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Samaná
A green peninsula of wild beaches, a jungle waterfall and winter humpback whales
A green peninsula of wild beaches, a jungle waterfall and winter humpback whales
Licensed boats leave Samaná town in season. Strict rules limit how close and how long boats stay with the whales, and swimming with them is forbidden.
Book with a licensed operator and bring seasickness tablets.
Photo: Lachu, CC BY 2.5
Across the bay, boat tours weave between limestone islets and mangroves, and visit caves with Taíno rock art. Frigatebirds and pelicans nest here.
Photo: Anton Bielousov, CC BY-SA 3.0
A walk or horse ride through forest leads to this tall waterfall with a pool for swimming.
The trail is muddy after rain; wear proper shoes.
Photo: -wuppertaler, CC BY 4.0
A small island in the bay with a public beach, reached by a short boat ride. It is busy on cruise-ship days.
Photo: Максим Улитин, CC BY 3.0
This lively beach town on the north coast has guesthouses, French and Italian restaurants and long beaches nearby.
Photo: -wuppertaler, CC BY 4.0
Samaná is known for fish and seafood cooked in coconut sauce (pescado con coco). Also try yaniqueques (johnnycakes) and fresh coconut.
Las Terrenas has a wide range of international restaurants.
El Catey International Airport is about 40 minutes from Samaná town. From Santo Domingo, the highway takes around 2.5 hours. All air travellers must complete the free online e-ticket form before check-in. The US$20 departure tax is included in airfares.
From Punta Cana, day tours reach the bay in season, but involve long transfers.
The Dominican Republic uses the peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but paying in pesos is usually cheaper. Many visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Whales, waterfall and beaches.
Take a morning whale-watching trip (January to March), then relax on Cayo Levantado.
Hike or ride to the waterfall.
Take a boat tour of the national park.
Spend the day at Playa Rincón or in Las Terrenas.
The best viewing is usually from mid-January to late March.
If riding to El Limón, choose operators that treat horses well.
Complete the online e-ticket before your flight.
The peninsula is green because it rains often.
Quick answers for planning time in Samaná.
Roughly mid-January to late March.
No, it is forbidden.
Fly to El Catey or drive about 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo.
A national park of limestone islets, mangroves and caves with Taíno art.
January to March for whales, December to April for drier weather.
Planning a wider trip? Our Dominican Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.