The Samaná Peninsula

Apart from the spectacular shores of Punta Cana and La Romana, Samaná has one of the highest concentrations of pristine beaches in the country - and you'll find them among these destinations:

Las Terrenas

Although small in size, Las Terrenas attracts locals and tourists in a big way.

Its coast is lined with chic villa rentals and boutique hotels that accommodate travelers with unique and simplistic styles.

The clear water beaches of Playa Punta Popy, Playa Portillo, and Playa Bonita are either a minute across the road or a 10-minute drive from your stay.

Pueblo de Los Pescadores, or the Fishermen Town, is a popular restaurant and nightclub area - buzzing with energy from the diverse crowds that pack the locales on any given day.

This area is undergoing a partial makeover - so it's best to check for your favorite bar's availability before any significant plans to go out.

Ciudad de Samaná 

The province's capital city is tucked within the Bay of Samaná - southwest of the peninsula.

The Malecón, or ocean-front promenade, where you can appreciate the colorful surrounding Victorian architecture, gives you a front-row seat to the magnificent swell of the Atlantic Ocean, as the waves dance around the coveted Cayo Levantado Beach. 

If time is short and you're just driving through, the public Cayacoa Beach is only a short walk from the Malecón, where you can at least dip your toes in and escape with a little sand around your ankles.

Las Galeras 

On the far-eastern extreme of Samaná, going way beyond Las Terrenas and the little town of El Valle, Las Galeras is the land of the professional traveling recluse.

Mainly a village for the avid fisherman who lives for the palms, sand, and the sea, Galeras tends to surpass expectations on arrival.

Besides the already spectacular Galeras Beach, you'll be a relatively short distance from what is also called the "Best Beaches in Samana" (it's hard to choose):

- Playa Rincón - 30 minutes West

- Playa Frontón - 19 minutes East

El Limon

About a 40-minute drive from the Bay of Samaná or Las Terrenas, El Limon is more of a mountainous municipality, with jungle-like forests that hide natural wonders like the Salto de El Limon Waterfall - a 2.5-kilometer hike from the main road.

Following the Limon River that leads into the Atlantic, you'll find the Bay of Limon, where the exclusive Playa Moron is located amidst the vast vegetation.

If you have the time, Playa Lanza del Norte (Spear of the North Beach) is an extra 2 kilometers from Playa Moron, but the view of this golden sand beach is said to be worth every inch.

Los Haitises National Park

Meaning "high Mountains" in the Native Taíno language, Los Haitises is a super-remote national treasure for its awe-inspiring landscapes covering 1,600 square kilometers of barely explored land.

Just off the coast in the massive Bay of Samaná, you'll have the opportunity to visit the big and beautiful Humpback Whales in their mating season.

Get more on the Humpback Whales of Samaná Experience. 

Cabo Cabron National Park

This is one of those lesser-known places in the Dominican Republic that barely gets a mention. But this 14-square kilometer national park should be a priority site for any adventurer on a mission to find the next best location in Samaná.

Complete with towering cliffs, springs of freshwater, rare coral reefs, and ancient cave dwellings - Cabo Cabron cannot be denied any longer.

What To Do in Samaná?

Well that's an easy one! The great peninsula's got everything. Land, air, and ocean. Samaná's got you covered with:

• - Kite-surfing
• - Hiking
• - Deep-sea Diving and Snorkeling
• - 4-wheeling
• - Jungle Ziplining
• - Geographic Exploration

Bahia Principe Portillo

This All-Inclusive Resort has maintained a reputation for excellent service, clean areas, and accommodations, plus its location on Playa El Portillo, from where the name originates.

Mahona Boutique Hotel

Mahona Boutique is Tres Chic with a sleek modern look and a touch of elegance, complete with an open concept massage parlor surrounded by an immaculate tropical garden, and only a couple of minutes from Playa Ballenas beach.

Hotel Alisei

Alisei has a more highly tropical Caribbean feel to its accommodations and exterior design. It has a fantastic breakfast buffet full of fresh pastries, fruits, and salads to munch on as you take in the on-sight prime ocean view.

Nilka Hotel Boutique

Nilka Boutique is an excellently well-kept Bed and Breakfast about 1,2 Km from the Port of Samaná, with a great location near the Boulevard in downtown Samaná.

Xeliter Vista Mare, Samana 

Xeliter puts you right on a totally private stretch of beach exclusively for guests, with its name Vista Mare (ocean view) ringing true because the sight alone is worth the stay.

The Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club by Mint

The Bannister is a classy and luxury boutique hotel with a private port for owners of boats and Yachts, offering a reclusive getaway where I'm sure Bond would take his femme fatale after a mission complete.

Written by Omar Guzman.

Published May 2022