Samana - Travel Guide

7/31/2019 Samana - Travel Guide

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SamanSaman


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Come and discover the ecological bliss o the SamanPeninsula, Dominican Republics breathtaing paradise. Withmajestic crstal-clear wateralls, secluded pristine beaches,rolling hills studded with coconut palms, and an inusion o

rich culture and histor, the Saman Peninsula is a naturalgem that remains one o the countrs most unexploredregions, maing it a haven or eco-tourists.

O-the-beaten-path, the Saman Peninsula becons adventure,nature and romance seeers alie with destinations andattractions such as the secluded Cao Levantado, mangrovereserves ound in nearb Los Haitises National Par andthe Marine Mammal Sanctuar o the Dominican Republicsurrounding the Peninsula, where thousands o humpbacwhales retreat each winter to rolic, mate and give birth.

While Saman is renowned or nature and adventure,Las Galeras and Las Terrenas are two charming towns on

the peninsula that cater to tourists. Serenel located onthe tip o the Peninsula, Las Galeras main beach oers abreathtaing respite or sunning, swimming or strolling alongthe beachronts stores and restaurants.

Las Terrenas, a Mediterranean-inuenced town, eatures amixture o distinctive restaurants, bars, shopping and vibrantnightlie bound to satis all genres o travelers. The cit alsooers a variet o accommodations to ft an stle or budget,rom small boutiques, to laid-bac beachront hotels, to deluxeall-inclusive resorts.

Saman, Las Terrenas and Las Galeras are all destinationsnown or ecotourism as each oers numerous nature-riendlactivities such as caving, cascading, scuba diving, mountainbiing, hiing and horsebac riding. Each adventure is agreat wa to see the Northeast Coast, whether b taing anexcursion through the jungles and paradise beaches, or aplunge into the waters o a deserted beach.

The ollowing guide to the Saman Peninsula includesdescriptions o the amazing attractions, excursions and eco-adventures that await ou.

Pedestrian bridge in Saman Bay

Pueblo Prncipe

Cruise ship at Saman BayCover Photo: Salto El Limn

Welcome to Saman


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The Saman Peninsula, located on the Northeast Coast oDominican Republic, is nown or its magnifcent beaut andquiet unspoiled beaches ound within the Ba o Saman, andremains one o the most natural and undiscovered regions in theCaribbean. Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirdso the large island o Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republico Haiti, and is the second largest countr in the Caribbean,comprising an area o 19,279 square miles (48,442 square

ilometers). The countr has a population o more than 9.5 millionand enjos sunn tropical weather ear-round. The average ear-round temperatures are 78 to 88F (25 to 31C). The coolerseason is November through April, while it is warmest rom Mathrough October.

time: The local time zone is eastern Caribbean Time (GMT -0400).Dominican Republic does not observe dalight savings time.

Capital City: Dominican Republics historic and sophisticated capitalcit, Santo Domingo, is the oldest cit o the New World and was declareda World Heritage Site b UNESCO in 1990.

language: Spanish is the ofcial language; however, oull besurprised b the act that the majorit o emploees in hotels and touristdestinations spea relativel good English, French, German and Italian.

CurrenCy: The Dominican peso (RD$) is the ofcial currenc.getting Here: Dominican Republic currentl has eightinternational airports throughout the countr, including: El CateInternational Airport (AZS) in Saman, Punta Cana International

Facts Airport (PUJ), La Romana International Airport (LRM), GregorioLupern International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, El CibaoInternational Airport (STI) in Santiago and Las AmericasInternational Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo. Maritime portsthat regularl receive cruise ships include: Santo Domingo Port(Don Diego and Sans Souci terminals), Casa de Campo Port inLa Romana and Saman Ba acilities.

DoCumentation: For most visitors, a passport along witha US$10 Tourist Card (available at the airport) is required toenter the countr. For a list o countries that can enter Dominican

Republic without a visa, please visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com/en/entr-requirements.

eleCtriCity:Operates at 110 Volts/60 Hertz, the same asNorth America.

taxes: Dominican hotels and restaurants collect 26 percent otheir published prices (16 percent sales tax + 10 percent servicecharges).

meDiCal preCautions: Travelers visiting the countr areadvised to drin onl bottled water. Also, because o the strengtho the Caribbean sun, it is recommended that vacationers drinwater throughout the da to avoid dehdration.

