Why You Need To Go To Samana, Dominican Republic

Tropical climate, hot sun, fruity drinks, white sand beaches and the typical island vibe are just some of the reasons why you need to visit Samana in the Dominican Republic. But wait….there are more reasons to visit this island paradise called Samana.

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About Samana, Dominican Republic

Before you find out why you have to visit this little known tropical area of the Dominican Republic, let’s learn a little about its history and where it’s located.

Samana is a northeastern peninsula in the Dominican Republican which has been in existence since 1867. The capital city is Santa Barbara de Samana. Samana is a small town located in a remote part of the Dominican Republic having a population of 5,709 to 6,524.

How to Get to Samana

Samana is a little more difficult to get to than the more popular tourist areas such as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo.

Samana Airport is a small airport 42 km from the Town of Samana. There are very few flights into the Samana and depending on the destination you will be arriving from, it may be necessary to get a connecting flight or drive from Santa Domingo, Punta Cana, or Puerto Plata.

Currency Needed When Visiting Samana

Pesos is the currency used in Samana and can only be purchased upon arrival. Most places will accept U.S. dollars, but it is always a good idea to have some pesos on hand just in case.

Is Samana Safe?

Yes, Samana is relatively safe but the usual precautions should be taken. The majority of crimes committed against tourists is petty theft, but women travelling solo can expect some harassment. There have been some sexual assault cases reported by tourists at their resorts, but mainly in the Punta Cana area. If you are a female travelling alone, it is important to be aware, take the usual precautions, and not venture out into the night alone.

Language Spoken in Samana

The majority of the locals are Spanish speaking, however many who work in the tourist industry do speak and understand a “little” English. It is always a good idea to learn a little of the language spoken in the destinations that you are travelling too. This goes a long way and shows the locals a little respect.

Why You Need to Visit Samana?

You definitely will find many soft, brown sugar sand coloured beaches in Samana, but what you won’t find are the large trendy resorts and the party atmosphere that you will find in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.

Samana is for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The tourists who flock to the Samana region are seeking an escape to nature, adventures and more of a cultural vacation. They are not looking to spend their time lazing on the beaches at their resort.

Best Whale Watching in the Dominican Republic (Maybe Even in the World)

A trip to Samana would not be complete without spending a day on the water searching for spawning whales.

Samana Bay is a whale sanctuary and every November over 2,000 humpback whales migrate to this area in search of a mate. They stay until mid April at which time they head back to cooler water in Iceland, Canada, and Greenland.

Whale watching is one reason why you have to visit Samana between December and Mid March. This is a tour that you won’t want to miss!

Whale watching tours can be booked with Tour Whales.

Los Haitises National Park

Los Haitises National Park (meaning “mountainous land”) is one of the many gems you will find when visiting the Dominican Republic. Taking a boat tour with Tour Whales will provide you with the opportunity to explore the many mangroves, trails and caves, while searching for pelicans and egrets. When visiting the Los Haitises National Park you will feel like you’ve been transported back to pre-historic times. It also wouldn’t be unusual to spot whales spawning on your way to and from the park, providing two tours in one.

Chasing Waterfalls in Samana, Dominican Republic

If you love chasing waterfalls, then this is one more reason why you have to visit Samana in the Dominican Republic. Join a tour to hike to one of the many great waterfalls in this area, or hire a tour guide to guide your horse through rainforests to reach a waterfall. Bring your bathing suit as you’re hard work will be rewarded with a dip in the warm water beneath the waterfalls.

Read Next: Saddle up to Cascada Limon in the Dominican Republic

I highly recommend a guided horse tour through the rain forest to Cascada Limon.

Best Beaches in Dominican Republic

If a day at the beach is on your agenda for some snorkeling, diving, surfing or kitesurfing, then you will want to check out one (or all) of these best beaches during your time in Samana:

1. Playa Rincon, Best Beach in Samana and also named one of the top 10 beaches in the world..
2. Playa El Portillo, has clear waters and is a great beach for snorkeling.
3. Play La Esperanza is a hidden gem.
4. Cayo Levantado, Bacardi Island, which is reachable by boat.
5. Playa Bonita, covered in palm trees and is a magnificent spot to watch the sunset.

Samana boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, covered with palm trees, miles of sand the colour of soft brown sugar and the most turquoise water you’ve laid eyes on.

Samana is a More Intimate Destination than Punta Cana

You won’t see resort after resort lining the beautiful turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea, nor will you find large resorts in Samana, but what you will find are smaller intimate resorts with less than 500 units tucked away on top of a cliff or hidden on a remote island, accessible only by boat. The resorts in Samana are quiet and perfect for those seeking a more peaceful getaway.

Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa

The Bahia Principe Cayacoa is a small, intimate resort containing 284 units, perched high on a seaside cliff right in the Town of Samana. The Samana Bay is walkable from the resort or you can take transportation offered by the resort.

Bahia Principe Luxury Resort

The Bahia Principe Luxury Resort, an adults only, boutique resort offering 143 luxury rooms, is located in a private, secluded environment.

Bahia Principe Grand Portillo

Bahia Principe Grand Portillo is a larger, livier resort boasting 604 rooms located on an expansive beach offering a day full of beach activities to keep you entertained.

Rent by Owner

One of the many benefits of travel is living and experiencing the local customs and culture of the destination. For an independent experience when visiting the Dominion Republic, there are many rentals available with Rent by Owner.

Why You Need to go to Samana, Dominican Republic

These are just a few of the reasons why you need to go to Samana. I have been to both Samana and Punta Cana and without a doubt Samana far surpasses Punta Cana in every aspect. In Samana you will truly feel as if you’ve found paradise, hence, this is one place I will be returning to time and time again.

ENJOY SAMANA 🙂

SAVE TO VISIT SAMANA!