There are many ways of appreciating and enjoying Samaná.
First and foremost is being informed and secondly
being open to the "other". No matter what the activity,
respect the environment and the culture.
Accomodation
There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to small family-run guest houses, the most choice being found in and around Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, and the town of Samaná. As yet accommodation in the villages is informal and ad-hoc but being developed. |
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Whale watching
In the season (mid January to mid March) the town of Samaná is the focus for guided and regulated whale watching trips, although many small operators offer trips from various embarcation points between Samaná and Las Galeras. Although very few "pirates" operate, make sure that your captain and guide have permits to enter the whale watching area, have been certified by the Protected Areas Department and CEBSE, and comply with the regulations.
Humpback whales are the most playful of their species, providing spectacular displays which include breaching, flippering, and tail lobbing; mainly performed by males out to impress. Mothers and their calves are less active but equally fascinating, as they can be observed relatively close to the shore. The Whale Sanctuary Commission monitors whale watching very closely for your benefit and that of the whales. |
| Salto Limon
Salto Limon waterfall is located in the interior of the peninsula, about 300 meters above sea level. This area is reached along the road between Samaná - El Limon - Las Terrenas. Small communities along this road have "paradas" where they offer food, drinks, handicrafts, simple lodging and excursions to the waterfall. From the back of a horse or mule, you can enjoy views of the countryside, local crops and tropical vegetation. The falls are about 40 meters high plunging into a pristine pool. |
Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado is situated like a sentinel guarding the bay of Samaná . This island, of 1 square kilometer is the highest part of the coral reef barrier, which protects the bay from the powerful Atlantic waves. No doubt, Cayo Levantado is one of the favorite places for visitors because of its tropical Caribbean island ambience. Wooded areas and coconut palms border beautiful white sand beaches, which make it an idyllic place for visitors. Typical Dominican music accompanies the Caribbean cuisine offered by the local people. Transport to the island is provided from Samaná and various points along the coast. |
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Los Haitises National Park
Guided boat trips to Los Haitises are run from the same places as above as well as from Sánchez. Visitors may only enter the national park with a certified guide. With its keys and caves Los Haitises is an important mangrove and tropical rain forest reserve and home to the endangered manatee, many birds, reptiles and bats. In Pre-Columbian times the Tainos sought refuge and left petroglyphs and pictographs in the myriad caves found in the karstic formations. |
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Scuba diving and snorkeling
Clear waters, coral reefs and walls, and qualified diving instructors with gear for hire are found close to and in Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, Samaná and Los Cacaos. Snorkeling can be enjoyed off any of the sandy beaches. |
| Horseback riding and community-based ventures
Horses are still the only form of transport for many living off the "beaten" track, and are the best way of exploring. Horses can be hired on an ad-hoc basis almost anywhere. Organised horseback treks are offered in Samaná, Las Galeras, Las Terrenas and El Limón. For the inexperienced, short horseback trips are offered to the attractive Salto Limón waterfalls. These trips are mainly community-based ventures, promoted by CEBSE, and are located at El Limón, El Café, Arroyo Surdido and Rancho Español, on the road between Las Terrenas and Samaná. |
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Mountain biking and hiking
As yet no organized tours are offered. Information at CEBSE on routes available. Routes can be planned using detailed ordinance maps. |
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Caving
Being a karstic region, the peninsula is riddled with caves, passages, caverns and grottoes which are largely unexplored and open to discovery. Another community based venture is found in Cuevas de Agua, Cabo Samaná, where local guides provide an introduction to this fascinating subterranean world. |
Taking it easy, going lobster, chilling out and getting around Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and Samaná are the centres for restaurants, cafes, bars and bakeries, stores etc, car and. motorbike hire, boat trips. Check out the map for the many beaches, bays, coral reefs, and other features. If you can't drive, clamber on a pick-up truck taxi or flag down a motorbike taxi. If you really like miles of truly deserted beaches, head for El Rincón. Be warned, the road/track is rough in places. The same is true of the "road" to El Valle, a beautiful beach. If you prefer full-catering and a gentle throng, hop on a launch to Cayo Levantado. If you can't speak Spanish, try your English. Samanes, English with a Creole twang, is still spoken by the older folks in the villages and above all in Samaná.
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Do's and Don'ts
Apart from customary courtesy and respect for other cultures and the environment, please adhere to the following:
- Stick to paths and tracks.No driving on beaches, nor riding cross bikes or 4-wheel balloon-tired bikes along foot or horse trails.
- Do not disturb or touch corals.
- Do not leave rubbish.
- Do not consume or purchase immature fish (small fry), lobsters or prawns.
- Do not purchase live birds or animals (especially parakeets and turtles).
- Shells or conches.
- Use water sparingly.
- Save energy.
Information sheet: Acrobat PDF file (ca. 30 kB). Click here for information on Acrobat.
Contact CEBSE for more information on sustainable tourism and activities.
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