Making the most of Samana Bay
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
When tender tickets begin to be issued, passengers are told that the first hour and a half is reserved solely for people travelling to Cayo Levantado; processing for Samana starts afterwards. Cayo Levantado is a beautiful private island and beach-style resort. Anyone who enjoys beaches will love it. Samaná Town Pier stands directly in Santa Bárbara de Samaná,
Pack a printable map.
Samana's green peninsula is a paradise for nature lovers. Somewhat remote and away from the tourist trail, it contains one of the Caribbean's most important rainforests and mangrove reserves. The crystal-clear shoreline also provides some of the finest diving on the Dominican Republic's northern side, so put on your flippers. Visibility reaches up to 150 feet in some locations!
Some people regard Samana Bay as the world's best whale-watching location. Every January, thousands of Humpbacks migrate south into the bay, and during mating season as many as 300 may be present at any one time. Watch these magnificent mammals frolic, sing and display.
Hike or ride on horseback to beautiful El Salto del Limón. Its hundred-foot waterfall falls into a refreshing natural pool, ideal for cooling down after a long hike.
Getting around
In Samana, walk along the seaside promenade or head one block inland for restaurants and some shopping.
Most cruise passengers take either a ship-run or independently organised excursion. A taxi is the best choice here, particularly when shared.
Within Samana itself, rickshaws offer a good alternative.
Alternatively, observe humpback whales in their natural calving and mating grounds in Samana Bay.
Nearby places
Los Haitises National Park lies on the remote north-east coast of the Dominican Republic.
Food and shopping
Popular local products include rum, coffee and cigars.
Money
1 Dominican peso equals 0.029499 U.S. Dollars.
ATMs are available and some resorts have them, but most are in cities and towns rather than resort areas. Do not depend on them as your only cash source.
Staying connected
Do not expect to get around without understanding and speaking some Spanish.
Most large hotels have cafés providing customers with free Wi-Fi and computers for checking and sending email. Many cafés in cities and towns also offer customers free Wi-Fi
Opening Hours and
Hours are Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1430-1830.