SPECTACULAR SAMANA AND AMAZING THINGS TO FIND THERE!
One of our favorite places to visit in the Dominican Republic is Samana! Samana is a peninsular on the north east of the island, and includes the beautiful Samana bay. There is a little of everything here, beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and mountains. Here we explore some of the amazing things you can find there!
Whale Watching
Every Year from the middle of January to March, humpback whales migrate to the Bay of Samana to mate and give birth. Special whale watching tours are available via licensed boats, giving visitors an opportunity to catch the sight of the whales leaping, tail slapping, and if you’re lucky a baby whale with its mother!
The Samana Bay is one of three Atlantic breeding grounds, and the whales are fasting during their visit. When breeding season is over, the whales migrate north to colder waters, here they will feed and build up their fat reserves ready for the next year.
El Limon Waterfall
One of the most popular tours in Samana is a visit to the spectacular El Limon waterfall! It is 52 meters high with a freshwater pool at the bottom where you can refresh yourself with a swim! El limon is typically reached by horseback as the trail is 2.5 km long along tough terrain and lots of steps! Recent years have seen drought in the area so it’s good to check conditions before you travel. Although even in drought years, the trip can be worthwhile with the opportunity to see lots of the islands native plants and birds.
Bacardi Island (Cayo Levantado)
As the name suggests, this gorgeous islet located in the Samana bay, has been used in advertising campaigns for Bacardi rum! It is only around 3km in size, but what it misses in size it more than makes up for in beauty! Powder white sand beaches, turquoise water, exactly what you expect from a tropical paradise!
There are plenty of restaurants to find delicious local food and ice cold beers, as well as local stalls selling an amazing array of souvenirs. You’ll enjoy the experience of shopping here, we recommend practicing your haggling skills with the friendly local vendors!
Los Haitises National Park
Be transported back in time when you visit Los Haitises to learn about Taino culture! Explore caves to find ancient pictographs, sail between towering islets, and spot rare birds and animals as you tour this protected virgin forest. It is an absolutely magical place, and no words can do it justice! We highly recommend a visit!
Playa Rincon
No visit to Samana would be complete without a visit to the world famous Playa Rincon! Voted one of the world’s top ten beaches by Conde Nast Traveler this 4km stretch of white sand is pure paradise! Surrounded by the cliffs of Cape Cabron, and lined with palm trees there isn’t a resort in sight and you can really imagine you’ve landed on a deserted island! The beach can be reached by ATV or by boat, both journeys offering incredible views and photo opportunities!
Have you been to Samana? Which is your favorite spot in the area? Let us know in our Facebook Group!