Cidade Turismo
the Dominican Republic

Before you go

Your trip to Santa Bárbara de Samaná.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Santa Bárbara de Samaná – Samaná Destination Península de Samaná Capital

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional El Catey (AZS) El Catey · 40 km
  • Terminal Caribe Tours Samaná 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. El Catey Airport (AZS) is about 40 km away, roughly a 40-minute drive. From Santo Domingo, buses and cars take about two and a half hours via the Northeast highway.

How many days

Two days: one for the whale-watching tour, in season, with a stop at Cayo Levantado; another for El Limón waterfall. Out of season, one day is enough for the town and Cayo Levantado.

When to go

January to March for the whales. From December to April there is less rain. Hurricanes can occur from June to November, and the peninsula gets showers throughout the year.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

A car is not needed for the town, which has a malecón and port within walking distance, nor for the whale trips, which depart from the pier. For El Limón, Las Galeras and Las Terrenas, vans, mototaxis and tours handle transfers; a car gives more freedom.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Santa Bárbara de Samaná
  1. Morning
    Whales in the bay

    In season, board at the malecón pier for the humpback whale-watching tour, about three hours long.

  2. Afternoon
    Cayo Levantado

    After the whale trip, disembark at Cayo Levantado for lunch and beach time on the islet.

  3. Late afternoon
    Malecón and bridges

    Return to the town and walk along the malecón to the pedestrian bridges that link the bay's islets, with views of the port.

  4. Evening
    Fish with coconut

    Have fish with coconut milk for dinner, a typical dish of the peninsula, at a restaurant on the malecón.

2 days in Santa Bárbara de Samaná

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Whales

    Boat trip around the bay in season.

  2. Afternoon
    Cayo Levantado

    Beach and lunch on the islet.

  3. Late afternoon
    Malecón

    Walk to the bridges.

  4. Evening
    Dinner

    Fish with coconut at the malecón.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    El Limón waterfall

    Leave early for El Limón and ride a horse or hike up to the waterfall.

  2. Afternoon
    Morón Beach

    Lunch and beach on the north coast, near El Limón.

  3. Late afternoon
    Las Terrenas

    Late afternoon in Las Terrenas, at the Pueblo de los Pescadores.

  4. Evening
    Return

    Return to Samaná or overnight in Las Terrenas.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How does the whale tour in Samaná work?

Boats depart from Samaná's pier from January to March and spend about three hours in the bay, following rules on distance from the animals. Many tours stop at Cayo Levantado afterward.

Does Samaná Bay have whales all year?

No. Humpbacks arrive in January and leave in March; outside that period, the sea is used for trips to Cayo Levantado and Los Haitises.

Is Samaná far from Las Terrenas?

About 35 km, roughly a 40-minute drive, passing near El Limón.

What to eat in Samaná?

Fish and seafood with coconut milk, the hallmark of the peninsula's cuisine, and coconut sweets sold on the street.

Back to Santa Bárbara de Samaná