Drinking age: The legal drining age in the countr is18-ears old.

Hotels: For inormation about Dominican Republic hotels andaccommodations in the Saman region, visit the Association oHotels and Tourism: www.Asonahores.com andwww.godominicanrepublic.com/en/hotels

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Los Haitises National Park


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LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARk Maing up approximatel 62square miles (160 square ilometers) o unique, diverse area, LosHaitises National Par is comprised o mangroves, estuaries, covesand bas. Easil reached b a short boat ride across Saman Ba,

the par is well-nown or both its magnifcent series o limestonecaves covered in Taino Indian art and its boat excursions throughexotic mangrove swamps. Within it, visitors will fnd themselvessurrounded b more than 100 species o birds, 90 plus plantspecies, a wide variet o mammals and caves bearing pre-Columbian Taino art.

CAyO LEVANTADO This coconut palm-lined island has becomeone o the areas top tourist destinations or romance, relaxationand exquisite Dominican cuisine. Man visitors oc to this6-square-mile (15-square-ilometer) island to wal along thepristine beach and tan, while others venture out to the thrivingrees or snoreling and scuba diving.

LAS TERRENAS Once a fshing village, Las Terrenas hasemerged as one o the most highl rated destinations in thecountr, oering a unique combination o entertainment, diningand hotels, in addition to the spectacular beaut o its 18 miles(28.2 ilometers) o untouched beaches. Las Terrenas is the mostmodern and commercial town in the peninsula with hotels, cratshops, supermarets, sports acilities, tour operators and variousother services, all o which reect a rich European inuence.

LAND WHALE OBSERVATORy The Ministr o Environmentinaugurated Dominican Republics frst land whale observationpoint in Januar 2011 in order to celebrate the annual whalewatching season. The observator is located at Punta Balandra onthe Southeast Coast and allows visitors to view the thousands ohumpbac whales that migrate to the protected area o the MarineMammal Sanctuar in Saman Ba b land rather than boat.

SHIPWRECk MUSEUM The Shipwrec Museum opened in2010 and eatures exhibits o artiacts recovered rom ancientshipwrecs. The museum is equipped with a modernizedconservation lab, along with a well-stoced git shop specifcalladded or visitors rom the estimated 100 cruise ships that arescheduled to doc at Saman.

Attractions

Cayo Levantado Island


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MARINAS Puerto Baha Marina is a ull service marina

on the north end o Saman Ba and the top cruising groundo Dominican Republic. Numerous secluded sae harbors,intimate caves, bountiul fshing grounds, great stretches osand beaches and other alluring destinations invite explorationand oer memorable das o pure pleasure rom Puerto Bahawww.puertobahiasamana.com.

NIGHTLIFE With numerous beach restaurants and discothequesthat carr on all night long, visitors can interact with locals whileenjoing the areas exquisite gastronom lie the delectablecoconut bread or fsh with coconut sauce, or dancing the nightawa to pulsating beats o the merengue, bachata and salsa.

SHOPPING you will fnd a wide variet o shops or souvenirsin Saman Cit and Las Terrenas, while smaller boutiques andgit shops can be ound in the resort complexes. Local vendorscan be ound throughout the beach towns selling larimar jewelr,amber artiacts and hand-crated fgurines rom Dominicantropical wood. It is important to note that Saman is one touristarea in Dominican Republic where credit cards are not as readilaccepted. It is best to bring cash, travelers checs or use ourATM card at one o the bans in town.

Cayo Levantado Island


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BeachesThe Saman Peninsula boasts several magnifcent beaches withsil sand gentl lapped b turquoise water. The Peninsulasbeaches are some o the most secluded and quiet beachesamong Dominican Republics 1,000 miles (1,600 ilometers) o

coastline.PORTILLO East o Las Terrenas is Portillo Beach, an unspoiledsand beach popular or waling along the calm, shallow watersin the golden sand.

PLAyA BONITA This beautiul beach is a spectacle o naturewith calm, clear water and coconut trees dipping into the sea andgrass bordering the unspoiled beach. Bonita Beach is located inLas Terrenas and is decorated with numerous boutique hotels,private villas and amous restaurants, ideal or those looing ornatural beaut, peace and quiet.

PLAyA COSN An ideal beach or waling and nature

observations, Cosn Beach is located west o Las Terrenas andconsists o calm waters with a range o colors, river mouths,and strong winds or ite enthusiasts and waves or surfng. Thesurrounding area is also developed with gated communities,private villas and hotel complexes.

LAS BALLENAS Located in Las Terrenas just a short distanceawa rom the center o town las this long beach o white-powder sand and well-established water sports acilities. TheMarico rivermouth delights the little ones who oten pla in thecool waters.

EL LIMN Located in El Limn, east o Las Terrenas and Portillo,this spectacular golden-sand, 3 mile (4.8 ilometer) beach has

a beautiul view o Cao El Limn (Cao El Coquito or smallcoconut as the locals call it). Visitors can delight in areas withcalm crstalline, shoulder deep pools or marvel in the power othe sea in other sections.

MORN BEACH Morn Beachs charm is seen in its lush greensurroundings, golden sand and sea that constantl changescolors. Visitors o this deserted beach ma also fnd ancientcanons rom the das o the pirates.


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Ro

Limn

PuertoBaha

AcuarioNaturalKaio

CayoLaFarola

Atlantic Ocean

Cabo Saman

CaboCabrn

Playa Frontn

Playa Madama

CayoLevantado

Juana Vicente

Sabana de La Mar

Las Caitas

Rancho Espaol

El Valle

La Casualidad

IguanarioLos Tocones

Salto El Limn

Los Cocos

Boca del Diablo

La Barbacoa

Carenero

El Limn

Arroyo BarrilSnchez

ElPortillo(EPS)

ArroyoBarril(DAB)

PlayaCosn

PlayaMorn

PlayaCaletn

PlayaLanzadelNor

te

PlayaLasCanas

PlayaElLimn

PlayaElValle

PlayaLasGaleras

Playa Los Cacaos

Playa

Rincn

CayoElLimn

Punta Balandra

AutopistadelNordeste106Kms(66miles)toSantoDomingo

Las Garitas Majagual

Saman Bay

SAMAN

Whales Observatory

PlayaLasTerrena

s

PlayaPuntaPopy

ParqueNacional

Cabo Cabrn

Sanctuary of theHumpback Whales

PlayaPortillo

Golfode

LasFlechas

BahaRincn

Las Galeras

NautilusEcoMarinePark

ToNagua

2011 DR1 Maps Email: [email protected] Tel 809 769 9560

SAMAN

PENINSULA

Atlantic Ocean

Caribbean Sea

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Parque NacionalLos Haitises

Parque Nacionalde los Manglaresdel Bajo Yuna

Ro Yuna

Resort town

City or Town

Point of Interest

Road

Caution

Bridge

Intl. Airport

Domestic airport

Port or marina

Mooring point

Beach

Blue Flag Beach

Surfing

Sailing

Kitesurfing

Diving

Shipwreck

Waterfall

Whale sanctuary

Protected Area/Park

KEY

Mangrove/Swamp

Park Boundaries

Cave

Hiking

Zipline

Casino

Church

Hotel area

Information center

Gas station

Cao Hondo

AeropuertoInternacional

El Catey (AZS)Monumento Natural

Cabo Saman

PlayaBonita

CayoLasBallenas

Paintball

PlayaLasBallenas

SamanLa Chorcha

Las Terrenas


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PLAyA RINCN Rincn Beach, considered the second bestbeach in the world b Cond Nast Traveler, is best nown or itscalm, crstalline waters just waiting to delight visitors. Locatedin the mouth o a small ba, this beautiul and quiet white-sandbeach is surrounded b coconut and almond trees. One side othe beach remains relativel undeveloped and sheltered, whilealong the other, clis segue into the waters o the Cao Frio.

EL VALLE Defned b its name, El Valle, meaning the vallein English, is located between two mountains and is nor th o theBa o Saman. Surers will delight at El Valle due to the beachsideal surfng waves.

LAS GALERAS Oten reerred to as The Fishermans Beach,Las Galeras is a quiet beach in the most northeastern point o thecountr. The highlight o this beautiul beach is the recreationaldiving aquarium. Visitors can purchase resh fsh, sip reshcoconut juice and even join a boat tour to other beaches orwhale watching.

Playa Rincn


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ExcursionsHUMPBACk WHALES OBSERVATION Each winter 3,000 to5,000 whales migrate to the warm crstalline waters o the Bao Saman with intentions o mating and giving birth. Whale-watching season begins in mid-Januar and continues throughthe end o March, however, excursions are available as long aswhales remain in the ba. Guests can view the gentle creaturesat the Sanctuar or Marine Mammals o the Dominican Republicor at the new Land Whale Observator. The 200 square mile(518 square ilometer) sanctuar was established in 1966 andcontinues to protect the thousands o humpbac whales whomigrate rom the arctic waters o the north.

EL LIMN WATERFALL Considered the most spectacular oDominican Republics man wateralls, El Limn captivates as itcascades 170 eet (51.8 meters) into a pool where visitors matae a dip. To reach the top o the alls, horsebac riding is a

popular option among adventure tourists and also provides abeautiul view o the surrounding jungle and natural pool below.

DISCOVER SAMAN Visit Santa Barbara de Saman, whichwas discovered in 1756 and originall intended to be thecountrs capital. The cits pedestrian bridge oers panoramicviews o Saman and visitors are sure to enjo the local maretwith resh ruits and fsh, as well as clothes and shoes. Visitorscan also visit La Churcha, also nown as the DominicanEvangelical Church. The church is the frst Arican WesleanMethodist Church o Saman and was made rom materialsoriginall shipped over b the English Methodist Church in the1800s, thus maintaining an Arican-American culture let in

Saman.JEEP SAFARI ADVENTURE Set out on an adventure in anall-terrain 4x4 where oull have the opportunit to tastethe avorul Dominican coee and the various tropical ruitssurrounding ou. Also, ou will visit the waterall o El Valle,where ou can enjo a dip in the natural pool, and thencontinue on to tae the Loma de la Pia Trail through lushtropical vegetation, eventuall leading ou bac to the pier.

Los Haitises National Park


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ZIP LINE TOURS Visitors are now able to experience a newdimension o entertainment in Saman. Adventure seeers beginthe tour waling through oral paths to the frst o 20 platormsand 10 lines, between 230 and 1315 eet (78 and 400 meters)long. The zip line adventure begins at Juana Vicente, locatedjust a ew minutes rom the Saman Pier, and taes guests ingsael over coconut palms and lush green valles with spectacularviews o mountains, Saman Ba and Cao Levantado. The tourlasts or 3 hours and includes expert trainers, rereshments and

resh Dominican-grown ruit. To open soon.SCUBA DIVING The Saman Peninsula is made up o a roccoastline with high clis hiding an exciting underwater worldo sheer drop-os and pinnacles that rise rom 165 eet (49.5meters) to within 15 eet (4.5 meters) o the surace. BetweenJanuar and March, humpbac whales can be heard underwateras the migrate toward Silver Shoals. Divers can discover reesites eaturing undercuts, as well as series o large caves, tunnelsand swim-throughs.

CATAMARAN & SNORkELING TOUR Board a Catamaranor an unorgettable experience. you will sail the Ba as ousavor the majestic scener, rich vegetation and pristine waters,

and ou will eventuall anchor in Cao La Farola where oucan enjo snoreling with a variet o tropical fsh, vibrant coraland gardens. Then, oull continue to the small island o CaoLevantado where ou can relax on its beautiul beach.


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As the second largest countr in the Caribbean, DominicanRepublic oers a wide range o activities which can be ashort or long distance awa rom one another. Man optionsexist or traveling on well-maintained highwas to nearbattractions and also to more distantl located sites.

AIRPORTS The peninsula is more accessible than ever withnew and improved highwas and three local airports usedor international and commuter ights. El Cate InternationalAirport (AZS) is located 30 minutes rom the town o Saman,and El Portillo National Airport (EPS) and Arroo BarrilAirport (DAB) both o which serve the province o Samanwith commuter ights. Local airlines provide services betweensome o these airports and other regions in the countr, amongthem AERODOMCA, www.aerodomca.com.

HIGHWAyS In June 2009, the Dominican governmentinaugurated a highwa that connects Santo Domingos LasAmericas Airport with Saman, maing it a scenic et speed

two-hour commute. Along the drive, visitors will be enchantedwith views o coconut palm plantations and Los HaitisesNational Par, among more.

BUS COMPANIES Air conditioned motor coaches and vansarranged b local tour operators are available rom mosthotels. Major bus companies include Caribe Tours, Tel. (809)538-2229.

CAR RENTALS Car rental ofces and acilities can be oundat the local airports. Renters must be 25 ears old with a validdrivers license.

CRUISES A short distance rom Miami, Saman isconvenientl located along the route o all eastern and southernCaribbean cruises. Maing Saman a port o call gives cruiselines great exibilit in scheduling vessels in the eastern andsouthern Caribbeans sometimes crowded routes. SamanBa is encircled b the Peninsula to the north and DominicanRepublics mainland to the south, maing the peaceul baideal or cruise ship anchorage.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION Taxis are available at mosthotels and tour operators are more than willing to provideadditional options or getting around. Visitors should alsochec with their hotel or an recommendations.

Local Transportation TABLE OF DISTANCES By LAND:Saman toCao Levantado (b boat) 20 minutesPunta Balandra 20 minutesLas Galeras 30 minutesLos Haitises (b boat) 40 minutes

Las Terrenas 55 minutesPlaa Rincon 1 hour and 10 minutes

Saman to other regionsSanto Domingo 2 hours and 30 minutesPuerto Plata 2 hours and 30 minutesSantiago 3 hoursLa Romana 3 hours and 45 minutesBaahibe 4 hoursPunta Cana 5 hours


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Isla Saona

Isla Beata

Atlantic Ocean

HatoMayor

Higey

Barahona

Bonao

Puerto Plata

Santiago

Montecristi

Nagua

Jarabacoa

Constanza

BocaChica

Punta Cana

Miches

Baha deSaman Cayo

Levantado

RoSanJuan

CabareteSosa

Lupern

Parque NacionalIsla Cabritos

OviedoLaguna

de Oviedo

Cabo Rojo

Parque NacionalSierra de Bahoruco

Jaragua

J. ArmandoBermdez

Jos del CarmenRamrez

Los Haitises

Baha deManzanillo

Pico Duarte

San PedroDe Macors

Monte Plata

Salto El Limn

CaboFrancs

Viejo

Damajagua

Cayo Arena(Paraso)

Estero Hondo

La Vega

Laguna Rincnde Cabral

Loma QuitaEspuela

El Choco

Saman

LagunaLimn

Lagunas Redonday Limn

Hoyo dePelempito

PoloMagntico

El Seibo

Cabo CabrnCabo Saman

CuevaFun Fun

Mara Montez (BRX)

Punta Cana (PUJ)

La RomanaCasa de Campo

(LRM)

La Isabela (JBQ)

Arroyo Barril

LagunaRedonda

Pedernales

SANTO DOMINGO

La Romana

Reserva Cientficabano Verde

Cibao (STI)

JuanDolio

GregorioLupern(POP)

Cueva LasMaravillas

IslaCatalina

Altos deChavn

El Catey (AZS)

Las TerrenasEl Portillo

Las Amricas(SDQ)

La Caleta

Bocade Yuma

Dunasde Ban

Haiti

Lago EnriquilloIsla Cabritos

Caribbean Sea

ParqueNacionaldel Este

Azua

BAN

San Cristbal

Cabrera

San Josde las Matas

Dominican Republic

San FranciscoDe Macors

City and Town

Point of Interest

Cruise Port

International Airport

Domestic Airport

Beach

Protected Area/Park

Golf Course

Whales

Highest Peak

KEY

Playa Grande

CayosSiete

Hermanos

Bayahibe

2011 PRO RD S.A. Email: [email protected] Tel. 809.769.9560


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www.gDcrbc.c

neW york

Phone: 212-588-1012/ 14Toll Free: 1-888-374-6361

[email protected]

miami

Phone: 305-358-2899Toll Free: 1-888-358-9594

[email protected]

CHiCago

Phone: [email protected]

san Juan, puerto riCo

Phone: [email protected]

CanaDa

montreal, QueBeC

Phone

: 514-499-1918Toll Free: [email protected]

toronto, ontario

Phone: 416-361-2126/ 27Toll Free: 1-888-494-5050

[email protected]

Dc rbcm f t

Av. Caetano Germosn,esquina Av. Gral Gregorio Lupern,

Santo Domingo, Repblica DominicanaPhone: 809-221-4660

[email protected]

Tourist Ofces in The United States and Canada

Documents

Samana - Travel Guide