Cayo Levantado: Dubbed "Barcardi Island" by our many visitors who have spent a day frolicking on its white, sandy beach; enjoying watersports in its crystal clear waters, sampling Dominican food or simply lazing under a palm tree and sipping on a "cool one," this popular get-a-way spot plays host to visitors and locals alike. About mid-way from Samana to the mouth of Samana Bay, this picturesque island is but a short boat ride away from Samana Harbor and only a few minutes from the bay's north shore.

Los Haitises National Park: Located at the western end of the bay on the south shore across from Sanchez, this park features mangrove swamps with giant mangrove trees forming a lush, green canopy above the watery trails that wind through the swamps. Taino caves where the islands first inhabitants lived are another popular attraction of the park.Tours leave from Samana, Sanchez and Sabana de la Mar at the park's eastern edge across the bay from Samana.

Playa Rincon: Considered to be one of the five prettiest beaches in the world, Playa Rincon is one and one-half miles of sugary, white sand, azure waters and is ringed on three sides with vegetation-covered mountains. Although Conde Nast Travel Magazine ranked this beach as a second best in the world, to us it's #1 as a destination for a day at the beach. At one end is a clear, cold-water stream that flows from the nearby mountains and at the other end is a sheltered cove tucked under a rocky point. In between are thousands of coconut palms bearing silent witness to the natural beauty of Rincon. The beach may be reached by car (4wd is recommended), a short boat ride from Las Galeras or for the more adventure-minded, by horseback up and over the mountains for a spectacular view of the bay. As with many of our attractions, getting there is half the fun.

Waterfalls: Plunging over 100 feet into a natural swimming pool is the cascade at el Limon. This popular destination is reached by a short ride on horseback and culminates in a refreshing swim for those who remembered to bring their bathing suits. For those less adventuresome, the waterfall can be reached on foot by hiking in from the main road. A guide is recommended for this.

Several other waterfalls are also on the Peninsula. One is several miles west of Samana off the main highway. Watch for the sign near the little bridge. The other is located a short way down the first of the two rivers you must ford on the road to Playa del Valle, a picture-perfect beach located on the north coast across the Peninsula from Samana. However, you must have a 4WD vehicle to both cross these two rivers and reach this one as the riverbed becomes your road from the crossing to the falls.

Whales: Samana's whales are well known. Each year 3 to 5 thousand humpback whales return to Bahia de Samana and adjacent waters to give birth and mate for the following year. From January until March, frolicsome males can be observed vying for the attentions of demure females. Sky-rocketing, standing on their tails (and heads, too!), flippering, tailing; all sorts of antics may be observed under carefully controlled conditions aboard excursion boats staffed by knowledgeable personnel. Excursions leave from Samana Harbor and several other points along the north shore of the bay. Samana's whales are truly an international treasure and are fully protected by the Dominican government.

Tours, Transportation and Guide Services for these attractions: