Overview

Samana, in full Santa Barbara de Samana, is a narrow peninsula that juts out from the main island, home to postcard-perfect secluded shores, sophisticated beachside hamlets, and epic whale watching. The town dates back to 1756 when the Spanish saw this protected bay, with its lush mountain backdrop, series of islets, and pocket beaches as a great place to settle. There are a number of interesting colonial buildings (don’t miss the corrugated iron church, La Chorcha), though the town’s architectural signature is the dramatic footbridge that extends across the bay to the islands. Take some time strolling the seaside promenade, dining at the cafes, and best of all, taking a “bano del pueblo” at the open-air salsa clubs. (“Baño del pueblo,” or taking “a local bath” a more colorful way of saying, “do as the locals do.”)

Things to See & Do

Since Samana sits on a peninsula, you’ll be surrounded by more water than most vacation spots. Head to the beautiful beaches, absorb the laidback atmosphere of Samana and take in the stunning views. The beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There are not many tourists, no massive condo complexes or resorts and the ocean water is a vibrant turquoise blue with golden sand.

Playa Punta Popy in Las Terrenas is a huge stretch of soft, golden sand all surrounded by Caribbean blue waters - one of the prettiest beaches around! The waves are calm and shallow, making this an ideal swimming beach. You’ll also find a string of restaurants and cafes where you can grab lunch. Another great beach, Playa Coson in Las Terrenas is on the northern part of the peninsula. It is considerably less popular than Playa Punta Popy, so if you’re looking for fewer crowds, this is the place to be. Playa Escondida beach offers pristine waters, and similar to Coson Beach, the water is stunning and much less crowded than some other area beaches.

If you’re up for doing some snorkeling, the best spots are reached by boat, along Samana Bay. Take a catamaran tour to explore the sunken ferries and hidden gems like Cayo Levantado Island, Playa Madame, or Playa Rincon. Snorkelers often see schools of colorful fish, starfish lining the ocean floor, and have even spotted sea turtles on occasion.

Take a Boat Tour to see the humpback whales that are so common in the Samana Bay. There are plenty of tours available that will take you out to see these incredible sea giants up close! Just be mindful of the dates, whale watching tours are available from January - March which is when these whales come to visit the Dominican Republic.

The region is well known for its wide range of adventure and ecotourism opportunities. A great way to experience this is through an adventurous hike through the jungle to arrive at the El Limon Waterfall. The falls drop 130 feet from the top of Sierra Samana and are well worth the 1.5 mile trek. At the end of the journey, take a dip in misty falls for the ultimate refresher. Make it a full day adventure by taking a horseback ride through the jungle riding through the Sierra de Samana Mountains, swimming in El Limon waterfall and ziplining over stunning views of the peninsula.

Discover Las Terrenas, situated in the northwest of the Samaná peninsula. This small fishing village is so charming it now sells more souvenirs than snapper. The colorful fisherman cabins have been transformed into bars, cafes, and shops, though the place retains its local character with families throwing Sunday parties in the square, kids playing tag on the sand, and wooden boats bobbing in the water. After a stroll on the main street, find a spot to enjoy lunch or dinner on the water, sip a refreshing beverage and people watch. Check out the art exhibited on the street and browse the charming shops for some souvenirs to take home. You can even rent an ATV to zip through the town.

Discover the Lost Haitises National Park. This is where parts of the Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed, which gives you a decent idea of what this park is like. Think dense jungles, rocky outcrops, a maze of mangroves, and unexplored caves, as well as a section that hugs the coastline. The National Park is about a 45-minute boat ride across from Samana Bay, you’ll be able to find plenty of tour guides around that bay that can take you to the National Park and guide you through the caves and forest.

Getting to Los Haitises National Park: The park is best reached via Samana and Sabana de la Mar. You’ll need to go via a tour, which is not hard to find. Several companies run speed boat or catamaran tours around the park’s bay.

Discover the secret side in Las Galera. Located about 17 miles northeast of Samana, it is a bit of a ride, but worth it! Once you arrive the local village abounds with options: a yoga-filled retreat at Villa Serena, red sea urchin snorkeling at Playa Fronton or the long beautiful stretch of coastline at Playa Rincon that’s perfect for sunbathing. For a complete lifestyle change, there’s not better option than a yoga and meditation retreat at Villa Serena, a unique beachfront property that offers a variety of yoga practices (including water yoga) as well as a gourmet raw food diet.

Nightlife

Santa Bárbara de Samaná offers the excitement of casino entertainment along with a variety of lounges and bars that line its picturesque waterfront boulevard. As the sun sets, Avenida de la Marina transforms into a lively scene, featuring seafront food trucks for quick bites and laid-back bars and dance venues scattered along the boulevard. The vibrant nightlife continues late into the night, with the rhythms of bachata and merengue filling the air.