La Península de Samaná

Dense with coconut trees, bromeliads, other tropical vegetation, and some of the country’s most beloved beaches, La Península de Samaná, roughly 40 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, has been a long-time favorite destination for the independent and backpacking tourist. In general, the Dominican Republic has a laid-back vibe, but on La Península de Samaná that mentality is encouraged. Mom-and-pop businesses and budget accommodations thrive on the peninsula, whereas in other parts of the country they are being drowned out by commercialism and big business.

Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, and Samaná are the three small towns worth visiting. Along the northern Atlantic coast, the town of Las Terrenas is the busiest, offers the most variety for accommodations and restaurants, has long sandy stretches of beach, and has the best nightlife of the three towns. Las Galeras, on the eastern tip of the arm, is by far the most quiet and remote, and the beaches are, without doubt, the most beautiful on the peninsula—especially the famous Playa Rincón, with its gently curved white-sand beach backed by a thick coconut grove. Santa Bárbara de Samaná, the capital of the province of Samaná, is on the Bahía de Samaná and is best known for its excursions to see the humpback whales in their natural habitat in the waters right offshore. The humpback whales arrive every winter to give birth and mate in the waters of the Bahía de Samaná.

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. (read more)

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.
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Whale-Watching: Humpback whales put on an exhilarating display in the Bahía de Samaná. These 30–50 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. (read more)

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, this beach feels like a level of heaven. (read more)

Cabo Cabrón: Arguably the best dive site on the northern coast, Cabo Cabrón has stunning underwater walls, home to myriad corals and other marine life. Experienced divers should not miss this opportunity to dive in one of the Dominican Republic’s best spots for scuba. (read more)