Seventy-six species out of the 130 species of birds are known to exist in the Jaragua National Park, half of which live in an aquatic environment. Other interesting species that live in the park include the ricord and rhinoceros iguanas, four types of marine turtles and 11 species of bats. The sea turtles climb up the park's beaches to lay their eggs. Like many of the country' s parks and scientific reserves, it has no tourist facilities and there are no guided tours available. The island, which was declared a national park in 1974, is flat with no traces of reefs.
Marine deposits make up the soil, which consists mainly of limestone, seashells and coral.
The park has numerous species of reptiles including the endangered rhinoceros and ricord iguanas and one of the largest wildlife American crocodile populations in the world. These reptiles can be seen from the lake's shores or on the boat to the island. A variety of waterfowl also inhabit the area. There are 62 species of birds include the flamingo, burrowing owl, Hispaniolan parrot and West Indian nighthawk. Visitors to the park must pay the entrance fee and boat ride fee.