Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinking & Nightlife
D2
C2
Sights
Cayo Levantado
A gorgeous public beach lies on the western third of this lush island, 7km from Samaná,
the only section that's open to the public (a five-star hotel occupies the rest). Boatmen at
the pier make the trip for RD$250 per person round-trip; groups up to 15 people can nego-
tiate a private full-day boat round-trip for RD$3000.
Note that the idyll can be somewhat marred by the commercialisation of the experience.
Touts wander the sands looking for tourists wanting to have their photographs taken with
exotic animals, some endangered and on leashes, such as parrots, boa constrictors, mon-
keys and even sea lions. Large cruise ships dock here regularly, and the facilities, includ-
ing a few restaurants and bars, don't offer much peace and quiet. If you choose to visit, try
going mid-to-late afternoon, when most of the activity is winding down.
ISLAND
Playa las Flechas
This small beach, around 5km east of Samaná, is easily accessible from town and quieter
than the one on Cayo Levantado. It's thought by many historians to be the site of a small
and short battle between Columbus' crew and the Ciguayos, a Taíno
cacique
(chiefdom),
in which the Spaniards were driven back to their ship. A week later, their differences
somehow reconciled, they formed an alliance against the rival
caciques
.
BEACH
Taíno Park
(
www.tainopark.com
;
Los Róbalos; adult/child RD$500/free; 9am-5.30pm)
This new museum, 15
minutes west of Samaná on the road to Sánchez, offers a well-done recreation of the his-
tory of the Americas and the indigenous Taíno people via a series of more than 25 outdoor
fiberglass scenes, narrated in numerous languages via MP3 players.
Some 200 pieces of Taíno art made from clay, stone and wood are showcased, and a
nearby shop offers locally made products with profits going towards developing the area.
MUSEUM
