SAMANÁ - LAS TERRENAS

If you’re dreaming of a Dominican Republic vacation but want to skip the crowded mega-resorts, the lush Samaná Peninsula and the vibrant beach town of Las Terrenas are exactly what you are looking for. Tucked away on the northeast coast—just an easy two-hour drive from Santo Domingo—this region feels like a totally different, wilder side of the island. The area’s main town, Santa Bárbara de Samaná, is world-famous for its wildlife. If you visit between January and March, you can take a small boat right into the local bay to watch thousands of humpback whales swimming with their newborn calves. Beyond the bay, you can hike through thick green jungles to swim under the 130-foot El Limón waterfall, or explore the ancient, mangrove-covered caves of Los Haitises National Park.

Just a scenic 45-minute drive over the mountains brings you to Las Terrenas, a unique seaside town. Decades ago, French and Italian expats fell in love with this quiet fishing village and never left. Today, that means you can start your morning with a freshly baked, authentic European croissant before walking out to miles of soft, uncrowded beaches like Playa Bonita and Playa Cosón. Because this coast faces the Atlantic Ocean, you get a great mix of calm, clear snorkeling spots and fun waves for bodyboarding. Instead of massive all-inclusive chains, you'll stay in cozy boutique hotels that feel personal, welcoming, and hidden right under the palm trees. With daily temperatures sitting comfortably between 77 and 86°F (25–30°C), the best time to visit is December through April. Keep reading to discover the top things to do, the best local boutique hotels, and practical travel tips to build your perfect itinerary.

THINGS TO DO IN SAMANÁ AND LAS TERRENAS

💡 Tip: Don’t Overpay at the Resort Tour Desk. Resort tour desks are easy to use, but prices are often higher and the choices more limited. The smarter move is to compare and book your excursion online before you arrive.

On Viator, part of Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel review site with over 300,000 experiences worldwide, you can see prices clearly listed in U.S. dollars, compare multiple operators, read verified reviews, and check exactly what’s included. You also see pickup times and full details before you book. Many tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Planning your excursions helps you organize your days, avoid last-minute pressure, and secure spots on popular tours before they sell out. Compare the best excursions now

1️⃣ El Limón Waterfall

Visit one of the most famous waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. You can hike or ride a horse through the jungle to reach this impressive waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool. This is one of the most popular excursions in Samaná and a must-do when visiting the area.

2️⃣ Los Haitises National Park

Take a boat tour through mangroves, small islands, and caves with ancient Taíno drawings. This is one of the most unique natural parks in the Dominican Republic and is perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Discover more and read our full guide to Los Haitises National Park.

3️⃣ Playa Rincón

Playa Rincón is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Expect turquoise water, palm trees, and a long, wild beach. You can visit by boat or by car from Samaná.

4️⃣ Whale Watching (January to March)

Every year, humpback whales come to Samaná Bay. If you visit between January and March, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the top things to do in Samaná.

5️⃣ Beach Hopping in Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Visit Playa Bonita, Playa Cosón, Playa Las Ballenas, and Punta Popy. Each beach has a different vibe, from quiet and natural to lively with restaurants and beach bars.

6️⃣ Boat Trips & Cayo Levantado

Take a boat trip to Cayo Levantado (also known as Bacardi Island), go snorkeling, or take a catamaran tour along the coast. Boat trips are one of the best ways to explore the Samaná Peninsula.

7️⃣ Surfing & Kitesurfing

Las Terrenas is a great place for water sports. Playa Bonita is popular for surfing, and Punta Popy is known for kitesurfing, especially when it’s windy.

8️⃣ ATV Tours

Explore the countryside, small villages, and hidden beaches with an ATV tour. This is a fun way to see a different side of Samaná beyond the beaches.

9️⃣ Zipline Adventure

There are several zipline parks in the Samaná area where you can zipline over the jungle and mountains with amazing views.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAMANÁ AND LAS TERRENAS

Find the Best All-Inclusive for Your Trip

Use Hotels.com to read real guest reviews, see the exact beachfront location on the map.. Choose resorts with free cancellation or flexible payment options. Join the free One Key program to get member prices and earn OneKeyCash for future trips.

Check availability and book your favourite all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic today.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Samaná and Las Terrenas

Samaná and Las Terrenas offer a great mix of fun, family-friendly properties and quiet, adults-only escapes. We added symbols to each resort so you can easily find the best price and value:

• 💲 - Budget-friendly

• 💲💲 Mid-range

• 💲💲💲 - Upscale

• 🌟 - Basic value

• 🌟🌟 - Good value

• 🌟🌟🌟 - Great value

  Cayo Levantado Resort 💲💲💲 - 🌟🌟🌟

  Located on its own private island out in Samaná Bay, this high-end wellness resort offers a truly unique escape. Guests take a private boat to get there and enjoy gorgeous pools, world-class dining, and a top-tier spa. It is perfect for couples wanting ultimate privacy, nature, and luxury. View suites and availability at Cayo Levantado.

