President Luis Abinader officially opened the first phase of the revitalized La Caleta Underwater National Park on Monday, 15 December 2025, marking the completion of a RD$420 million (approximately US$7 million) project designed to rescue a site of immense historical and environmental value and the swimmable public beach closest to the capital city.
The park area is 120,000 square meters and 2.74 linear kilometers. The park has new pedestrian paths, parking, viewpoints and children’s play areas. There is an area for the Tourism Police (Politur), bathrooms and vendor modules.
A Ministry of Tourism press release explains that the renovation ends more than 40 years of neglect, transforming a once-deteriorating coastal area into a modern hub for sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
Located adjacent to the road stretch leading to Las Américas International Airport (AILA), the park serves as the first impression for millions of travelers entering the Dominican Republic. President Abinader noted that for years he watched the site’s decline with concern.
“This park is not only a historical and cultural landmark but a premier destination for diving and water sports,” the President stated. “Visitors will now have the high-quality infrastructure they deserve.”
To ensure the project’s longevity, the President instructed RD Vial to evaluate the construction of a pedestrian bridge to safely connect the local community of La Caleta with the park.
“This is part of a national strategy to reclaim our coastal spaces with social sensitivity and a clear vision for tourism,” Collado said. The park will be managed by a private-sector foundation until a permanent board of trustees is established.
Environmental and cultural heritage
The park is a cornerstone for Caribbean biodiversity and history:
• Marine life: It is the second most diverse underwater park in the Americas, boasting over 150 varieties of coral.
• Archaeology: It houses an indigenous burial site where over 150 ancestral remains were discovered, alongside the Taíno Ethnological and Archaeological Museum.
• Diving: The seabed features the shipwreck of the Nuestra Señora de Begoña, a major draw for international divers.
Environment Minister Paíno Henríquez and La Caleta Mayor Máximo Soriano praised the intervention, noting that the park is a vital resource for open-water swimming and environmental education. Arturo del Villar, Rector of INTEC University, added that the project represents a significant step toward a more sustainable tourism model for the Dominican Republic.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza and leaders from the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and the Specialized Corps in Airport Security (CESAC).
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Presidency
23 December 2025