean Birding Trail

Know the Caribbean, Bird by Bird

Connect With Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Twitter
Donate
  • About the CBT
    • Interpretive Guide Training
  • Countries
    • Countries A-I
      • Anguilla
        • Cove Pond
        • Dog Island
        • East End Pond
        • Forest Bay Pond
        • Katouche Canyon
        • Long Pond
        • Meads Bay Pond
        • Merrywing Pond System
        • Prickly Pear Cays
        • Road Salt Pond
        • Scrub Island
        • Sombrero
        • West End By-the-Sea Ponds
        • West End Pond
      • Antigua and Barbuda
        • Bethesda Dam
        • Christian Valley
        • Codrington Lagoon
        • McKinnon’s Salt Pond
        • Two Foot Bay National Park
      • Aruba
        • Spaans Lagoon
      • Bahamas
        • Abaco
        • Andros
        • Cat Island
        • Crooked Island and Acklins
        • Eleuthera
        • Exumas
        • Grand Bahama
        • Great Inagua
        • Long Island
        • Mayaguana
        • New Providence
        • San Salvador
      • Barbados
      • Bonaire
        • Dos Pos IBA
        • Gotomeer
      • British Virgin Islands
        • Josiahs Bay Salt Pond
        • Sandy Cay
      • Cuba
        • Guanahacabibes
        • Humboldt National Park
        • Mensura-Piloto National Park
        • Viñales
        • Zapata Swamp
      • Curaçao
        • Christoffel National Park
        • Salt Pans of Jan Thiel
      • Dominica
      • Dominican Republic
        • Central Mountain Range
          • Constanza and Valle Nuevo
          • Ebano Verde Reserve
          • Hatillo
          • Jarabacoa with Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez National Parks
          • La Joya de San Francisco
          • Loma Quita Espuela
          • Pico Diego de Ocampo, Santiago
        • Southeast
          • Bávaro
          • Cumayasa
          • Del Este National Park
            • Del Este National Park: Boca de Yuma
            • Del Este National Park: Guaraguao
            • Del Este National Park: Padre Nuestro Trail
            • Del Este National Park: Saona Island
          • Ecological Foundation Trail, Punta Cana
          • Limón Lagoon
          • Los Haitises National Park
            • Los Haitises National Park: Caño Hondo
            • Los Haitises National Park: Los Limones
          • Monte Plata
        • Southwest
          • Aguacate and Zapotén
          • Cabo Rojo and Pedernales
          • Cabral Lagoon
          • Cachote, Eastern Bahoruco
          • Jimaní
          • Lake Enriquillo
          • Loma Charco Azul
          • Oviedo Lagoon, Jaragua National Park
          • Puerto Alejandro and Tortuguero
          • Rabo de Gato and Puerto Escondido
          • Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
            • Los Arroyos, Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
        • North Coast
          • Cayos Siete Hermanos
          • El Choco National Park, Cabarete
          • El Limón, Samaná
          • Estero Hondo
          • Loma Guaconejo
          • Loma Isabel de Torres, Puerto Plata
          • Monte Cristi and Saladilla
          • Nalga de Maco National Park, Río Limpio
          • Samaná
        • Around Santo Domingo
          • Las Salinas de Baní
          • Mirador del Norte Park
          • National Botanical Garden
          • Ozama Wetlands
      • Grenada
        • Antoine Lake
        • Beausejour/Grenville Vale
        • Diamond Rock
        • Grand Etang National Park
        • Levera National Park
        • Mt. Hartman National Park
        • Telescope Pond
        • Woburn Bay MPA
      • Guadeloupe
        • Mountain Road
        • Pointe des Chateaux
    • Countries J-Z
      • Jamaica
        • Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
        • Barbecue Bottom Road
        • Black River Great Morass
        • Cockpit Country
        • Ecclesdown Road
        • Flagstaff
        • Green Hills Field Station
        • Hardwar Gap
        • Hope Gardens
        • Portland Bight Protected Area
        • Stewart Town
      • Martinique
        • Rocher du Diamant
      • Montserrat
      • Puerto Rico
        • Camuy Coastal Area
        • Culebra National Wildlife Refuge
        • Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge
      • Sint Eustatius
        • Pilot Hill
        • Quill/Boven National Park
        • Zeelandia Beach
      • St. Lucia
      • Sint Maarten
        • Great Salt Pond
        • Little Bay Pond
      • St. Martin
        • Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House
        • Étang Cimetière de Grand Case
        • Étang de la Barrière
        • Pic Paradis
      • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
        • Grenadines
          • Bird Sanctuary
          • Mustique Lagoon
          • Mustique Ponds Walk
        • Saint Vincent
          • Richmond Beach
      • Trinidad and Tobago
        • Tobago
          • Kilgwyn Swamp
          • Little Tobago
        • Trinidad
          • Asa Wright Nature Centre
          • Brasso Seco Paria Village
      • Turks and Caicos
        • Grand Turk
        • Middle Caicos
        • North Caicos
        • Providenciales
        • Salt Cay
        • South Caicos
  • Tours
  • Guides
  • Get Involved
  • Contact Us

