The fauna is very varied. Some animals are difficult to observe and one has to be at the right location very early, others, especially the many birds, may easily be enjoyed by every visitor. There are more than 250 bird species, 10% of which are migratory and are only in the Caribbean during the winter months. Especially along the coast and at lagoons the variety of water birds may easily be observed. Almost anywhere you can observe brown pelicans and various egret species. The pink flamingo can mainly be observed on Cabritos Island.

The national bird, the palm chat, is endemic. It is very wide spread and may be observed in the crowns of palms, where it builds its communal nest. Its black and white belly is especially noticeable. The black and yellow bananaquit may even be observed at Hotels.
Three species of humming birds are native to Hispaniola, the mango humming bird, the smallest humming bird, measuring not much more than a bumblebee (Mellisuga Minimo) and the emerald humming bird. Humming birds may easily be observed when they collect nectar. These tiny birds flap their wings up to 50 times per second. You may also observe a large variety of butterflies and sometimes at dawn bats can be seen.

During the winter months, December to April, large swarms of Atlantic humpback whales come to the warm waters of the north coast, especially to the area of Samana and during this time the whales also mate.

There are many species of reptiles on the island. While it is easy to observe the small species sunning themselves or catching insects, the endemic ricord iguana and rhinoceros iguanas that live in the entire south west of the country are very hard to spot. With some luck, you may see the American crocodiles that live on the island in Lago Enriquillo during a tour. There are no poisonous snakes on the island.