  Viva V Samaná by Wyndham 💲💲 - 🌟🌟🌟

  This adults-only resort sits right on the beautiful, golden sands of Cosón Beach in Las Terrenas. It features a relaxed, fun energy with great food, a large pool, and a fantastic spa. It is an excellent choice for couples or friends looking to unwind without the overwhelming noise of a massive mega-resort. Check rates and availability.

  Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo 💲💲 - 🌟🌟🌟

  Situated just outside the town of Las Terrenas, this highly-rated family resort sits on one of the calmest, clearest beaches in the area. It has a fun water park for kids, spacious rooms, and great snorkeling right off the shore. See rooms and prices

  Bahia Principe Grand Samana 💲💲💲 - 🌟🌟🌟

  Located right on the beautiful blue water of Samaná Bay, this quiet, adults-only resort is the perfect getaway. Enjoy amazing ocean views, relax by the cliffside pool, or walk down the stairs to a small, private beach. See rooms and prices

  Wyndham Viva V Samaná 💲💲 - 🌟🌟

  Located near the sleepy fishing village of Las Galeras, this resort offers a peaceful beach setting, modern rooms, and a very laid-back atmosphere. It is ideal for families and couples who want to explore the wilder, far end of the peninsula. Check today's deals.

  Eurostars Grand Cayacoa 💲 - 🌟🌟

  Sitting on a hill right above Samaná town, this affordable resort gives you amazing, panoramic views of the bay. It puts you right near the main port, making it incredibly easy to catch morning boat tours to Los Haitises National Park or the whale-watching boats. View rooms and prices.

Best Boutique Hotels in Samaná and Las Terrenas

If you want a quieter, more authentic experience, the boutique hotels in this region are fantastic. They offer highly personal service, stylish rooms, and a chance to truly disconnect.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences 💲💲💲 - 🌟🌟🌟 Located on the stunning Cosón Beach, this modern, elegant hotel feels incredibly private. It features large, airy suites, a beautiful central pool that leads right to the sand, and a relaxing outdoor spa. It is perfect for travelers who want quiet luxury. Check prices and availability.

El Mosquito Boutique Hotel 💲💲 - 🌟🌟 This trendy, laid-back spot is famous for its great beachfront bar and relaxed atmosphere. It is ideal for those who want to wake up, step right onto the beach, and enjoy the local surf culture. Book your stay at El Mosquito.

Find Your Perfect Vacation Rental

Hotels are great, but if you want more space, privacy, and a more local experience, a vacation rental is often the better choice in Las Terrenas and Samaná. On Vrbo (part of Expedia), you can find beachfront apartments, villas, and houses, compare prices, read real reviews, and book securely online.

Click here to check prices and find your vacation rental on Vrbo.

FOOD AND DRINKS IN SAMANÁ AND LAS TERRENAS

You will fall in love with Samaná and Las Terrenas because the food here is incredible. Thanks to a lively mix of locals and European expats, you can start your morning with a perfect French pastry and eat fresh catch-of-the-day at a beach shack by the afternoon. While you're here, make sure you try the local seafood cooked in the area's famous fresh coconut sauce.

Here are some of the best places to eat and drink.

Restaurants

• Restaurante Luis: The ultimate toes-in-the-sand setup on Playa Cosón. Grab a chair right on the beach, order a whole fried snapper, and wash it down with a piña colada served in a fresh pineapple.

• Le Tre Caravelle: Craving Italian? This is the spot. It's easily one of the most popular restaurants in Las Terrenas, serving up amazing handmade pasta and seafood.

• El Lugar: A cool, laid-back restaurant in Las Terrenas that mixes global dishes with local Dominican ingredients. Their wood-fired steaks are a huge hit.

• El Cayuco: A lively Spanish joint in the Fishermen's Village. It’s loud, fun, and the perfect place to share tapas and a huge pan of paella with friends.

• Tierra y Mar: Located right by the Malecón in Samaná town, this is where you go for real Dominican cooking. You have to order the pescado con coco (fish in coconut sauce)—it’s the signature dish of the province.

Cafés, Bars, and Beach Clubs

• Boulangerie Française: Thanks to the local French community in Las Terrenas, the bakeries here are legit. Stop in for warm baguettes, flaky croissants, and espresso before you hit the beach.

• Porto by Mosquito: Go here when you want an upscale beach day. Think plush daybeds, infinity pools, and high-end cocktails right on the sand.

• El Mosquito Art Bar: The go-to spot for nightlife in Las Terrenas. It has quirky decor, loud music, and a crowd that’s ready to party.

How to Book a Table

Eating out here is pretty casual, and you can usually just walk right into the beach spots. But for nicer places like Le Tre Caravelle, or to score a cliffside table at El Cabito, you should definitely book ahead—especially during the busy winter months.

Most restaurants are easy to reach; just send them a quick WhatsApp message. If you are staying at a hotel or a rented villa, your host can also easily make the call for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do I Need Before Traveling to Samaná or Las Terrenas?

Most visitors do not need a visa for short vacations, but it is always smart to double-check based on your home country. You can verify this on our Visa Information page.

Everyone traveling to the Dominican Republic must fill out the free online eTicket before arrival and departure. It only takes a few minutes, and you will get a QR code to save on your phone and show at the airport. Read our guide on how to fill out the eTicket.

