Samana Peninsula

I can’t escape the feeling that many people are not aware of the incredible beauty of the Samana Peninsula, which I adore so much for its gorgeous beaches, like my favorite Playa Rincon, but also for its riveting countryside. You can sense a certain European influence wherever you go as this part of the Dominican Republic traditionally has attracted many people from the Mediterranean who built small hotels and restaurants or engaged in other tourism related activities. Samana is romantic and its magic surely will capture your heart forever. Driving through the impressive landscapes, green mountains, dense jungle and discovering the many little (beach) towns is fun and inspiring. This destination has it all. Make sure you don’t forget to bring your camera!

What else to expect
Samana is paradise for people who love an active vacation. Horseback riding, swimming, snorkeling, caving, mountain biking or sailing are just a few options available to you. Experienced divers can not pass up on exploring “the Tower”, an underwater pinnacle that rises from a depth of 165 feet to 40 feet under the water surface and offers spectacular scenic and serene views. The availability of many romantic, small and cozy hotels make Samana a great choice to celebrate your honeymoon. It is important to realize that credit cards are not as widely accepted in this region as elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, therefore I recommend you bring your ATM card and sufficient cash.

How to get there

Reaching your final destination in the Samana Peninsula involves a bit more travelling compared to arriving at other coastal regions of the Dominican Republic. Only a limited number of airlines are flying directly to Samana International Airport at El Catey, just an hour away from most local destinations like Las Terrenas and Las Galeras. It is more likely that you will arrive at Santo Domingo, Santiago or Puerto Plata airports. From here there are various domestic commuter flights available to Samana. Otherwise you have the choice between taking a bus, taxi or to rent a car.
The lovely fisherman’s village Las Terrenas has a small airport for Domestic flights from Santo Domingo

- International & Domestic Flights Dominican Republic
- Depending the city of arrival you have the choice of bus services by Metro Bus (tel: (809) 544-4580) or Caribe Tours

Tour and Excursions
The most popular excursion between approximately Jan.15th - March 15th is participating in a (humpback) whale-watching excursion. Samana is known worldwide as one of the best locations to spot these gentle giants as they migrate from the North Atlantic Ocean to the waters surrounding the Dominican Republic to give birth and mate for the following year. Los Haitises National Park is a protected area with has the most important rainforests and mangrove reserves in the entire Caribbean and can only be visited with a guide. El Limon waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic, is another favorite. Nearby Las Terrenas there are four wheeler excursions available to the many beaches of the northwestern coast of the Samana Peninsula. In other words, rest assured, the change you will find a tour or excursion that suits your taste is virtually guaranteed.