The Samaná peninsula has three bases and they are not interchangeable.
At a glance#
| Las Terrenas | Samaná town | Las Galeras | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaches in town | Several, walkable | Poor | Good, plus Rincón nearby |
| Food | Best on the peninsula | Dominican, cheap | Few options |
| Nightlife | Yes | Little | None |
| Whale watching | Via transfer | Boats leave from here | Via transfer |
| Los Haitises | Day trip | Closest | Far |
| Prices | Highest | Lowest | Middle |
| Best for | Most travellers | Whale season, budget | Switching off |
Las Terrenas#
A former fishing village shaped by French and Italian expats: good bread, good pasta, beach bars with sunset DJs, and beaches (Las Ballenas, Bonita, Cosón) you can reach on a scooter or on foot. The most rentals and the only real evening scene. Las Terrenas guide and is Las Terrenas safe?
Samaná town#
Santa Bárbara de Samaná is the working port: the whale boats leave from here, Los Haitises boats leave from here, and prices are Dominican. The downside is that there is no good beach in town. Stay here in whale season or on a budget. Whale watching in Samaná and Los Haitises.
Las Galeras#
The quiet end. Playa Rincón, repeatedly called one of the Caribbean's best beaches, is a short boat or bumpy drive away. Go to disappear.
The decision#
- Whale season (mid-Jan to March): Samaná town, or Las Terrenas with the early transfer.
- Beach plus food plus some nights out: Las Terrenas.
- Budget: Samaná town.
- Honeymoon or burnout: Las Galeras.
Getting there: how to get to Samaná. Waterfall day: El Limón. The rest: things to do in Samaná and is Samaná safe?
Ask someone from the peninsula#
The best of Samaná is the stuff between the three towns: a beach with no name, a fish lunch in a fishing village, the right boat on the right morning. Roavi Local Friends in Samaná know it, set their own rates and message you before you meet.
See the peninsula with someone who grew up on it.
Meet a Local Friend in SamanáFrequently Asked Questions
Is Samaná or Las Terrenas better?
Las Terrenas for beaches, food and nightlife. Samaná town for whale watching and Los Haitises access, lower prices and a more Dominican feel. Most travellers stay in Las Terrenas and do Samaná as a day trip.How far is Las Terrenas from Samaná?
About 45 minutes by car over the hills. Guaguas (shared vans) and taxis run the route all day.Can you do whale watching from Las Terrenas?
Yes. Boats leave from Samaná town; tour operators in Las Terrenas include the transfer. It's a long morning rather than a long day.Which airport is closest to Las Terrenas?
Samaná El Catey (AZS), about 30 minutes away, has limited flights. Most people fly to Santo Domingo (SDQ), 2.5 hours by motorway, or Puerto Plata (POP), about 3 hours.What is Las Galeras like?
The end of the road: a small village, Playa Rincón and Playa Frontón nearby, a few guesthouses, no nightlife. For people who want nothing to do.