5-Day Trip Dominican Republic: Samaná. Enjoy this quick but intense itinerary of the northeast of the island.
Visit Península de Samaná in a 5-day trip. Get the most of the northeastern coast in a fun but intense road trip.
From whale-watching to waterfalls, the focus of this itinerary is water. If you can, fly directly to the Aeropuerto Internacional El Catey, the closest to the peninsula, otherwise take a flight from another Dominican airport or a bus from Santo Domingo: with the new road it will be a relaxing journey.
It is preferable to plan the trip between mid-January and mid-March if your goal is to see whales migrate to the Bahía de Samaná.
Stay in Las Terrenas or Las Galeras. Las Terrenas is a cosmopolitan city with a refined European atmosphere. Here you can practice kitesurfing and other water sports; there are also horseback riding tours to the waterfall El Limón and boat trips to the Parque Nacional Los Haitises to see the mangroves and cave paintings. Las Galeras is a quiet town at the eastern end of the peninsula. Its beaches are fantastic, and you will feel like you are in a paradise.
5-Day Trip Dominican Republic: Samaná
THE NORTHEAST IN FIVE DAYS
In this quick route to the northeaster area of the Dominican Republic, the Samaná Peninsula, we suggest you plan a route of things to see, such as:
- Explore the local towns and islands in the gorgeous Samaná Peninsula (Whale-watching if it’s the season)
- Hike to the most secluded and wild beaches on the island
- Swim in the lagoon at El Limón Waterfall
- Admire limestone formations in Los Haitises National Park
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a fun road trip!
DAY 1 (stay 1 day)
If you land in Santo Domingo, you’ll hop on a bus or rental car for the 3-hour transfer north to Samaná. Samaná is known for unspoiled white-sand beaches and hidden islands. Stay at a comfortable hotel to relax after a long trip and head out for a stroll around to get familiar with the location.
DAY 2-3 (stay 1 to 2 days)
Head an hour north by taxi to Las Terrenas. The town is filled with charming boutiques and shops. You can buy souvenirs like handmade crafts, jewelry, Dominican rum, coffee, and cocoa. Local art is big and can be a nice gift or memory of your trip to take home.
For a more active day plan a 3-hour hike into the rainforests as you enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Here you’ll end up at some of the most secluded beaches on the peninsula. such as La Cana, Lanza del Norte, and finally, you’ll arrive at tranquil Playa Morón, surrounded by turquoise waters. Tourist crowds are not common here, so you’ll have a blast surrounded by nature.
DAY 4 (stay 1 day)
Enjoy another 3-hour hike to El Limón Waterfall. The falls are one of the top spots around the whole island. 131 feet (40 m) of water ending up in a cold emerald pool, where you can dive and enjoy the cool water after a long hike.
DAY 5 (stay 1 day)
Transfer to Los Haitises National Park for a one-day trip. The name “Los Haitises” translates to “mountainous land” in the indigenous Taíno language. The park is known for its limestone rock formations that rise out of the water. Visit exotic mangrove forests around the bay and take pictures of many beautiful bird species. Find the ancient caves and admire petroglyphs, the most ancient in the country. If you prefer, ask a guide to help you organize this fun trip.
More things to do in the Samaná Peninsula
Whale watching in Samaná between January and March. An unforgettable experience.
