A lush peninsula tucked away on the Dominican Republic, Samaná is ripe for adventure. HoneyTrek travel experts Mike & Anne Howard share eight ways to get local, kick back and have fun.
Photo by HoneyTrek.com
Samaná … not a household name like the Dominican resort haven of Punta Cana — but we like it that way. On the northeast coast, this lush peninsula is packed with mountains, jungles, beaches, and surrounded by tropical islets. Santa Barbara de Samaná is the region’s hub with a dramatic harbor, lively boardwalk, colonial architecture, authentic local markets, and a merengue rhythm pulsing through the air. With city charms and natural beauty, seductive Samaná has all the right moves.
Horseback Ride to El Limón Waterfall
One of Samaná’s most famous natural attractions, El Limón drops 130 feet into a pool, perfect for swimming and deep water solo climbing … and the 1.5-mile trip up the mountain is just as impressive. Ride horses through winding river, tropical jungle, and along the mountain ridge to panoramic views before the falls.
Zipline the Jungle
Set at the top of one of the highest mountains in the region, with 12 ziplines zigzagging through the canopy (some as high as 450 feet off the ground), Samaná Zipline was the best course we’ve ever experienced. They offer an advanced and extra secure set-up allowing for tandem flips, spins, and Supermans. Between squeals and upside down kisses, we’d take in the incredible views of the valley, jungle, and beach beyond. Tip: This course is owned by Dominican Tree House Village, which offers an amazing glamping experience and loads more adventure activities.
El Valle Beach
Playa El Valle is a cove surrounded by mountains and dotted with palm trees, rugged cliffs, golden sand, and an endearing local’s scene. Fisherman pushing their boats ashore, boys throwing the baseball around, and a beach shack serving the day’s catch with cold Presidente cervezas, made it our kind of paradise and the perfect lazy day.
Samaná Central Market
Maybe our favorite part of Santa Barbara de Samaná was the local market … not for the food, but for the people! I don’t think they get many gringos here and it prompted some of the friendliest encounters. An old guy introduced us to his horse, we chatted with a papaya vendor about waterfalls, had a malt beverage taste-off with a yucca farmer, and had two Dominican hipsters teach us about the construction of coconut graters. Be sure to chat people up and sample the exotic fruits.
Las Terrenas
In the northwest of the Samaná peninsula, Las Terrenas is a fishing village so charming it now sells more souvenirs than snapper. The colorful fisherman cabins have been transformed into bars, cafes, and shops, though the place retains its local character with families throwing Sunday parties in the square, kids playing tag on the sand, and wooden boats bobbing in the water. For those who want the village vibe, where everything you need is within walking distance, this town is a great base.
Island-Hop Los Haitises National Park
Sail towards Haitises, a 618-square mile national park with 58 islands, only accessible by boat. The dramatic karst landscape and soaring birds of prey are straight out of a Bond movie. Continue into the park’s interior and find a system of brackish rivers, dense mangrove, and caves. We docked at Cueva de la Linea, which is not only stunning with its drip-castle rock formations but fascinating with ancient pictographs from the Taino Indians.
Snorkel Cayo Levantado
Imagine an islet with gold sand, swaying palm trees, and beach bars blending tropical drinks. Sounds like a Bacardi advertisement, right? Well this is where the rum brand shot a campaign in the 80s and Cayo Levantado has been dubbed Bacardi Island ever since. We took a 20-minute water taxi from the mainland and spent the day snorkeling with starfish, shopping for Larimar (a blue stone unique to the Dominican Republic), and sipping rum cocktails in hammocks. Note: This trip is often combined with Los Haitises.
Go Bachata Dancing
You can’t leave the DR without dancing the night away. The sounds of salsa radiate from the corner store to the club with an energy that’s infectious. After 10 p.m., walk the street adjacent to the Samaná promenade and take your pick of open-air salsa clubs and take a “baño del pueblo.” (Love this expression, “a local bath” or a more colorful way of saying, “do as the locals do.”)
Where to Stay
Dominican Tree House Village: Thatch cabanas perched in the trees of El Valle and connected by canopy-covered bridges; rustic cool with a community vibe and plenty of adventure offerings.
Sublime Samaná: Self-catering villas to don’t-lift-a-finger suites on a secluded beach near the lively Las Terrenas.
Bannister Hotel: Just a short drive from the heart of town, on two private coves, The Bannister is a luxurious base. This Small Luxury Hotels of the World property has its own marina, a panoramic infinity pool over the ocean, and 28 ultra-chic rooms.
Where to Eat
El Cabito: Escape to the blissed-out beaches of Las Galeras and have sunset cocktails and seafood on El Cabito’s cliffside terrace. Extend your stay at their rustic chic hotel.
Comedor Pico Pollo la Fé #2: A super local eatery in the heart of Santa Barbara de Samaná. Take your pick from the homemade buffet and any of their classic Dominican dishes like sancocho (seven-meet stew), pollo guisado (braised chicken) and sides of mangú (plantain mash) or tostones (fried savory plantains) for an authentic and delightful meal.
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