Samaná

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Samana showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and a sunset
Las Terrenas showing food
Rincon Beach featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views
Samana

Delight in the simple charm of this port town that attracts tourists with a picturesque coastline and forests to be explored on horseback or by zip line.

Get in touch with the Dominican Republic’s natural offerings in the small seaside town of Samana. Stroll pristine beaches, explore forests or go boating out into the bay.

Begin each day along the Samana El Malecon, the town’s oceanfront promenade. Here you’ll find many of the town’s best restaurants and cafés for a satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner by the bay.

Just a few minutes walk from downtown Samana, the Cayacoa Beach attracts hundreds of visitors on hot days. To experience one of the region’s prettiest beaches, buy a ticket for the boat from the Samana port to Cayo Levantatdo. This peaceful beach sits on an island in the bay and offers incredible views of the Dominican coastline.

Take a walk along Samana’s iconic Los Puentes, otherwise known as the “bridges to nowhere.” This 0.8-mile (1.3-kilometer) stretch of walkway was once intended to lead to a casino, but now serves as a great place to sit on a bench and watch the sun set over the island of Cayo Vigia.

Some of the region’s best features are outside the town limits. Take scenic daytrips to the mangrove swamps of Los Haitises National Park and spot dolphins in the San Lorenzo Bay. Hire a guide and ride on horseback to the superb El Limon Waterfalls. Samana’s popular zip-line tours take you on exhilarating rides over the lush forestland, with some lines descending 40 stories.

When the sun goes down, return to El Malecon, where bars, discos and outdoor terraces provide drinks and entertainment.

Samana is a town that provides all the necessities for a modern traveler. Enjoy the convenience of a supermarket, four banks and good telephone and internet coverage. An international airport also serves the town and is about 15 minutes away. Rent a car to get around outside Samana.

Where to stay in Samaná

Samana showing a bay or harbor, tropical scenes and boating

Samaná Centro

While there might not be top attractions in Samaná Centro, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Samana Bay and Playa Cayacoa.

Samaná Centro
Whale watching with Whale Samana was an amazing experience! We spent 4 hours and saw at least 10 whales. We even got to see a whale breach right in front of us! Really nice boat and worth the money. The best time of the year to go is January - March. For an extra $5 they will drop you off at the island Cayo Levantado for the afternoon. Also beautiful!

Barrio La Fortaleza Vieja

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio La Fortaleza Vieja and surrounding area, you can visit Samana Bay and Playa Cayacoa.

Barrio La Fortaleza Vieja
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Doncel

While Doncel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Samana Bay and Playa Cayacoa.

Doncel
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La Aguada

When in La Aguada, you can plan a visit to Samana Bay and Playa Cayacoa, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

La Aguada
The town of Samana was small but fun to explore. Crossing the bridge to nowhere is a must!

Barrio New York

While there might not be top attractions in Barrio New York, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Samana Bay and Playa Cayacoa.

Barrio New York
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Villa Salma

While Villa Salma might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Playa Cayacoa and Samana Bay.

Villa Salma
Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort

Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort

3 out of 5
Playa Las Galeras Las Galeras Samana
The price is $235 total per night from Dec 11 to Dec 12
$235 total
per night
Dec 11 - Dec 12
Book a stay at this beach property in Samaná. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Rincon Beach and Aserradero Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (198 reviews)
Good service

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2025

Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort
Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only

Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only

4.5 out of 5
carretera Samana Samaná
The price is $178 total per night from Dec 11 to Dec 12
$178 total
per night
Dec 11 - Dec 12
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Samaná. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (630 reviews)
Very good

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

Bahia Principe Grand Samana - Adults Only
Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive

Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Isla De Cayo Levantado Samaná Samana
The price is $870 total per night from Dec 11 to Dec 12
$870 total
per night
Dec 11 - Dec 12
Book a stay at this luxury property in Samaná. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (204 reviews)
Best place I’ve ever stayed by far. Service like I’ve never experienced in my life. They are so friendly and accommodating. Everything from experiences to rides to different parts of the island are set up by a wonderful ambassador and they are so quick. The resort is beautiful and so many wellness ...

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2025

Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Edma Aparta Hotel

Edma Aparta Hotel

2 out of 5
Av. William Jhonson Samaná Samaná
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Samaná. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Samana Bay and Cayo Levantado ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Nice clean room. Friendly staff. Extremely noisy! Neighbour adjacent to hotel plays music at a ridiculously loud level, had to use ear plugs and still sounded louder than a loud concert. Very very noisy part of town.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2023

Edma Aparta Hotel
Las Mariposas

Las Mariposas

3 out of 5
Las Galeras Samaná Las Galeras Samaná
Stay at this vacation home in Samaná. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rincon Beach and Playa Grande are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
Amazing, and relaxing place,

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2025

Las Mariposas
El Pelicano Apart-Hotel

El Pelicano Apart-Hotel

3 out of 5
Calle Jimmy Hendrix Las Galeras
Stay at this apartment in Samaná. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Rincon Beach and La Playita Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (51 reviews)
Size of rooms was good

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025

El Pelicano Apart-Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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