A coastal town on the Dominican Republic's northeast peninsula known for its January-March whale watching, palm-lined beaches and the 130-meter El Limón waterfall.
The Samaná Peninsula stretches into the Atlantic Ocean from the Dominican Republic's northeastern coast. Walk on white sand beaches like Playa Rincón, swim in the turquoise waters of Playa Frontón, or take a boat trip to spot humpback whales breaching the surface of Samaná Bay. Hike through the caves of Los Haitises National Park, or cool off under the 130-foot El Limón waterfall. In the coastal towns of Las Terrenas and Las Galeras, local fishermen still bring their daily catch to beachfront restaurants where you can dine with your feet in the sand.
Watching Humpback Whales in Samaná Bay
From mid-January through March, approximately 2,000 humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to mate and give birth, creating one of the largest whale gatherings in the Caribbean. Take a guided boat tour from the town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná to watch these marine mammals breach, tail slap, and sing their distinctive songs. Tour operators follow strict regulations to maintain a safe distance from the whales.
Exploring Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park covers 618 square miles of protected land across Samaná Bay. Walk through a network of limestone caves with walls covered in ancient Taino Indian petroglyphs. Take a boat through the waterways lined with mangrove forests, where pelicans and frigatebirds nest in the branches. The park's mogotes - dome-shaped hills formed by erosion - rise up to 130 feet from the water.
Beaches of Las Galeras
From the small town of Las Galeras, you can access several secluded beaches. Playa Rincón extends for three kilometers, with coconut palms and mountains creating a natural backdrop. Take a boat or drive the dirt road to reach it. For snorkeling, head to Playa Frontón by boat - its coral reefs sit at the base of 300-foot cliffs. Stop at one of the beach shacks for grilled fish caught that morning by local fishermen.
Las Terrenas Town
The streets of Las Terrenas mix Dominican and European cultures. Former fishing shacks along the beach now house cafes, boutiques, and bars. Start your day at a French bakery with fresh croissants, then try local mofongo at a Dominican restaurant for lunch. Learn kitesurfing at one of the beach schools, or swim at nearby Playa Coson and Playa Bonita.
Getting Around Samaná
Fly into El Catey International Airport or drive 1.5 hours from Santo Domingo on the Santo Domingo-Samaná Highway. Rent a car to explore the peninsula independently, or use public transportation between towns. Regular boat services connect coastal communities and take you to remote beaches and Cayo Levantado island.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Temperatures in Samaná stay around 26.5°C (80°F) throughout the year. Regular rainfall keeps the vegetation green. December to March brings the most visitors, especially during whale watching season. September and October see fewer tourists due to potential storms, but you'll find lower prices during these months.
