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Samaná, Dominican Republic
Samaná is a relatively undiscovered destination with something for everyone. This roller coaster peninsula has many pristine beaches, one of them, Playa Rincon was voted voted as one of the best beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, a whale watching destination, during the months of January through late March, excellent scuba diving locations, a large National Park to explore, a one hundred foot high waterfall that you can hike to, plus many other adventure type activities you can try, or just relax and do nothing at all at some of the luxurious hotels that are available.
About a 3 1/2 hour drive from Puerto Plata, or you can fly directly into Samaná International airport at El Catey. There are weekly direct flights from Toronto and Montreal during the winter months with Sunquest Vacations. Flying time is about 4 hours and you land at the new airport in El Catey
The airport opened in November 2006 and provides quick access to the peninsula.
Samaná city also know as Santa Barbara de Samaná is about a 45 minute drive from the airport and is located on the south coast of the peninsula. The other two main towns Las Terrenas located on the north side of the peninsula is about a 30 minute drive from Samaná and Las Galeras located at the eastern tip is about a 45 minute drive from Samaná. If you come to Samaná on a package vacation with Sunquest then your transportation to your chosen hotel is included, otherwise you will need to find your own transportation, and yes taxis are available, I was quoted $50US one way, to Samaná City.
Some Quick Facts:
Location: Northeastern coast of Dominican Republic
Currency: Dominican Peso, US Dollars accepted
Electricity: 110V 60Hz same plug as US and Canada
Language: Spanish, with English spoken in resort hotels.
Airport: Samaná International (AZS) at El Catey
Settled by two shiploads of freed American slaves around 1824, and to this day many residents speak English as a first language, but Spanish is definitely the working language.
Getting Around:
Rental cars and 4x4's are available in addition to taxi service and moto-conchos (motorbike with a cab attached to it)
Samaná city itself is not very large but does provide all the essentials you may need. Banks and ATM machines, there is a Canadian Scotia Bank with an ATM and also the local Dominican bank, but be warned the ATM sometimes run out of money and it may take a day to refill them.
Souvenir shops, bars, try Presidente or Quisqueya, fine tasting Dominican beers, restaurants and a small colorful tourist shopping mall are all close by the maelcon in the central area of Samaná
Tours: Samaná is noted for whale watching – humpback whales visit Samaná Bay from late December until approximately mid March and the person you want to take you out to watch them is Kim Beddall.
Kim a Canadian has been in Samaná for 25 years and is one of the greatest experts in humpback whales. Her knowledge of humpback whales is outstanding and she shares it with you during the tour.
For more info you can contact her directly at
Victoria Marine / Whale Samaná
Tel/Fax 1 (809) 538-2494
E-Mail: [email protected]
Several cruise lines make Samaná a port of call on their Caribbean itineraries during the winter months so the town can get a little busy on those days,and some excursions may sell out quickly especially the whale watching ones so plan ahead.
Los Haitises National Park, this 1200 square kilometer park area with keys, islands, caves, rainforests and mangrove reserves that can only be visited with a certified guide. Excursions can be booked from most hotels or from tour companies in town. Departures are by high speed boats departing from the marina in Samaná.
Salto de Limon, a hundred foot waterfall located in the middle of the peninsula midway between Samaná city and Las Terrenas.
Trips to the waterfall can be taken by horseback orby hiking from the main road.
Take my advice, take the horse, the hike is tough for those not in shape. Along the way there is a small restaurant where you can stop and purchase cold drinks and snacks if you wish. Once you arrive at the falls there is a natural swimming pool at the bottom where you can take a dip to cool off. Several companies offer this tour or you can get yourself a local guide as I did. We hiked in an it took about 45 minutes one way and its up and down all the way, no flat path here. There is a lot of climbing involved here and if it has rained the the paths will be mucky and somewhat slippery, not for everyone.
There are several other tours available such as a 4x4 ATV excursion, catamaran sailings, scuba diving, snorkeling & mountain biking. If you want a little more adventure then rent a 4x4 and explore the peninsula on your own, you can’t get lost and you will be amazed at the spectacular scenery.
Hotels – Several small hotels in the area but the nicest ones are the newly constructed Gran Bahia hotels. The Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa is located at the western side of the town perched on a hill and overlooking Samaná Bay with great views, especially the sunrise.
Bahia Hotels have two other properties in the area, the Grand Bahia Samaná to the east and outside the city and then a spectacular resort Gran Bahia Cayo Levantado on a 1 square kilometer coral island of the same name with spectacular beaches. This hotel is great for honeymoon couples or someone that just wants to get away from the hustle of everyday life, absolutely fantastic views from the Junior Suites overlooking Samaná Bay, several restaurants, great beaches and a world class spa.
The palm tree lined powdery sand beach at the west end of the island is absolutely spectacular. It is a public beach, receives a lot of tourists and does get busy at times, the hotel has two of it’s own beaches and they are strictly for use by guests of the hotel.
Shuttle boats transport guests and their luggage to the island on a regular basis, and while you're waiting for your shuttle boat you can relax in air-conditioned comfort at a private terminal building and have your favourite refreshment.
About a 30 minute drive north west of Samaná city is the town of Las Terrenas. Palm tree lined beaches, crystal clear water, coffee and pastry shops, a supermarket, beach front restaurants with a definite European influence. 4 wheel ATV’s, motorcycles and 4x4’s are the preferred method of transportation here, side roads are rough but main roads are fine if you decide to rent a vehicle. You can find accommodation here that varies from 5 Star beachfront to 2 star and across the road from the beach, something for everyone.
About 10 minutes east of the town is the Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo Hotel. It seems like this chain of hotels is everywhere. The hotel was completely renovated about 2 years ago and is spectacular. Located on a long golden sand beach, with crystal clear water making it great for snorkeling. It’s an all inclusive hotel with several different restaurants & bars.
Taxis from the hotel to town will run you about $10US one way. Las Terrenas has many other hotels as well, some beachfront, others across the road from the beach some with air-conditioning others without, it's your choice.
Make your way back down to Samaná and head east for about 45 minutes and you will end up at the eastern tip of this peninsula and the town of Las Galeras, a small fishing community, this is where the coast road ends.
Nothing fancy but you wil find several small hotels, restaurants, bars, a small supermarket, internet access, and some souvenir shops.
A small restaurant on the beach is the meeting point for boats to take you out to Playa Rincon one of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean.
You can also drive out but a good portion of the road is rough and a 4x4 would be recommended.
The largest hotel in Las Galeras is the Grand Paradise Samaná. This palm tree covered resort has a magnificent beach and fronts onto Las Galeras Bay and a beautiful white sand beach. Property is made up of several low rise buildings and some beachfront bungalows.Two restaurants, a few bars, small mini market on the property, internet access and even an ATM machine.
If you want to relax this is the place.
On a final note, this destination is not for shoppers or bar-hoppers. No mega malls or fancy discos here, great hotels yes, so if you want something different then the party scene in Cancun this is a good choice.
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