You are here: Home / Dominican Republic / North Coast / Monte Cristi and Saladilla

Monte Cristi and Saladilla

  • About
  • The Birds
  • How to Get There

The town of Monte Cristi is located in the northwest corner of the country and is best known for the massive El Morro headland, seen and named by Christopher Columbus (known in Spanish as Cristóbal Colón). The main birding attractions here are the extensive mangroves which can be explored by boat, and lagoons full of flamingos and other waterbirds hidden amongst cactus forests. Some of these sites are easily reached, while others require a guide. Besides flamingos, these wetland habitats host many herons, egrets, spoonbills, ibis, and other large waders, as well as shorebirds and waterfowl, including some hard-to-see species such as Ring-billed Gull and Gull-billed Tern. Although numbers of wintering ducks are reduced from historic highs, Monte Cristi is still one of the better places to find wintering and resident waterfowl.

South of Monte Cristi you will find other interesting birding areas, including Estero Balsa and Laguna Saladilla, most of which are protected as part of the large Montecristi National Park. Some of these sites are difficult to enter because of the thick vegetation around the shorelines. Beyond the wetland habitats the landscape is dominated by dry thorn scrub. The threatened Hispaniolan Parakeet is said to come down from the Cordillera Central to nest here, and other species typical of the lowlands should also be expected.

 

Cayos Siete Hermanos (Map by Dana Gardner)
Cayos Siete Hermanos (Map by Dana Gardner)

Site A: Salinas – The salt pans (salinas), and the dikes around the salt pans, attract a variety of smaller shorebirds. The dikes may be freely walked; look here for Black-necked Stilt, Willet, and a variety of migratory shorebirds. From near the salt ponds you can also look for herons, egrets and other wading birds coming in to roosts in the afternoon. Of particular note are the White Ibis and the Roseate Spoonbills.

Site B: Playa de la Granja – Drive or walk to Playa de la Granja. Follow Avenida San Fernando past the embarcadero and the Hostal San Fernando; look for an unmarked dirt trail just past the hostal. The road crosses the peninsula behind El Morro through low scrub forest to arrive at the mangrove, sea grape and scrub associated with this beach. Explore along the beach as well as the many small trails in the scrub. An interesting alternative to exploring this area on foot is to hire a boat and guide at the Club Nautico (just before the low bridge) or the embarcadero (just after the low bridge) on the way out to El Morro, and go through the mangroves on a small river.

The remaining sites are south of Monte Cristi along the Carretera Dajabón and are part of the Montecristi National Park. To reach these sites return through town on the Calle Duarte until you reach the prominent corner at Avenida Mella and turn south.

Monte Cristi and Saladilla (Map by Dana Gardner)
Monte Cristi and Saladilla (Map by Dana Gardner)

Site C: Marigó Wetlands – Leaving central Monte Cristi and heading south, in 2.7 km (1.7 miles) you will cross the Río Yaqui on an old bridge. Just 2.4 km (1.5 miles) further you will encounter the Marigó wetlands. Look for a narrow dirt or mud track on the right that is marked by a small cement block building. You may walk into the wetlands and salt flats.

Site D: La Mina – Continuing south on the Carretera Dajabón you will now be on a long, flat straightaway. Some 13 km (8.1 miles) from central Monte Cristi you will pass through the town of Nueva Judea. Less than 1.6 km (1 mile) beyond the town look for another narrow mud track on the right which is marked by a small concrete building. This is known as the “carretera La Mina” and can be walked as far as a small beach several kilometers distant.

