Samana Cruises, Dominican Republic
Samana’s a rustic town perched on the edge of a peninsula that pokes out of the Dominican Republic’s north-east coast. The first thing you’ll notice is that it hasn’t lost its traditional charm. Brightly coloured colonial-style houses are scattered throughout pretty public gardens. But it’s the island’s natural side that shines through from every angle. Thick rainforests full of coconut groves and waterfalls are ripe for exploring not far from the coast, which is tailor-made for lazy beach days.
- Head out on a boat and see if you can spot some whales. The Dominican Republic’s home to two humpback whale breeding grounds, so you’ve got a good chance of seeing something.
- Take a stroll along the Samana walking bridges. These walkways jut out over the sea, and offer the best views of the port and town waterfront.
- Zip-line through the rainforest in El Limón. The area’s been left to its own devices here, so you’ll get a real taste of the wilderness while whizzing over the treetops.
SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions
El Rincon Beach Escape
This one does exactly what the name suggests. Things kick off with the journey to El Rincon beach. This secluded slice of sand is backed by open countryside, so peace and quiet’s definitely on the menu. The waterfront looks like an uninhabited desert island, with swaying palms behind the sand and jungle-cloaked headlands at either end of the shoreline. There’s a bonus feature tucked away among the trees, too. Follow a freshwater stream inland and you’ll reach a river that’s great for refreshing dips.
Caves & Mangroves Exploration
If you’ve got an adventurous streak, this one’s for you. The day begins with a speedboat ride to Los Haitises National Park – a wildlife reserve that showcases some of the Dominican Republic’s finest natural assets. After arriving, you’ll get straight into exploring the ecological park. Underwater rivers, made of salt and fresh water, are the perfect climate for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for secret caves, too, which were once used by pirates to store their booty. Before things wrap up, you’ll stop at picturesque Bacardi Island, where you can swim in window-clear waters, relax in hammocks or laze on sugar-soft sand.
Samana City Tour
You’ll get to know the seaside city of Samana on this tour. It’s set on a peninsula by the same name, which is known for its wildlife-spotting and nature credentials. The city’s one of the more urban spots, but still retains a small-town feel. Your tour will tick off sites like Samana City Hall, the main government building and a collection of pretty churches. Stroll along the boat-lined boardwalk and pose for photos in front of Napoleon Bridge. At the end of the tour, you’ll stop at a local bar for a fresh pina colada and served in a pineapple, and a choice of a local beer or a Cuba Libre cocktail.