The warmer Caribbean coastal regions of Pedernales, La Romana-Bayahibe, and Punta Cana possess the ideal environment for prehistoric manatees, bottlenose and spinner dolphins, endangered hawksbill sea turtles, and colorful coralline fish.

Punta Cana is most famously known for its vibrant marine life and the humpback whales that migrate to the nearby Samaná Bay every year from January to March. On land, the region is celebrated for its squirrel monkeys, which can be visited in dedicated sanctuaries like "Monkey Land" where they interact directly with tourists. The area is also home to a diverse array of tropical birds, including the Hispaniolan parrot and various species of herons. While snorkeling or diving along the coral reefs, you are likely to encounter sea turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks. In 2026, eco-tourism remains a primary draw, with many visitors taking boat tours specifically to see the majestic humpback whales as they breed and calve in the warm Caribbean waters, making the whale the unofficial "animal ambassador" of the Dominican Republic's eastern coast.