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Samana Cruises, Dominican Republic

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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.

Map of Samana

SHORE EXCURSIONS View all excursions

Cayo Levantado Beach Escape

This one does exactly what the name suggests. Things kick off with a boat ride over to the island of Cayo Levantado. This tiny slice of paradise certainly packs a punch on the scenery front – so much so, it was given a starring role in one of the Bacardi TV ads. When you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a group of local folk dancers, and handed a glass of rum or fruit punch. Then the time is yours to spend as you fancy. Take a dip, try your hand – or, should we say, hips – at some merengue, or rummage through the gift shops for souvenirs to take home.

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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 circle the famous Birds Kay. This rugged rock plays host to an amazing array of birdlife, including the Brown Pelican and the striking red-chested Frigatebird. Then it’s up and over the waves for a journey through the beautiful mangrove swamps. Look closely at the huge roots that rise out of the water and you’ll see they’re dotted with shells. You’ll moor up here and explore these jaw-dropping trees on foot before making your way to the reserve’s most famous attraction – its extensive cave network. Take a peep inside as your guide fills you in on the history of these hidden wonders.

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Samana Cultural Highlights

Samana Peninsula is famous for its whale watching. Humpback whales have been making an annual pilgrimage to these waters for centuries. So it’s not surprising to find a small whale exhibit here to help you uncover the mysteries of these amazing sea creatures. The whale exhibit is just one of the stop-offs on this tour though. You’ll also take in La Churcha – a church brought over from England and reassembled piece by piece in Samana. And take a trip down memory lane at the Taino Park, where the history of the island’s first inhabitants, the island’s culture and history is all explained. Finally, you’ll head off to Puerto Bahia Marina for some free time on the waterfront.

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