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Samaná

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Samaná

Jutting out of the DR’s northeastern shore and basking in the ocean, the nature haven that is the Samaná Peninsula is as coveted today as it was in the 16th century. Pirates hid in its lush, palm-filled forests, isolated beaches, and hidden caves, while European and Haitian troops competed over its deep water, protected bay. Today, Samaná–often abbreviated to refer to the entire peninsula–is well connected by land and air, yet it remains the DR’s secluded, paradisiacal escape of wild beaches, coconut plantations, and rainforests. Its rolling mountains and valleys form the crystalline rivers that feed into the Atlantic, as they cascade toward brilliant white sand beaches stretching hundreds of kilometers all around the peninsula’s rocky coastline. It’s as if the approximately 2,500 humpback whales that visit Samaná Bay every year appreciate this natural splendor as much as visitors do. The giant mammals return every year to this special corner of the DR to mate, birth, and bask in this glorious tropical scenery. Aside from seasonal whale watching boat excursions in Samaná’s scenic bay, more ecotourism adventures are a stone’s throw away: body-boarding and kitesurfing in Las Terrenas; trekking, birding, and caving in Los Haitises National Park; canyoning or horseback riding to reach El Limón waterfall; and boat-hopping to magnificent white sand beaches at the base of 90-meter (300-feet) cliffs, or to offshore Cayo Levantado island.

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Samaná is also an independent traveler’s dream. Thousands of Europeans arrived as tourists and became residents, setting up businesses that give the area its unique cosmopolitan vibe. In Las Terrenas, French cafés and quaint guesthouses give way to Euro-chic boutiques, bistros, and beachfront lounges. But the peninsula retains its diverse cultural heritage. Croissants aside, you’ll find a cuisine rich in coconut flavors and seafood–an influence of early Canary Islands settlers, and descendants of 18th century African American immigrants who continue to thrive here. In Las Galeras, the fishing village life remains firm despite the large daytime tourist crowds who flock here to reach the renowned Playa Rincón.

Wherever you decide to stay on the peninsula, perched in treehouses in El Valle, tucked away in an eco-cabin in Las Galeras, or nestled in a beachfront suite, on glorious golden sands of Cosón: prepare for days surrounded by one of the Dominican Republic’s most magnificent beaches and rainforest escapes, where the echoes of merengue and bachata are never far away.

El Catey International Airport (AZS) is the gateway to the Samaná Peninsula. Cruises dock in Samaná in the winter season, near Cayo Levantado and the Bay of Samaná. Sailing enthusiasts will find full docking facilities and slips of up to 150 feet LOA at Puerto Bahía Marina, on the north end of Samaná Bay. By land, modern highways connect the peninsula to major points, including the Santo Domingo-Samaná Highway, or Route 7, and the Boulevard Turístico del Atlántico towards Las Terrenas, offering breathtaking, winding coastal views over the Bay of Cosón.

LATEST EVENTS
Jan 15 - Mar 31

Whale Watching Season

Samana Bay
Watch the 1,500 to 2,000 whales that migrate to the waters of the Samaná Bay on a guided boat tour ...
GUIDES & MAPS

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Attractions in Samaná

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Hop in all-terrain vehicles to drive your way to Playa Rincón, or Playa El Valle, while passing through rural communities along the way, stopping for local snacks and drinks, lunch on the beach, and even a waterfall swim.
Excursions, Family-Friendly, Inland Safaris
Ten zipline courses running a length of 1,750 meters (1,087 miles) across 20 platforms take you flying above the peninsula’s gorgeous landscapes. You’ll glide above rolling hills, dense tropical forests, and take in panoramic, distant views of Los Haitises National Park.
Family-Friendly, Ziplines
The oldest building in Santa Bárbara de Samaná and a cultural heritage site, this 18th century wooden church was built by freed African-Americans. To this day, La Churcha practices the African Methodist Episcopal faith, and its attendees are descendants of African Americans.
Churches, Iconic Sights
Off the beaten track of Las Galeras village, La Playita is lovely white sand, crescent shaped stretch shallow enough to walk for several feet. With a beachfront casual restaurant–crystal clear azure waters, and distant views of Playa Rincón, it is a favorite among those who find its shores.
Beaches, Family-Friendly
Off the coast of Las Terrenas, beginner divers and snorkelers will spot large schools of sergeant majors, surgeonfish, and colorful corals thriving amid the rocks at Las Ballenas.
Scuba Diving + Snorkeling
Known for its abundant coral reef formations, and rocks with swim-through openings at beginner-level depths, Las Cuevitas is one of the most popular dive sites from Las Terrenas.
Scuba Diving + Snorkeling
This remote fishing village is home to a handful of the DR’s most beautiful beaches, including the world-ranked Playa Rincón. Daytime crowds flock here to hop on a boat excursion to Playa Rincón, Playa Madama, and Playa Frontón.
Family-Friendly, Iconic Sights
Las Terrenas is the perfect blend of a dreamy beach village and a cosmopolitan town. Its waterfront boasts multiple stunning beaches, as well as a variety of small hotels, bistros, apparel and arts and crafts boutiques, and lively bars.
Family-Friendly, Iconic Sights, Shopping
With beachfront bars where DJs spin the latest hits and nightclubs, Las Terrenas has the most active nightlife scene on the peninsula. Head over to Pueblo de los Pescadores, where a row of lively seaside lounges and bars offer happy hours, and the music gets louder after midnight until the wee morning hours.
Music + Nightlife
Los Haitises National Park is one of the crown jewels of the Dominican Republic’s national park system. Los Haitises attracts numerous visitors who come here by boat to see its magnificent series of high rock formations; also, it boasts extensive mangroves along its bay, dotted with keys and caves.
Bird Watching, Boating Attractions, Caving, Ecotourism, Family-Friendly, Hiking, National Parks + Protected Areas, Wildlife Spotting

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Samaná

Samaná Blog

3 Incredible Animal Encounters To Be Had in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is a mecca for animal and nature lovers for many reasons. Over 7,500 animal species can be found throughout the country. The endemic species that can be found in the country [...]

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