Las Terrenas
The Dominican Republic has a beautiful coastline on the Atlantic coast and Las Terrenas in the Saman Peninsula is one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. It has white sand and is completely undeveloped. In fact, it has been named one of the world’s top 10 beaches by Conde Nast Traveler. You can find it off of La Marina avenue, just opposite the pedestrian bridge that connects the Bay of Samana to the rest of the country.
The town is located on the northeast coast of the Samana Peninsula and offers a great selection of white sand beaches and protected inshore waters. You will also find local restaurants and international bistros along the waterfront. The white sand beaches here are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The town also has a vibrant nightlife that is filled with live music and dancing.
Playa Rincon
The easternmost tip of the Samana Peninsula is home to Playa Rincon, a five-kilometer pristine beach. Playa Rincon is easily accessible via car or boat and is a great spot to snorkel or bodysurf. The road to the beach is well-maintained and offers panoramic views of the lush Caribbean countryside. There are also local restaurants and rows of sun loungers.
The beach at Playa Rincon is not developed, but you can find local vendors selling fresh seafood and cold drinks. You can also get a massage or even have your hair braided. The water can be a bit rough, but it is clean and generally calm. You can get to Playa Rincon by boat from Las Galeras in about 30 minutes.
Cuevas de Agua
The Samana Peninsula is home to the Cuevas de Agua, limestone caves that were once home to the Ciguayo people. Today, you can visit the archeological sites surrounding these caves and meet the local residents. They can show you petroglyphs and Taino cemi sculptures.
These caves are located on the Samana peninsula, near Las Galeras and Santa Barbara de Samana. Visitors can walk down a dirt road to reach them. This route is secluded, however, as there are no restaurants or colmados in the area.
Less crowded than Dominican strongholds
Samana was once a Spanish colony. In 1824, the American government granted freedom to thousands of African slaves and sent them to Samana. The new immigrants flourished in the area and adapted to the culture by adopting the English language. They also developed their own form of African-influenced music called bambula.
The Samana Peninsula is less crowded than the Dominican mainland, and offers a mix of European and Dominican culture. The local communities are very cosmopolitan, with Spanish, French, and Italian influences. You’ll find some of the country’s best beaches here, including Playa Fronton and Playa Rincon. Samana is also home to humpback whales, which make the area a popular spot for sightings.
Las Terrenas is the main tourist centre on the Samana peninsula. This small town is less populated than other Dominican strongholds, and you can arrive in Las Terrenas from Santo Domingo or Las Americas airport in an hour. The climate in the Samana Peninsula is humid and warm, with violent tropical showers throughout the year.
Whale watching
The Samana Bay area has become a popular destination for whale watching. The Samana Bay management has created regulations and enforcement mechanisms that protect the marine mammals and prevent human-caused pollution. Many tour companies and cruise ships operate in the area. Some of these companies provide general sight-seeing boat trips in the bay, while others are pre-contracted by cruise ship companies. As a result, the cruise ships place a greater demand on boat captains to find whales.
Whale watching in the Samana Bay is an incredible experience for those who love nature. Throughout the year, the bay is home to hundreds of Humpback whales. These majestic mammals can grow larger than a school bus. Every year, the humpback whales migrate to Samana Bay, giving this area a unique display of nature. While you’re in the bay, you may be able to see the males singing to attract females.
