Peninsula de Samana
When Columbus discovered this Caribbean paradise in 1493, he described it as “the most beautiful place on earth”. The coconut-covered mountains and colorful coral reefs have the power to enchant every beach lover or adventurer.”
General Information
For many travelers, the Samana Peninsula is the perfect place to retreat to. It, with its white sand and turquoise waters, being no worse than other resorts, offers more space and interesting sightseeing. The place has become famous for whale sightings, especially during their winter migration. In addition, the peninsula is home to Los Aitises National Park, which is teeming with a variety of wildlife.
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The peninsula’s inhabitants, in awe of the natural wonders of the peninsula, make significant efforts to preserve them, in particular they promote eco-tourism. Visitors to the island and its inhabitants can work together to preserve what is actually worth coming here for and to ensure that industry does not destroy this fragile beauty. Many farmers and just locals work as guides (called paradas), and artisans sell products made from natural materials at ridiculously low prices. Among Samana’s most popular attractions are the many large waterfalls.
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The peninsula is not only home to small towns and jungles. There’s Santa Barbara de Samana (this town is usually just called Samana), quite lively, even with its own Malecon. In its restaurants and nightclubs, true naturalists can relax, dance the merengue and have a glass or two of rum after a tiring day. The city’s well-protected port is particularly busy between January and March during the winter whale migration, as it is the center of this spectacular industry. During these months the clubs, especially on the Malecon, get so crowded that it’s best to make reservations in advance.
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What to see and do
La Churcha (First African Methodist Church in Samana)
This historic building was built in 1823 by English Methodists. It now houses a makeshift museum about the slave trade and the local African culture.
Calle Santa Barbara and Calle Duarte. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily..Diving
.Dive Samana. This organization offers diving equipment and transports tourists to dive sites.
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Casa Marina Bay Resort. Tel: 809-538-0210. Daily.
.Stellina Dive Center. Here they organize trips to both popular and lesser-known destinations.
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are usually visited accompanied by local guides called paradas. They will offer snacks, products made by them or their family members, or simply volunteer to show you the waterfalls. You can do the hike on your own, but since the path is not easy, the paths are quite steep, and the fee for a horse or mule ride with paradas is so low, it is better to use their services. Plus you can order a traditional style dinner to be waiting for you on your return.
Water sports
Moto Marina Club. This club has everything you need, including instructions for snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing. You can also make a trip to and from Cayo Levantado from here.
.Avenida la Marina (Malecon) 3. Tel: 809-538-2302. motomarina@yahoo.com. Daily schedule.Salto de Limon (Limon Falls). The most famous waterfall in the area. Surrounded by dense tropical thickets, it falls from a height of 46 meters into a deep pool. All the paths that lead to it are maintained by the Association for Community Ecotourism (ACESAL). They fan out from the road between Las Terrenas and Samana. Along them stand guides offering their services. Parada la Familia, Parada Ismael, Parada Santi, Parada Nega and Parada la Manzana provide the most qualified paradas. But there are some quite good guides among those who didn’t make the list as well.
From mid-January to late March, several thousand whales settle in the temperate waters around the island, where the females carry and feed their calves, and the hopeful males put on a real show, including for interested spectators. This is a truly unforgettable spectacle of communication and mating rituals of these deep-sea giants.
.Whale Watching Tour by Moto Marina
A multilingual guide will embellish the boat tour with his story about whales. Moto Marina also offers transportation to and from Cayo Levantado.
Avenida la Marina (Malecon) 3. Tel: 809-538-2302. motomarina@yahoo.com. Whale watching from January 15 to March 25 daily. Whale Samana & Victoria Marine. These are the pioneers of the local whale watching “industry” under the leadership of Kim Bedall. The two locations are open from January 15 through March 20. Avenida la Marina (Malecon). Tel: 809-538-2494. Two excursions daily (departing at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), and a Cayo Levantado. Two excursions daily (departing at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.)..Best dive sites
Cabo Cabron
Here, divers can hear the eerie songs of migrating whales.
La Catedral
.A huge underwater cave that has an air cushion.
.Plaza Monica
.Experienced divers can go down to this reef, which is 30 meters deep and has vibrant underwater life.
.The Tower
Fifty meters of this 55-meter cliff is underwater and serves as a haven for many marine life.
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