An Action Packed Destination
According to Fodor’s, a trip to Samaná is about two things: “exploring natural wonders and relaxing at a small beachfront hotel”, or in your case, a small beachfront ship, that’s probably a bit more luxurious than the hotel. For the relaxing part, Samaná is a city on a dramatically beautiful peninsula with hidden beaches, protected coves, and coconut trees growing into the sea.
Natural wonders? Los Haitises National Park has the world's best whale-watching during mating season - thousands of humpbacks vying for attention by sky-rocketing, flittering, even standing on their heads. Or ride into the tropical forest on horseback to El Limon Waterfall - an impressive 165-foot drop right in the middle of the jungle.
In our opinion, Fodor’s left one thing out - the sophisticated hamlet of Las Terrenas, one of the most delightful spots in Samaná. Soak up the sun on the stunning Playa Rincon. Shop for a bit. Then find a hidden restaurant at sunset where there’s excellent seafood, and watch the sun melts into the sea.
Fodor’s also left out kite surfing, snorkeling at nearby Playa Frontón, diving at Cabo Cabrón and hiking to the spectacular lookout at El Punto. Maybe they haven’t been in a while.