Samaná is the part of the Dominican Republic people who have seen the rest say they should have gone to first. It is also the part that takes effort to reach, which is why it is still quiet.
The short verdict#
| You want | Worth it? |
|---|---|
| Whales, waterfalls, mangroves, empty beaches | Yes, the best in the country |
| A village with restaurants and a beach to walk to | Yes, Las Terrenas |
| An all-inclusive strip and nightlife | No, that is Punta Cana |
| A quick stop on a short trip | No, it is far; give it three days or skip it |
What makes it worth it#
The whales: humpbacks breed in Samaná Bay from mid-January to March, and the boats get close (whale watching). El Limón, a waterfall reached on horseback or on foot through the hills (El Limón, the hike in Spanish). Los Haitises, mangroves, caves with Taíno drawings and birds, by boat (Los Haitises). Playa Rincón, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, reached by boat or a rough road. Las Terrenas, the French-Dominican village with beaches, restaurants and a small nightlife (Las Terrenas, is it worth visiting). Cayo Levantado for a beach day. What to do in Samaná in Spanish.
What makes it not worth it#
It is far and the roads beyond the highway are slow. It rains more than the east, especially October to January. There are few big resorts and no strip. If you have four nights in the country, it is Samaná or Punta Cana, not both.
How to get there and how long#
Two and a half hours from Santo Domingo, four or more from Punta Cana, or a flight into El Catey (how to get to Samaná). Three to five days; base in Las Terrenas for the village and beaches, Samaná town for the whale boats (Samaná vs Las Terrenas).
When#
Mid-January to March for the whales, February the peak. December to April for the drier weather; Samaná in November is the shoulder.
Safety#
Quiet and safe with ordinary care; the risks are road and sea ones more than people. Is Samaná safe?, is Las Terrenas safe?
With a Dominican#
Roavi has no Local Friends listed in Samaná yet. Post your dates on the Community board anyway: that is how a city gets its first, and the Dominicans who answer there, most of them in Santo Domingo, know the peninsula. Rent a friend in Samaná explains the idea, the Dominican Republic forum is where to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samaná worth visiting?
Yes, for the whales from mid-January to March, the El Limón waterfall, Los Haitises, Playa Rincón and Las Terrenas. It is the greenest and quietest part of the country. Not for all-inclusive strips and nightlife, which are in Punta Cana.When can you see whales in Samaná?
From mid-January to the end of March, with February the peak. Boats leave Samaná town in the morning; book a licensed operator. Whale watching in Samaná has the detail.How do you get to Samaná?
About two and a half hours by road from Santo Domingo on the toll highway, four or more from Punta Cana, or a flight into the small El Catey airport. How to get to Samaná has the buses and transfers.Samaná or Las Terrenas?
Las Terrenas for beaches, restaurants and a village to walk around; Samaná town for the whale boats and Los Haitises. They are forty minutes apart, so most people stay in Las Terrenas and do Samaná's trips. Samaná vs Las Terrenas has the comparison.