Samaná

Travel Guide

An aerial view of a tropical beach with clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and a dense forest in the background.
A beach with tall palm trees and a calm sea at sunset.
A fish in a bowl with a red pole in the background.
A beach with palm trees and a mountain in the background.
A wooden house surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

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

Find the best Samaná areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Samaná
Learn more about Samaná

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.

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.

La Aguada

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

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.

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.

Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort

Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort

3 out of 5
Playa Las Galeras Las Galeras Samana
$105 nightly
The price is $135 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$135 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and fees
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! (506 reviews)
"The best place ever for vacation, Staff professional and very friendly, best beach resort, food excellent!! Can’t say anything bad about that place"

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Wyndham Alltra Samana All-Inclusive Resort
Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive

Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Isla De Cayo Levantado Samaná Samana
$870 nightly
The price is $870 total per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
$870 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Total with taxes and fees
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 ...
Cayo Levantado Resort - All Inclusive
Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel & Residence

Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel & Residence

5 out of 5
Avenida Malecón, Carretera La Aguada, 60 Samaná Samaná Province
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$185 nightly
The price is $237 total per night from Sep 25 to Sep 26
$237 total
Sep 25 - Sep 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Samaná. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Hacienda Samana Bay Hotel & Residence
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 ...
Edma Aparta Hotel
Taino Beach Lofts

Taino Beach Lofts

3 out of 5
El Valle Road, Km. 9 El Valle Samaná Samaná
Stay at this aparthotel in Samaná. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Rincon Beach and Samana Bay are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (24 reviews)
"Excellent experience"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

Taino Beach Lofts
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Nuestra experiencia: Las camas son rígidas y duras, muy incomodas. Las mesas de noche, gabeteros, gabinetes de cocina y mesa exterior con bastante polvo y presencia de eses de lagartos incluyendo, la nevera ejecutiva sucia por dentro. A las 3 am los perros en la propiedad ladrando a todo dar. Nos ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Las Mariposas
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.

Stay near popular Samaná attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Samaná worth visiting?
Samaná is worth visiting for its natural attractions, such as the waterfall El Salto del Limon and the beautiful Cayo Levantado Beach. Travelers can enjoy these scenic spots and also find local grocers for convenient self-catering options during their stay.
When is the best time to visit Samaná?
The best time to visit Samaná is from December through April. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of June through September are a good option, offering a warmer season to explore the area.
What is Samaná known for?
Samaná, also known as Santa Barbara De Samana, is known for its natural attractions. Travelers can visit the impressive El Salto del Limon waterfall, also known as El Limon Falls, and enjoy the picturesque Cayo Levantado Beach. These popular spots offer travelers outdoor experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Samaná?
A good itinerary length for Samaná is two to three days to explore El Limon Falls and relax at Cayo Levantado Beach. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can add a Full Day Humpback Whale Watching trip and enjoy the local Latin American, European, and Italian cuisine. See Samaná Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Samaná?
Samaná offers natural beauty, adventure, and unique wildlife encounters:


How do I plan a trip to Samaná?
To plan your trip to Samaná, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Consider booking activities like Full Day Humpback Whale Watching with Cayo Levantado. Plan to visit natural attractions such as El Salto del Limon and Cayo Levantado Beach. For outdoor activities, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Samaná?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Samaná by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Samaná with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Samaná trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Samaná?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Samaná can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Samaná trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Samaná trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Samaná trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Samaná trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Samaná?
If it's your first trip to Samaná, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Samaná hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Samaná hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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