The Yaque Del Norte is the largest river in the Dominican Republic and is essential to its economy. The Yaque Del Norte runs 240 miles long flowing northwest, starting at the Cordillera Central it passes through the Cibao Valley empties into the Manzanillo Bay until finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The Yaque Del Norte is an important water source and is generally shallow making it navigable on small boats, however, it floods during the rainy season. The Yaque Del Norte is known for its beauty, diverse ecosystems, its abundant fishing, and is home to American crocodiles. The Yaque is also used for irrigating rice, sugarcane, plantains, and tobacco, and has a hydroelectric dam creating electrical energy for Santiago City. In addition, the Yaque has great historical value, in the past, it has been a major transport system for indigenous people and has been an asset to past colonial powers. All of these unique aspects make the Yaque Del Norte the most important river in the Dominican Republic.