Cayo Levantado: Sweep over the turquoise waters of the Bahía de Samaná aboard a catamaran to this island. Enjoy a light lunch served right on the beach and float in the warm, shallow water. During whale season, this is a great way to wind down after the excitement of visiting the huge mammals in their natural habitat.

Salto El Limón: The trek to this waterfall is an ecotourist’s dream. Ride a horse through some of the country’s most beautifully rainforested mountains, climb down the heavily vegetated trail, and take a dip in the pool that the 52-meter-high waterfall empties into.

Whale-Watching: Humpback whales put on an exhilarating display in the Bahía de Samaná. These 30- to 50-ton creatures travel from as far away as Iceland every year to the waters just off the northern shore and proceed into the Bahía de Samaná for breeding and calving rituals. See them crest and splash just meters from your boat.

Playa Rincón: Enjoy the striking beauty of this remote beach, known as one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean. With the clear water of the Bahía de Rincón on one side and a thick palm grove on the other, it feels like a level of heaven.

Nightlife in Las Terrenas: Whether you want a gourmet meal or to go out dancing, Las Terrenas is the pulse of the peninsula. The international mix of expat business owners has given this town a unique and exciting vibe.