Site E: Caño Blanco – As you continue south, Caño Blanco is a large lagoon that is reached 14.5 km (9 miles) from Monte Cristi. You may scan the lagoon from the road, or you may drive to the south end of the lagoon (about 0.8 or 0.5 miles further) to find a small access road that is marked by a concrete ruin. This road may be walked to the back side of Caño Blanco and beyond, including the area of the Laguna de Nelson which is known for its waterfowl numbers, but is also densely packed with red mangroves.

Site F: Laguna Saladilla – About 20.1 km (12.5 miles) south of Monte Cristi lies the town of Copey, and just beyond is the major crossroads of the Cruz de Manzanillo. Turning right (west) here will take you to the port town of Pepillo Salcedo (generally called Manzanillo), which lies on Manzanillo Bay. You will pass a military checkpoint; then, only 3.7 km (2.3 miles) from the crossroads, look on the left for a small lane just after an abandoned house. This lane will lead you to the margins of Laguna Saladilla. One of the local fishermen will gladly take you out on their boat to explore the lagoon for a small fee.

Site F: Estero Balsa – After traveling 6.4 km (4 miles) from the Cruz de Manzanillo on alternately paved and unpaved road through grazing lands and thorn scrub, on the outskirts of Manzanillo you will bear right at a prominent cemetery that lies on your right. Just beyond this fork is another signed fork; bear right again to reach the Estero Balsa. This leads to another nice wetlands ringed by mangroves. Backtracking to the last fork, you may take the left fork past the banana operations and down to the port where there is a small beach, another small wetland, and a cafeteria.

Target Species: West Indian Whistling- Duck, White- cheeked Pintail, Masked Duck, American Flamingo, Least Bittern, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Clapper Rail, Caribbean Coot, Black- bellied Plover, Snowy Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Northern Jacana, Great Black- backed Gull, Bank Swallow, Cave Swallow

Monte Cristi can be reached by taking Ave. John F. Kennedy in Santo Domingo to the Autopista Duarte and heading north. This is the main north-south highway in the country, and you will pass by Bonao, La Vega, and Santiago. After reaching Santiago, follow the highway signs to Monte Cristi on the Carretera Duarte (the extension of the Autopista Duarte). The drive should take about four and a half hours.

Once in Monte Cristi, you will be on Calle Duarte. This street will take you through the city center. But to reach the better hotels, restaurants and some nearby birding areas, you will want to continue straight ahead on Duarte, passing a prominent intersection with both Shell and Esso stations, and past a city park on your left with a prominent (and interesting) clock tower. Just after this park, and at a traffic light (which may or not be functioning), is Avenida San Fernando. Turn to the right here and head towards the coast. In less than 3 km you will cross through some salt pans, over a low bridge, and past a left hand turn to Playa Juan de Bolaños where a number of tourist accommodations are found. Straight ahead, and on the beach, is the prominent Hotel Montechico where the road turns eastward. Just past the hotel, and on the left is the national park office; on the right and just over a low bridge is the entrance to the embarcadero. Continuing another 2 km on this road will take you to Morro Beach.

Monte Cristi and Saladilla

Dominican Republic Sites

Central Mountain Range
Constanza and Valle Nuevo
Ebano Verde Reserve
Hatillo
Jarabacoa with Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez National Parks
La Joya de San Francisco
Loma Quita Espuela
Pico Diego de Ocampo, Santiago
Southeast
Bávaro
Cumayasa
Del Este National Park
Del Este National Park: Boca de Yuma
Del Este National Park: Guaraguao
Del Este National Park: Padre Nuestro Trail
Del Este National Park: Saona Island
Ecological Foundation Trail, Punta Cana
Limón Lagoon
Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park: Caño Hondo
Los Haitises National Park: Los Limones
Monte Plata
Southwest
Aguacate and Zapotén
Cabo Rojo and Pedernales
Cabral Lagoon
Cachote, Eastern Bahoruco
Jimaní
Lake Enriquillo
Loma Charco Azul
Oviedo Lagoon, Jaragua National Park
Puerto Alejandro and Tortuguero
Rabo de Gato and Puerto Escondido
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
Los Arroyos, Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
North Coast
Cayos Siete Hermanos
El Limón, Samaná
Estero Hondo
Loma Guaconejo
Loma Isabel de Torres, Puerto Plata
Monte Cristi and Saladilla
Nalga de Maco National Park, Río Limpio
Samaná
Around Santo Domingo
Las Salinas de Baní
Mirador del Norte Park
National Botanical Garden
Ozama Wetlands

