"With stunning scenery and superb whale watching, Samana is paradise found for nature lovers."
When Christopher Columbus tried to land at Samana Bay in the fifteenth century, he was greeted with a rain of arrows. The natives are more friendly these days. But it's easy to see why they might be fiercely protective of this jaw-droppingly beautiful peninsula, with its glorious, unspoilt beaches, backed by mountain greenery. If you love nature, you'll love Samana. The scenery is to die for, with soaring peaks, coconut groves, lush, tropical rainforests and sparkling waterfalls. Pop across the bay to Los Haitises National Park and you'll find even more stunning landscapes, including some of the most important mangrove reserves in the whole of the Caribbean. Then, of course, there's Samana's other big draw that occurs between January and March: whale watching. During the mating season several thousand humpbacks visit the area for some major speed dating sessions. So, you're in with a very good chance of catching a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. As for the region's capital, Samana City, you'll feel quite at home there. It was originally settled by a couple of shiploads of American slaves, and to this day many of the locals speak English as their first language. However, the real beauty of the Samana peninsula is its wonderful Robinson Crusoe atmosphere, making it the perfect romantic hideaway or a bolt-hole to escape from the frantic pace of the rat race. Just imagine it – sitting under the shade of a swaying palm, sipping something cool and refreshing, and simply basking in the glory of one of the world's last remaining slices of paradise.
Wild and dramatic, the secluded Samana Peninsula lies on the verdant northeast coast of the Dominican Republic and is backdropped by the pine-clad mountains of the Cordillera Samana. Unspoilt sugar sand beaches, tropical rain forests and colourful coral reefs all await your discovery in this Caribbean and Latin fused favourite, and the area is arguably one of the island's most beautiful corners with awe-inspiring scenery and wonderful wildlife. Adventure awaits you with a diverse range of activities and exhilarating tours, as well as charming shops and a beguiling nightlife that beats to the sound of the mesmerising Merengue and the sizzling Salsa.
Find the cheapest late deals to Samana leaving in the next six weeks.
Samana hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Samana include Bahia Principe Cayacoa, Grand Paradise Hotel and Viva Wyndham Samana.
More Puerto Plata Region holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Puerto Plata Region? Our Puerto Plata Region holiday destinations include Bahia Maimon, Cabarete, Cayo Levantado, Cofresi, Costa Dorada, Las Terrenas, Playa Dorada, Rio San Juan, Samana and Sosua.
Beaches
Undisturbed stretches of palm fringed, porcelain white beaches lace the curving coastline of the Samana peninsula, with soft powdery sands that slide seductively into captivating crystal waters. Samana has views stretching out to the archeologically preserved Taino Indian National Park and the sugary shores softly sink into the glass-like seas, which are superb for scuba diving. Sprawling sands are sprinkled with palm trees that gently sway in the balmy breeze and provide shade and there is plenty of space to find your own little piece of serenity or for children to play. From Samana Bay, you can visit Cayo Levantado, an off shore island carpeted with tropical parkland and bordered by pure white sand beaches. Encircled with a coral reef, the isle is idyllic for snorkelling and was once the setting for a Bacardi advert.
Eating out
There are a couple of restaurants that line Samana's waterfront and many of the hotels that lace the shores serve International cuisine. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of eggs and mangu, mashed plantain and onion at a beach side bar in the early morning sun and sample a sumptuous concoction of Spanish, African and Taino cuisine dining on the island's national dish sancocho, a stew made with tender meat and vegetables, or try some of the superb seafood on offer such as pescado con coco, fish in a coconut and cream sauce. For something sweet flan de pina, pineapple custard or exotic island fruits serve as a refreshing dessert.
Nightlife
After a delicious meal you'll be seduced by the intoxicating rhythm of the Merengue, that floats in the night air. Dominican music is around every corner, captivating all those who hear it and live music can often be heard at many of the restaurants and beach cafes, or wander along the Malecon, where stalls sometimes set up as bars and the sounds and colours blend into one as the locals sway to the sparkling Salsa.
Shopping
Samana's broad streets are lined with a variety of shops from supermarkets and grocery stores to boutiques and local handicrafts. Specialty shops throughout the area sell traditional native paintings, wood and whalebone carvings and Dominican cigars and there are also impromptu roadside displays where Dominican creativity flourishes. You can also take home jewellery made from locally mined amber and larimar, a light blue, semi-precious stone, known by the islanders as 'Dominican turquoise'.
Local information
Samana is an explorer's paradise - a destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Horse riding or walking is a fantastic way to explore this stunning peninsula, enabling you to reach places off the beaten track, and there is also a diverse range of attractions such as deep-sea fishing, diving, snorkelling and sailing for those seeking an active holiday. The national park of Los Haitises with mystical caves, mangroves and home to the endangered manatee is well-worth visiting.
Location
140 km southeast of Puerto Plata
Transfer time
Approximately 30 minutes
Recommended
Luxury
