The Dominican Republic is such a beautiful and tropical place, with tons of hotels and accommodation options. Like any country or city, there’s always the unknown - the path less taken - and Santa Barbara de Samana or just Samana for short is one of these places. Samana is a town located in the northeastern part of the country and it is absolutely stunning. It’s an important location for tourists, especially those who enjoy going out on the water, either swimming or boating and maybe even whale watching.
The small town is also historically important to the island, as Christopher Columbus landed on a local beach during his first voyage to the new world. Samana is definitely off the beaten path but it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you want to go to the Dominican Republic but don’t want to go where everyone else is, definitely check out Semana. There are tons of things to do!
1. Playa el Valle
Nestled away from the town is Playa el Valle - an amazing beach that’s pretty private as far as public beaches go. There’s not much around the beach, making it a very low key kinda place to grab a book, a towel and relax in the sunshine and work on that tan. But if you are looking for a bite, there are restaurants nearby.
Even in the heat of July, the beach is still relatively secluded. Since the beach isn’t part of a hotel, you’ll surely find a quiet spot for your afternoon. Favored by the locals of Samana, the Playa el Valle can be your little secret.
Playa el Valle
Address: Santa Barbara de Samana, Dominican Republic
Website: Playa el Valle
2. Whale Museum
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Posted by Whale Samana on Friday, 14 April 2017
Whale watching is something that is particularly big in Samana and many places offer tours for whale watching and sightseeing. Much of the tourist industry in Samana is, in fact, dependent on the whale watching business.
Because whales are big business in Samana, there’s no doubt that the Whale Museum is must see. When you’re looking for something a little more indoors and educational (hey, who says you can’t learn something on vacation), head over to the Whale Museum. They also have whale sighting excursions for the adventurous and they even guarantee a whale sighting or your next trip is free.
Whale Museum
Address: Santa Barbara de Samana 32000, Dominican Republic
Phone Number: +1 809-538-2494
Website: Whale Museum
3. Samana Peninsula tour (from 98 USD)
Experience the natural wonders and beauty of Samana, on an all afternoon tour of the peninsula. First, you’ll get to Rancho Aventuras, where you’ll get a horse for a guided walk through the amazingly beautiful El Limon National Park. Marvel at the lush greenery and exotic foliage on a casual stroll via horseback. If you work up a sweat you can jump in the natural pools of the park. After that, hop on board a safari style open-air vehicle, to a waterfront lunch! Finally, top off the day with some snorkeling or lounge time.
Samana Peninsula tour
Price: from 98 USD
Website:
4. Horseback tour (from 53 USD)
Feel like an explorer while you travel through the lush forestry of Samana, on horseback. This five hour horseback trip includes a guided tour to the stunning waterfalls of El Limon National Park. Explore the rugged terrain and scenery and jump in the natural pools to cool off.
Dip your head in fresh, cool waterfalls and feel like you just discovered the mythical fountain of youth! Listen to the natural wonders of the forest and the sounds of the waterfalls. Afterwards, have a local lunch once out of the jungle.
Horseback tour
Price: from 53 USD
Website:
5. Malecon
The Malecon is the local marina. After a long day of horseback riding, lounging on the beach or ziplining, head to the local boardwalk, where you can grab a snack and watch the local fishermen make their money and just enjoy the view. The sights of the bay are amazing and it’s a nice local spot, where people from hotels and the town spend a warm evening.
Malecon
Address: Avenida La Marina, Santa Barbara de Samana 32000, Dominican Republic
Website:
6. Parada la Manzana
Luego de tanta lluvia, retomamos nuestra labores y listo para recibir a todos nuestros queridos clientes. 🍋🍎 ••• After so much rain, we resumed our labors and ready to welcome all our dear clients.🍋🍎
Posted by Salto el Limón, Parada La Manzana, Samaná. RD on Monday, 11 September 2017
A trip to Samana isn’t complete without a stop at El Limon Park. Of course, there are many ways to explore the area (as outlined in this article) but the Parada la Manzana is the old-fashioned way - by foot! This way you’ll experience the sounds of tropical birds in the trees and the soothing sounds of the cascading waterfalls, nearby. This is for people who enjoy a good hike, so make sure you’re well prepared for all those steps. On top of the mountain is a restaurant where you’ll be able to rest up.
Parada La Manzana
Address: Carretera Principal El Limon Samana | El Limon, Santa Barbara de Samana 32000, Dominican Republic
Facebook: Parada la Manzana
7. Whale Watching (From 95 USD)
It wouldn’t be a Samana trip without some whale watching! Whales come from the North Atlantic to Samana Bay to birth their young. So, there’s no shortage of whales to be seen here! A certified biologist will guide guests through their whale watching experience. The views of the bay are also amazing, just make sure you’re not someone prone to seasickness!
Whale Watching
Price: from 95 USD
Website:
8. Zipline Adventure (from USD 75.0)
Fly through the forests of El Limon and look at the jungle canopy below. This is not for the faint of heart but for those people out there craving a bit of an adrenaline rush. Sure, sitting on the beach and getting a tan is nice for a day or two but if you want to liven up your vacation, then look no further!
Get views of the Juana Vicenta region, the Haitises National Park, and the Cayo Levantado, all from the view of a zipline. Round trip transportation, to and from the location, are included in the price, as well as equipment.
El Limon Zipline Adventure from Samana
Duration: 4 hours
Beautiful Samana
From the marvelous beaches to the lush green of El Limon National Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in this place, off the beaten path!
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