Partners in the Dominican Republic

  • Grupo Acción Ecológica
  • La Sociedad Ornitológica de la Hispaniola (SOH)
  • National Aviary

With special thanks to our partners at the Ruta Barrancoli

Ruta Barrancoli logo


Dominican Republic Tour Operators

  • Explora Ecotour
  • Miguel A. Landestoy T., Independent Guide
  • Tody Tours
  • Wildside Nature Tours

Bird Checklists

Click here to download a pamphlet-sized year-round checklist for Dominican Republic.

Recommended Field Guides

Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti by Steven Latta, Christopher Rimmer, Allan Keith, James Wiley, Herbert A. Raffaele, Kent McFarland, and Eladio Fernandez

Aves de la República Dominicana y Haití by Steven Latta, Christopher Rimmer, Allan Keith, James Wiley, Herbert A. Raffaele, Kent McFarland, and Eladio Fernandez

Ruta Barrancolí: A Bird-finding Guide to the Dominican Republic by Steven C. Latta and Kate J. Wallace

Birds of the West Indies by Herbert Raffaele, James Wiley, Orlando Garrido, Allan Keith, and Janis Raffaele

Want to know how you can be involved?

Do you know of a place that should be part of the Caribbean Birding Trail? Are you the owner of a lodge or hotel and want to attract eco-tourists? Are you a guide interested in the birdwatching market? Then, get involved with our project!

Get Involved

The Latest from BirdsCaribbean.org

Twitter
Birds Caribbean
Birds Caribbean
@BirdsCaribbean

Have you seen any unusual or rare birds in the last 2 years? Unusually high numbers, 1st record of a species or breeding bird? If yes, we want to know about it!!! Find out more on our blog, & send us your valuable info, pronto! THX! bit.ly/Carib-Bird-Si…🦉🐧🦜 #birdscaribbean pic.twitter.com/ejBC…

reply retweet favorite
11:21 pm · February 25, 2021
Twitter
Birds Caribbean
Birds Caribbean
@BirdsCaribbean

Hope for the Future! Ajhermae White has been busy with her ‘Education on #Shorebirds in #Montserrat’ project. Find out all about her fantastic work, with kids, frigatebirds, & Govt officials thrown into the mix! bit.ly/Montserrat-Sh… #HumansofBirdsCaribbean @SKPguy #proud 💚 pic.twitter.com/Z3nO…

reply retweet favorite
8:12 pm · February 24, 2021
Twitter
Birds Caribbean
Birds Caribbean
@BirdsCaribbean

A Feathery Finale to the Caribbean Waterbird Census on Antigua! Congrats to the @EAGAntigua on another successful CWC, including their creative ‘Bird Mask-erade’ bit.ly/EAG-CWC-2021 #waterbirdscount #CWC2021 #caribbeanwaterbirdcensus pic.twitter.com/IBX1…

reply retweet favorite
10:36 pm · February 23, 2021
Twitter
Birds Caribbean
Birds Caribbean
@BirdsCaribbean

Taking a Look at Shorebirds in Trinidad! Find out from Martin Gebauer how #shorebird populations in Trinidad are doing and if drones can help us to count and monitor them: bit.ly/TT-Shorebirds #waterbirdscount #birdscaribbean @Martin_Gebauer @AlexFSansom @USFWSBirds pic.twitter.com/8AX6…

reply retweet favorite
7:33 pm · February 22, 2021
Twitter
Wilson Ornith Soc
Wilson Ornith Soc
@WilsonOrnithSoc

The professional ornithological societies of the Americas affirm our commitment to field safety in response to a public allegation of a sexual assault by a well-known birder during a birding excursion in Atlanta, Georgia. wilsonsociety.org/20… pic.twitter.com/3znE…

reply retweet favorite
2:48 am · February 20, 2021 ·
Retweeted by Birds Caribbean

Our Site

  • Home
  • About the CBT
  • Countries
  • Tours
  • Guides
  • Get Involved
  • Contact

Search

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Sign up for our Mailing List

Copyright © 2011–2021 Caribbean Birding Trail. A project of BirdsCaribbean.