Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Península de Samaná
Why Go?
This small slither of land is the antithesis of the Dominican-Caribbean dream in the south-
east, where resorts rule and patches of sand come at a first-class premium. Far more laid-
back and, in certain senses, more cosmopolitan, Samaná offers a European vibe as strong as
espresso; it's where escape is the operative word, and where French and Italian are at least
as useful as Spanish. The majority come to gasp at the North Atlantic humpback whales
doing their migratory song and dance from mid-January to mid-March, but the peninsula is
no one-trick pony. Sophisticated Las Terrenas is the place for those who crave a lively so-
cial scene, and sleepy Las Galeras boasts several of the best and most secluded beaches in
the Dominican Republic (DR).
When to Go
»
Mid-January to late March
Over 10,000 North Atlantic humpback whales put on a
show of monstrous proportions in the Bahía de Samaná. February is the best month.
»
April
Bypass the whale-watching frenzy and have the peninsula to yourself. Crowds
have thinned out considerably but weather remains pleasant before the summer heats up.
»
December
Enjoy drier days in early December, after the autumn rains have thinned-out
significantly but the flood of domestic holidaymakers haven't yet descended.
Best Places to Eat
»
El Cabito (
Click here
)
»
Mi Corazon (
Click here
)
»
La Terrasse (
Click here
)
»
Le Taínos (
Click here
)
»
Rincón Rubi (
Click here
)
