Samaná is one of the 32 provinces of the Dominican Republic located in the northeast of the country and occupies practically the entire Samaná Peninsula.
Its capital is the city of Santa Bárbara de Samaná, although it is usually called just Samaná.
The north and east are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered to the south by the bay of Samaná, to the southeast by the province of Monte Plata, and to the west by the provinces of Duarte and María Trinidad Sánchez.
In Samaná there is a great linguistic diversity where several languages are spoken (French, Italian, English) although Spanish is the main language. Obviously there are also other areas where Haitian Creole, German, Russian, Dutch, etc. are spoken.
It has a humid tropical rainforest climate, with a year-round temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of over 2,000 millimeters.
This province has a large number of short rivers and streams.
Agriculture is very limited and it is the main coconut producer in the country, but the demand for this product has been gradually decreasing.
It also has a small productive marble mining activity.
Currently, the main economic activity of the province is tourism, although there is still a lot of potential to be developed, since it has incredible and fabulous beaches.
Humpback and humpback whale watching during the winter and early spring months is becoming an important tourist attraction unique to the Caribbean, generating significant income for Playa Rincón, one of the most visited beaches in the area.
This great spectacle is repeated every year from mid-January to the end of March where thousands of humpback whales come from the seas of Iceland, Greenland and North America to the warm waters of Samana Bay to mate and have their calves.
Tourism in Samaná
Samana is a very romantic and exotic place, full of exuberant nature in which to enjoy an unforgettable trip.
This wonderful peninsula located in the north of the country has many places where you can live a unique experience as a couple with very romantic and fun plans.
It has spectacular beaches, of authentic natural wonder such as the beautiful Playa Portillo or Playa Rincón which is listed as one of the best beaches in the world and an important underwater world where coral reefs of singular beauty are hidden.
Samaná has a large number of places of great interest:
CAYO LEVANTADO ISLAND
Cayo Levantado Island, known as Bacardi Island, is a captivating and paradisiacal islet of a little more than 1 kilometer of fine white sand surrounded by crystal clear turquoise blue water and lush vegetation in the center, where you can live a unique and wonderful experience, especially in the months of January to March, when you can see humpback whales.
CORAL REEFS
A unique and unrepeatable moment to share with your partner is diving in the coral reefs of Samana Bay. Diving in its crystal clear, transparent and calm waters is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Snorkeling or scuba diving is one of the ways to get to know all the richness of its waters. It is the perfect activity that allows you to know a world full of beauty and a great variety of colors, with very exotic and striking fish and unimaginable vegetation.
SALTO DE LIMÓN WATERFALL
Visiting this beautiful waterfall Salto de Limón is a very special experience with adventure included.
To get there is a 20-minute horseback ride through one of the most spectacular natural environments.
The tour culminates in this impressive waterfall Salto de Limón of about 40 meters high that breaks into a wonderful pool of fresh and crystalline water where you can relax once the tour is over.
RINCÓN BEACH
One of the best Caribbean beaches and a unique place to relax and lie on white sand, toasting with an incredible cocktail, is Playa Rincón.
Playa Rincón is made up of 7 beaches and is 3 kilometers long, where strolling along the shore to let the fine sand massage the soles of your feet is an excellent option.
It is very interesting to enjoy the local life that this beach has, as there are many Dominicans who frequent it especially on weekends where there is no lack of authentic and smooth Dominican rhythm with merengues or bachatas.
LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK
It is one of the places that every tourist must visit. It was chosen as the setting for some of the scenes in the famous movie Jurassic Park thanks to its amazing mountains, caverns, rivers, mangroves and islets.
CAPE CABRON NATIONAL PARK
To tour Cabo Cabrón National Park, one of the most remote places in Samaná, is to walk through volcanic terrain, rocky cliffs and challenging steep trails that wind through difficult passes through thick tropical vegetation.
There are no beaches but there is a refreshing natural water source perfect for cooling off after a long hike.
Gastronomy of Samaná
Samana is undoubtedly an excellent place to eat well. The typical dish of Samaná and king of all dishes is the coconut, from which oil and milk are used, giving a spectacular flavor to every dish of the area.
Dishes prepared with seafood products stand out: shrimp, octopus, lobster and crab.
Also very famous is a delicious sweet made with milk and tender coconut, coconut jalao with honey, sweet bread filled with seasonal fruit jam…
In Samana you can find restaurants where you can eat very good fusion food, seafood, pizzas, Asian food, gourmet haute cuisine, tapas, etc.
Where to stay in Samaná
Samana is a vacation destination increasingly in demand for its nature, wilderness and incredible beaches, where every tourist can find the perfect accommodation according to their preferences and travel budget.
Among the most recommended hotels and hostels with the best tourist services to spend a vacation, we find:
- In the urban center itself for the great atmosphere of a big town although the beaches are not the best. Here one can find lodging according to the available economy: budget, mid-level and luxury hotels.
- Las Terrenas: One of the most beautiful options for its long golden sand beaches and recommended for its quality/price ratio. It is a fishing village with a good atmosphere and restaurants where you can eat very well. The accommodations are located between the areas of Playa Bonita, El Portillo and Playa Cosón.
- Las Galeras is ideal if you are looking for tranquility and disconnection. Here you will be able to enjoy beautiful postcard beaches such as Playa Rincón, considered one of the most beautiful in the country.
- Cayo Levantado, a small island off the south coast where you can stay if you are looking for luxury, privacy, tranquility and exclusivity. It is considered one of the best all inclusive resorts in the world and is the perfect choice for a romantic honeymoon trip.
Samaná also has cheap accommodations with a good quality/price ratio: Casa Delfín, Mahona, etc.
The best way to get around Samana and access all the sites is to rent a car. You can also hire excursions or get around by cab.
The backpacking option (guaguas) requires much more time.
Samana is undoubtedly a place to enjoy an unforgettable and wonderful vacation.
