Overview of Samana

Perfect for honeymooners, scuba divers, and those who just want to get away, Samana, Dominican Republic offers an ideal vacation spot. Complete with mountains, sandy white beaches and clear waters, the island offers something for everyone. Samana has an average yearly temperature in the middle 80s and a constant sea breeze providing perfect conditions for lazy afternoons and evenings.

Click here for a map of Samana

Check out this beautifully done video of Samana, Dominican Republic.

What language is spoken in the Dominican Republic? Do they speak English?

Spanish is the official language, but English is generally spoken in the regions which see a lot of tourists. However, it does help if you know some Spanish as well.

What is the national currency in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Peso is the official currency. One US Dollar is roughly equivalent to RD$37.85 (currency calculator.)

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

US Dollars are accepted in and around the port, however the exchange rate will not be favorable and change will most likely be in pesos.

Where can I get or exchange money?

Banks are the safest place to exchange money, but not necessarily the place to get the best exchange rate. The best exchange rates are found in "casas de cambios" found around town.

• Banks closest to cruise port: 

  There are three banks in the village of Samana: Scotiabank, Banco Popular, and Banco BHD. All are open from 9:00am-6:00pm Monday-Friday and on Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm.

• ATMs closest to cruise port: 

  Scotiabank, Banco Popular and Banco BHD with Banco Popular being steps away from the main dock.

How do I get around Samana?

Walking

Many of the sites to see along with shops and restaurants are within walking distance of the docks.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the dock and with knowledgeable and friendly drivers, they will get you anywhere you need to go on the peninsula.

Jeep Rental

One of the more popular ways to see the region includes renting a Jeep. The vehicles will make getting around Las Terrenas and Playa Rincon easier.

Rental Car

Sixt Rent a Car is available at the Arroyo Barril International Airport (EPS).

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

There are many "centros de llamada" (calling centers) and Internet Cafes located throughout Samana. Calls can be made from either and Internet access is usually available from either.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

• Centro de Communications Verizon at 8 Francisco Rosario Sanchez.
• Deleon Communications also has phones available for use.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• Centro Llamad Edwards is located at 4 Francisco Rosario Sanchez and has five computers available.
• Deleon Communications has six computers and is located at 13 Maria Trinidad Sanchez.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Samana? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Whale Museum and Nature Center - Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am-2:00pm, this museum features one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the world. Price is RD$50 or US $2.00 and the museum is located at La Marina corner with Tiro al Blanco. Between mid January and mid March, visitors can go whale watching.
• Los Haitises National Park - is a short boat ride away and contains one of the most important rainforests in the Caribbean. The park has a large area of mangroves as well as a system of caves and caverns covered with petroglyph and pictographs with great history attached.

Beaches

• Cayacoa Beach is the largest public beach and is only a few minute's walk from downtown Samana. It is surrounded by luscious green hills, brilliant blue seas and pale golden sand.
• Isla Cayo Levantado is a spectacular public beach which you can only get to by boat. The boat ride will cost about $10 to $20 (US) per person. This small island and beach is one of the most impressive and beautiful in all of the Caribbean. On the beach you can find chairs for rent, games and other entertainment. There is also a local market nearby to pick up souvenirs.
• Playa Anadel is located within a 15 minute walk of Samana. Located nearby is a beach club with chairs for rent, music area, restroom with showers, souvenir shops, and watersport rentals from H2O.

Shopping

The best places to shop are the Village of Samana and Las Terrenas. Both have unique stores and boutiques offering locally made souvenirs.

Golf

Las Terrenas Golf Club, designed by Andy Dye, features an 18-hole course. Surrounded by both water and rainforest, this is a one of a kind course. There is also a large driving range in addition to the course set among the mountains and tropical jungle. E-mail for tee time reservations and for more details on tee times.

Scuba

• Aquadive offers dives and scuba rental to enjoy the wonders of the world beneath the ocean surface near Samana. Contact them at (809)240-6616 or by E-mail
• Stellina Diving Center offers tours and rentals, plus their employees speak English. In addition, visitors can get their scuba certifications with Stellina and there are courses offered to beginners all the way through full cave diver. Stellina offers everything from boat trips and day scuba trips to both cave and wreck dives. Contact them at (829)887-5503 or by E-mail

Tours

• Razor Tours and ATV Adventures offers tours and activities all over the peninsula of Samana. Visitors can take in all Samana has to offer on one of the company's three packages geared toward those coming to Samana via cruise lines. The Waterfall Cascada Limon tour includes a 40 minute ride to the main site. After mounting horses, you will come into impressive Cascada El Limon waterfall measuring 45 meters high. The ATV Quad Tropical Adventure will take you across some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain Samana has to offer. Finally, the large safari vehicle expedition offers a sightseeing trip in an open air vehicle with plenty of stops for pictures.

  Check out this video of the not recommended way to enjoy the Limon Waterfall.

• Raymond and Gregory Tours will take visitors all over the peninsula to see the sites. Some of these sites include visits to Las Haitises National Park and Playa el Valle. There is also the chance to go on whale watching tours and Jeep safaris.
• Bix Mountain Bike Rental offers a unique way to see the island. With plenty of trails and wilderness to explore, you can take a half day and see the sites from the back of a bike. ↑ Back to Top

What are the best eats in Samana? Where are the best places to get them?

Pescado Frito con tostones (fried fish with fried plantains) are local favorites for beach-goers. Also considered "tipico" (traditional cuisine) is chivo guisado con arroz y habichuelas (goat fricassee with rice and beans), especially in this area as goats graze on wild oregano. There are several good restaurants in the area, but try El Sabor Samanes, which is across from the bay and a favorite of locals with high quality food, especially for the price.

What are the must-drinks in Samana? Where is the best place to get them?

• Presidente is the best of the national beers, so make sure to ask for one "bestido de novia" (dressed like a bride), which means that it served so cold the bottle is frosted white on the outside. You can by Presidente almost anywhere: bars, corner store, gas station - but ask around to find out where it is the served the coldest.
• Mamajuana, for those that like a stronger drink, is a distinctly Dominican drink. It is said to do everything from cure the common cold to restore man's "vitality". Miracles effects aside, it does make a fine drink. You can find mamajuana at many area bars and it will taste a little different everywhere you go. Enjoy!

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Samana? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

National rums (Brugal, Barcelo and Bermudez) are among the best in the Caribbean and can be purchased for less than $10. Best prices can be found at the supermarket, but can also be found in the city at corner stores called "colmados".

$25-$75

• The Dominican faceless dolls (muneca sin rostro) are a very popular item bought by tourists and Dominicans alike and can range in price depending on quality and materials used to make it.
• Amber jewelry (earrings, pendants, rings, etc.)
• Larimar (a rare blue volcanic mineral) jewelry, only found in the Dominican Republic.

Over $75

Box of Dominican Cigars makes an excellent gift to a friend or yourself. Don't bother buying Cuban cigars as they are most likely fake. If you are able to tell the difference and find real Cuban cigars, you will probably be over-spending, not to mention those pesky embargo issues that may come up in customs upon your return to the US. Besides, there are many great Dominican cigars, even for the most discerning cigar aficianado.

What is the weather like in Samana?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Samana