“Hispaniolan gracile anole”

Hispaniolan gracile anole is a species of iguana-like lizard endemic to the Dominican Republic.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/hispaniolan-gracile-anole/

3 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 1600, ƒ/5.6, 1/35 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Bananaquit on a banana plant”

The bananaquit is a small, active bird found in warmer parts of the Americas and is generally common. Its name is derived from its yellow color and the English word quit, which refers to small passerines of tropical America; cf. grassquit, orangequit.

Most subspecies of the bananaquit have dark grey (almost black) upperparts, black crowns and sides of the head, a prominent white eyestripe.

They mainly feed on nectar from fruits and small fruits - including mistletoe fruits, other berries, and ripe bananas.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/bananaquit-on-a-banana-plant/

3 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 4000, ƒ/5.6, 1/500 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Female Hispaniolan Mango”

The Hispaniolan mango is a species of hummingbird endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti).

Hispaniolan mangoes are 11.5 to 13.5 cm long. Males weigh 6.0 to 8.2 g and females 4.0 to 7.0 g.

Adult males have shiny bronze-green upperparts. The chin and throat are metallic green and the rest of the underparts velvety black with a bluish tinge. The tail is mostly violet; the inner webs of the feathers are coppery and the tips blue-black.

The female's upperparts are also shiny bronze-green. Its underparts are grayish lightening to pale white on the abdomen. The tail is reddish violet with broad black marks near the end; the outermost feathers have white tips.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/female-hispaniolan-mango/

3 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 1250, ƒ/5.6, 1/500 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Gray kingbird”

The gray kingbird is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatchers family Tyrannidae.

The species was first described on the island of Hispaniola, then called Santo Domingo, thus the dominicensis name.

Like other kingbirds, these birds aggressively defend their territory against intruders, including mammals and much larger birds.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/gray-kingbird/

3 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 2500, ƒ/5.6, 1/500 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Hispaniolan woodpecker”

The Hispaniolan woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola (split between the Dominican Republic and Haiti).

It's a medium-sized bird with characteristic black and yellow colors. A monotypic species, it is the only Melanerpes to live in colonies.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/hispaniolan-woodpecker/

3 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 400, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Attempted camouflage on Cayo Vigia”

Cayo Vigia is an islet that closes the bay of Samaná, opposite the town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná.

The cayo's only attraction is its vast panoramic view of the city from the sea. At dusk, couples go there to enjoy the blaze of the... sun.

Numerous sailboats at anchor take advantage of this natural shelter.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/attempted-camouflage-on-cayo-vigia/

2 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 250, ƒ/4.5, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Cayo Levantado, aka Bacardi Island”

Cayo Levantado, popularly known as Bacardi Island, is a tiny island located in Samaná, in the wildest and most remote area of the Dominican Republic.

It inherited its English name after it was featured in a commercial for the famous producer of spirits.

The island is small, only one kilometer long, but with great natural treasures. It is associated with paradisiacal beaches with tall coconut trees, exuberant vegetation, and crystalline beaches full of abundant marine life.

Cayo Levantado is the perfect place to get away on a day trip from the beautiful region of Samaná to enjoy a day of snorkeling, kayaking, sun, and beach, in one of the most charming Caribbean areas. Its sands are white and delicate, and its waters, with incredible visibility and shades of blue, are full of colorful tropical fish, where it is straightforward to spot starfish and shells very close to the shore.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/cayo-levantado-aka-bacardi-island/

2 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 200, ƒ/8, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“I can also do a Fosbury jump”

Samana Bay, located in the northwest of the Dominican Republic, is one of the best places on the planet to observe a large population of humpback whales that come to the area every year to mate and give birth.

Every year, during the months from December to April, some 3,000 cetaceans leave their natural habitat in the cold waters of the North Atlantic from countries like Iceland or Canada, to transform the Dominican tropical waters into the scene of their mating rituals, as well as their favorite place to give birth.

It is an absolutely marvelous and portentous spectacle of nature: males of more than 40 tons jumping over the water trying to win the favor and attention of the females of their species, in a hypnotic courtship of nature that is complemented by long and monotonous songs that they emit underwater and that become audible within a radius of 30 kilometers away.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/i-can-also-do-a-fosbury-jump/

2 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 200, ƒ/9, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Humpback whale jump”

Humpback whales, known for their impressive leaps out of the water, travel thousands of kilometers from their feeding grounds in the North Atlantic, in regions such as Greenland, Iceland and Canada, to the tropical waters of the Dominican Republic.

This annual migratory journey, which can stretch over 5,000 kilometers, is essential to the survival of the calves, which are born in warm waters because they don't have enough blubber to withstand the cold ocean temperatures.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/humpback-whale-jump/

2 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 200, ƒ/4.5, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“Hello, tiny floating creatures”

The whale-watching season in the Dominican Republic offers a unique opportunity to witness a breathtaking natural spectacle. Although whales start arriving in the region as early as November, it's between January and March that tourists can enjoy the best views of this phenomenon.

The sanctuary on the north coast of the Dominican Republic is one of the main humpback whale breeding grounds in the world, making this region a key player in international efforts to protect the species. It is estimated that around 80% of the North Atlantic humpback whale population is born in these waters, underscoring the importance of conserving and maintaining this ecosystem.

The Dominican Republic authorities have implemented regulated conservation measures to protect whales and their habitat. The activity takes place under a strict protocol that ensures boats do not interfere with cetacean migration or behavior. Consequently, only boats authorized by the environmental authorities can operate in the Banco de La Plata and Navidad marine mammal sanctuary, where whales gather to breed and care for their calves.

Responsible tourism also plays a fundamental role, as the authorities promote ecotourism as a conservation tool. The income generated by whale-watching contributes to the protection of these species and their natural environment.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/hello-tiny-floating-creatures/

2 March 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 100-400mm
ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“These ‘bancas’ are not banks”

In every small town and on most big city streets, there are small stores with big signs indicating that they are “bancas”.

These are betting shops. Most are linked to the national lottery and also offer bets on the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, etc.

They're usually one-by-two-meter tin shacks, with little more than a computer and a bar stool for the cashier.

But regulatory oversight of the gambling sector has come under scrutiny: in 2021, the company operating the national lottery was found to have falsified $8.5 million in ticket sales. The investigation revealed numerous cases of fraud and criminality in the Dominican lottery bank's network of 100,000 points of sale, used to falsify ticket sales and evade taxes.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/these-bancas-are-not-banks/

28 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/6.4, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“El Limón waterfalls”

On the Samaná peninsula, specifically in the community of El Limón, lies one of nature's most beautiful and incredible gifts to the Dominican Republic: the waterfall, better known as El Salto del Limón.

This particular natural attraction is located some 300 metres above sea level and consists of three spillways some 40 metres high, from which water falls to create a natural pool at the bottom, ideal for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.

Visiting the El Limón waterfalls requires a 2.5 km adventure trip through a dense forest, on horseback or on foot, over a lush mountainous terrain, constantly surrounded by a rich fauna and flora.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/el-limon-waterfalls/

28 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 640, ƒ/4, 1/2000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #XT2

“At the back of Playa Morón”

The colors of Playa Morón are magnificent, with the intense blue of the sea, the golden of the fine sand and the green of the coconut palms lining the beach.

For a long time, attempts have been made to build a resort there, but somehow (thank goodness) no progress has been made.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/at-the-back-of-playa-moron/

28 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/4, 1/2900 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Gentle waves at Playa Morón”

Playa Morón is one of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula. The beach is located in the Bahia del Limón bay, just before Punta Lanza del Norte.

Its rugged beauty is truly impressive. Its golden sand, driftwood trunks, turquoise waters and palm trees that follow the breeze give it a Caribbean authenticity that seduces the traveller.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/gentle-waves-at-playa-moron/

28 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/10, 1/1000 s

#TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Playa Las Cañas in the distance”

Playa Las Cañas is a beautiful, quiet beach located on the Samaná peninsula in the Dominican Republic. Known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is an ideal destination for those looking to relax in a natural, uncrowded environment.

But Playa Las Cañas is generally only accessible with real 4x4 vehicles, because the last part of the “road” is unpaved, partly full of mud and with some very mountainous sections.

Those who manage it will be rewarded with a 2 km long, deserted sandy beach lined with palm trees.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/playa-las-canas-in-the-distance/

28 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/11, 1/120 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Beach of Cueva de la Arena”

This beach is one of the many treasures of the Haitises National Park, and can only be reached by boat.

It has an easily accessible cave, inhabited since before colonial times by the Taino Indians, who left their mark inside.

The beach at Cueva de la Arena isn't very big, but it's really beautiful. In particular, there's a beautiful house where fishermen live.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/beach-of-cueva-de-la-arena/

27 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/4.5, 1/210 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Cueva de la Arena”

The Cueva de la Arena, in the Los Haitises National Park, is one of the most important points of interest in this protected area. It can only be reached by boat, from a small landing stage that plunges into the sea from its small, charming beach. The cave is some 940 m long, running along the cliffs of the Samaná Bay coastline.

This magnificent cave was used by the Taino Indians and decorated with their pre-Columbian art, of which twenty-two pictographs, six petroglyphs and two bas-reliefs have survived to the present day.

The bas-reliefs in the form of a human head can already be seen at the entrance.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/cueva-de-la-arena/

27 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/10, 1/1700 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Under tight surveillance”

Why bother fishing yourself, if humans are doing the work and there's an opportunity to steal their food?

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/under-tight-surveillance/

27 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 200, ƒ/11, 1/500 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Cueva de la Línea”

Cueva de la Línea is one of the most important caves in Los Haitises National Park, located in the area of Caño Preso, on the edge of an extensive mangrove swamp.

The cave has a length of about 600 meters and sunlight can be seen all the way through. In this cave there are more than 950 paintings still visible, although the cave must have contained many more, since there are many areas with evidence that the paintings were erased, mostly due to natural causes.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/cueva-de-la-linea/

27 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 2500, ƒ/4, 1/60 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2

“Reminiscences of the Taino people”

Deep within the history of the Dominican Republic lies a rich tapestry of ancient civilization, centered around the vibrant culture of the Taino people. The Taino, also known as the Arawak, were the indigenous inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Despite the devastating consequences of European colonization, the Taino legacy continues to shape the identity and cultural landscape of the Dominican Republic.

https://nicolas-hoizey.photo/photos/reminiscences-of-the-taino-people/

27 February 2018

Fujifilm X-T2 + 10-24mm
ISO 6400, ƒ/4, 1/25 s

#Travel #TravelPhotography #NorthAmerica #Caribbean #DominicanRepublic #Photography #Fujifilm #Fuji #XT2