Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Samaná, in full Santa Bárbara de Samaná, is a city and municipality in northeastern Dominican Republic and is the capital of Samaná Province. It is located on the northern coast of Samaná Bay. The city is an important tourism destination and is the main center for whale–watching tours. Honeymooners love the seclusion while others like all the activities that abound. Samana Beaches offer fun in the sand and warm waters. The northern Samana beaches such as Playa Bonita beach has small waves, Cozon has a few rough waves, and for calm waves Playa Popy, El Portillo, and Las Terranas are the best. Another Samana beach on the northern side is Playa Rincon; however, it can only be reached by boat. The Samana beaches on the southern side include Playa Galeras and Cayo Levantado. The majority of the city is based in the coconut field mountains which over look the bay. Many of the roads run through sugar plantations, which lead to remote villages, which are worth a trip if you want a cultural expereince. For ultimate relaxation, sprawl out on the sands of Punta Cana and when you just can't beat the heat, cool off in crystal clear waters.
Sightseeing
Samanaá Dominican Republic offers all kinds of attractions such as the El Limon Waterfall, which is a breathtaking encounter. The waterfall drops 40 meters into a pool of clear waters where you can even take a dip. Los Haitises National Park must be on your must see list. The park is one that will allow you to see the beauty of a rainforest and mangrove reserve with exciting caves and keys to explore. However, entrance to the park is with a certified guide only, which can be booked from your hotel.
Things to do
Samanaá whale watching may be the most popular of all attractions. Samanaá tours for this treat begin around January 15 of each year and last until the middle of March. Various Samana whale watching tours leave at various times during the day. The most popular if you wish to take in more are ones that leave by 9am, this way when the tour stops at Cayo Levantado Island, you will have more time to explore the island as well as watch the whales.
Shopping
The island offers a small selection of quaint shops, with the better shopping being in the centre of Samanaá.
Dining
There are several restaurants to choose from where you can sample the local cuisine. There are also all the favourite fast food outlets.
Getting Around
You can get around on foot, by moto–concho (motorcycle taxi) or taxi, but the best way to see Samana is to rent a small 4x4 jeep. Whether travelling on the undulated sand roads along Las Terrenas beach on the northwest side of the peninsula, or at Playa Rincon on the northeast side, the jeep will come in extra handy. Take extra care when driving along the panoramic highway from Sanchez to Las Terrenas. To do a loop of the attractions, take the El Portillo road going East and stay on it until you get to the Limon sign. If you continue East along this road you will end up in Samana City, from which you can travel to Las Galeras. Retrace your way back to Samana and then to Sanchez, to make it back north to Las Terrenas
Excursions
Take a day out to discover the many beaches on the northwestern coast of the peninsula, off Las Terrenas. If you are staying in Las Terrenas, visit Playa Rincn Beach on the other side of the peninsula. Considered one of the best in the Dominican Republic, this beach can be reached by four wheel car, horseback over the mountains or by a short boat trip from Las Galeras. To get to Las Galeras, take the Samana road east to the end. Whale–watching excursions from January 15–March 15. Some of the better excursions leave at 9 am and make a stopover at Cayo Levantado island, which wouldnt leave time to make it back on the bus. Samana and whale–watching are really worth a visit on their own. Or at least try to overnight in Las Terrenas (one hour away), or Las Galeras (half an hour away from the port), or Samana (right there).
