Samaná
Humpback whale watching, jungle waterfalls and the most beautiful peninsula in the Dominican Republic
Explore Samaná
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do in Samaná
The best whale watching, beaches and jungle experiences on the Samaná Peninsula.
Humpback Whale Watching
Every year from January to March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to breed and give birth. The whale watching here is among the best in the world — boats get remarkably close to the whales, and the sight of these magnificent creatures breaching, tail-slapping and singing in the Caribbean is unforgettable.
Playa Rincón
Playa Rincón is consistently rated one of the top beaches in the Caribbean — a 3km stretch of near-perfect white sand backed by a thick palm forest, accessible by boat from Las Galeras. The water is calm and crystal-clear, the beach is largely undeveloped, and the setting is extraordinary. Several small restaurants serve fresh seafood on the beach.
El Limón Waterfall
The El Limón waterfall is a spectacular 52-metre cascade in the jungle of the Samaná Peninsula. The most atmospheric way to reach it is on horseback through the rainforest — a 45-minute ride through lush tropical vegetation. The pool at the base of the waterfall is perfect for swimming.
Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is the most cosmopolitan town on the Samaná Peninsula — a beautiful, bohemian beach town on the north coast with excellent restaurants, bars and a lively nightlife scene. The beach is excellent and the town has a strong French and Italian expat community, giving it a distinctly European flavour.
Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado is a beautiful island in Samaná Bay, accessible by boat in about 20 minutes from the town of Samaná. The island has white sand beaches, clear water and excellent snorkelling. It's a popular day trip destination and the setting — a tropical island in a sheltered bay surrounded by jungle-covered hills — is magical.
Samaná Travel Guide
Samaná is the most beautiful and dramatic peninsula in the Dominican Republic — a lush, jungle-covered finger of land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, with extraordinary beaches, spectacular waterfalls and the world-class whale watching that has made it famous.
Every year from January to March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to breed and give birth. The whale watching here is among the best in the world. The whales are remarkably active — breaching, tail-slapping and singing — and the boats get close enough for an extraordinary experience. It is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters available anywhere in the Caribbean.
Playa Rincón, on the northeast coast of the peninsula, is consistently rated one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. A 3km stretch of near-perfect white sand backed by a thick palm forest, it is accessible only by boat from Las Galeras. The water is calm and crystal-clear, the beach is largely undeveloped, and the setting is extraordinary.
The El Limón waterfall is a spectacular 52-metre cascade in the jungle. The most atmospheric way to reach it is on horseback through the rainforest — a 45-minute ride through lush tropical vegetation. The pool at the base of the waterfall is perfect for swimming.
Las Terrenas, on the north coast of the peninsula, is a beautiful, cosmopolitan beach town with excellent restaurants, bars and a lively nightlife scene. The town has a strong French and Italian expat community, giving it a distinctly European flavour.
Samaná is about 3 hours from Punta Cana and 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo by road.
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