What is the Best Airport to Fly Into?

Unlike Punta Cana, which has a massive airport right next to the resorts, getting to the Samaná Peninsula takes a little more planning.

• Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS): This is the closest airport, located just 30 to 45 minutes from Las Terrenas. It is small, quiet, and incredibly easy to navigate. However, flights here are very limited and mostly seasonal, coming primarily from Canada and Europe.

• Santo Domingo Las Américas (SDQ): This is the most popular and practical choice for most travelers, welcoming major airlines from all over the world daily. From the airport, it is a beautiful, scenic two-hour drive straight up to the peninsula (just be prepared with local cash for the highway tolls if you are renting a car).

• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ): While this airport offers the most global flight options and often the cheapest airfare, it is the furthest away. The drive to Samaná takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. It is a great choice if you plan to split your vacation between Punta Cana and Samaná, but prepare to book a long private transfer or bus ride if you are heading straight to the peninsula.

How Do I Get Around Samaná and Las Terrenas?

Where you stay will determine how you get around. If you stay in Las Terrenas town, you can walk to many restaurants and beaches. For more freedom, you can rent a scooter ($15–25 USD/day) or an ATV ($35–45 USD/day).

If you stay outside of town in a resort or vacation rental, renting a car ($40–60 USD/day) is usually the most practical option. Taxis are available, but short rides usually cost $8–12 USD and longer rides $15–25 USD, so a rental car is often cheaper if you go out every day.

For short distances, motoconchos cost about $2–4 USD per ride. To travel between Las Terrenas, Samaná town, and Las Galeras, you can take a guagua (local minibus) for about $2–6 USD.

When you arrive, it’s best to book your airport transfer in advance. A private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport costs about $150–180 USD, and from Samaná Airport about $60–80 USD.

For more details, read our Transportation in the Dominican Republic guide.

Can I Use Cash or Card?

In Samaná and Las Terrenas, you should use both cash and a credit card. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies, and many restaurants in Las Terrenas. However, cash is necessary for motoconchos, small local restaurants, beach bars, parking, tips, and activities like ATV rentals or small boat trips.

For everyday purchases, it’s best to pay in Dominican pesos. U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted for hotels and tours, but the exchange rate is usually better when you pay in pesos.

There are several ATMs in Las Terrenas and in Samaná, and this is usually the easiest way to get pesos. Before traveling, check if your bank charges international ATM fees, and try to withdraw larger amounts to avoid paying the fee multiple times.

For more tips about cash, exchange rates, and how to avoid extra fees, read our Money in the Dominican Republic guide.

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend it. Because Samaná is an adventure destination—think hiking to waterfalls, riding ATVs, and taking small boats out to see whales—travel insurance gives you absolute peace of mind. It protects you against medical emergencies, delayed flights, and lost bags. Read more on our Travel Insurance page.

Is the Samaná Peninsula Safe?

Absolutely. Samaná and Las Terrenas have a very warm, welcoming, and laid-back community feel. Because this area is mostly boutique hotels and private homes rather than walled-off mega-resorts, tourists and locals mix freely and happily.

Just like anywhere else in the world, use common sense. Lock your passport in your room safe, don’t leave your phone sitting unattended on your beach towel, and avoid walking alone on unlit, empty beaches late at night.

Can I Drink the Tap Water?

No. The tap water in the Dominican Republic is not safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water, even when brushing your teeth. Bottled water is cheap and available at every corner store (called a colmado), and hotels always provide safe drinking water for their guests.

What Is the Weather Like in Samaná and Las Terrenas?

Samaná and Las Terrenas have a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures around 25 to 31°C (77 to 88°F). This part of the Dominican Republic receives more rain than most other regions, which is why the landscape is so lush and green. The most comfortable weather is usually at the end of winter and early spring, when humidity is lower, and the weather is more stable. From late spring through fall, it becomes hotter and more humid, with occasional short rain showers. Hurricane season runs from June to November, although direct hurricanes are uncommon in this area.

Who Should I Contact in an Emergency?

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911

• Roadside Assistance: 511

• Tourist Police (Politur): +1 (809) 200 3500

• Las Terrenas International Clinic: +1 (809) 240 6701

• U.S. Embassy (Santo Domingo): +1 (809) 567 7775

What Should I Pack?

Because this region is all about nature, pack a little differently than you would for a standard resort. Bring plenty of light, breathable clothing, lots of sunscreen, and strong bug spray.

Definitely pack water shoes for hiking the rocky paths to the El Limón waterfall, and bring a waterproof pouch for your phone for the bumpy boat rides across Samaná Bay. Grab our complete Packing Checklist to make sure you don't forget a thing.

💡 Tip: Dominican supermarkets and resort shops often charge two to three times more for basic sunscreen, and high SPF options can be limited. Choose a premium, reef-safe SPF 50 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection that is water- and sweat-resistant, and comfortable on your skin. Since you will use it constantly, quality truly pays off.

Get a high-quality reef-safe sunscreen here and protect both your skin and the beautiful coral reefs of the Dominican waters.