The reconstruction of La Caleta Underwater National Park, a marine paradise and one of the country’s oldest protected coastal areas in the Dominican Republic, located in La Caleta, a small community within the Santo Domingo province, off Ruta 66 near Las Américas International Airport (AILA) and Boca Chica, approximately 20 km from downtown Santo Domingo entered in its final stretch and tourism Minister David Collado visited the site to review progress ahead of its planned December reopening.
The renovation project covers nearly 120.000 square metres with more than RD$350 million in public investment, including RD$250 million for the park’s internal rehabilitation and over RD$80 million for improvements in surrounding areas such as sidewalks and the Avenida de Los Escudos, a boulevard which features the shields of countries across the Americas.
The refurbished 2.74 - kilometres promenade honouring American and Caribbean nations, located near the airport exit, forms part of the broader effort to enhance the park’s appeal for both international visitors and residents.
The operations also includes extensive landscaping, new walkways, plazas, viewing points and recreation zones, as well as children’s plays areas, facilities for vendors, parking areas, a service module with restrooms and a Politur office has also been added.
Authorities expect the extensive renovation od La Caleta Underwater National Park will enhance tourism offering along Santo Domingo’s eastern corridor once it opens later this month.
During an on - site inspection on 11th December, the Minister said that the aim is to recover a natural space that had been neglected for decades and convert it into a unique stopover for travellers and a family - friendly recreation area for local residents.
The Minister added that this park had more than 50 years of abandonment, now it is illuminated and fully renovated with new parking areas, and pedestrian paths. The upgrade space could serve as a last visit for tourists before heading to the airport, offering a safe outdoor to relax before their departure.
Director of the National Office of Monumental Heritage Juan Mubarak, highlighted that La Caleta is not only a recreational space but also an archaeological site with prehistoric pre - Hispanic significance, and the cultural value of the area was preserved throughout the intervention.
A second phase of the project will incorporate an interpretation centre expected to present historical context of the site prior to European arrival.
About La Caleta Underwater National Park :
La Caleta Underwater National Park is one of the first underwater parks in the region, a premier Caribbean dive site for all skill levels, known for its thriving coral reefs, distinct terraces, underwater caves and tunnels, ideal places for varied diving experiences, from shallow to deep waters.
Further highlights are artificial reefs and famous sunken ships like the Hickory, Capitán Alsina and El Limón, perfect sites for exploring marine life.
This Underatewer National Park offers a rich biodiversity with a relevant presence of balloon fish, grouper, lionfish, octopuses, turtles, and rays living in colourful reefs and it is also a recreational hub providing amenities, trails, and cultural nods about this territory of the Dominican Republic.
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