Samaná: Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado Island – The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway? Look no further than Samaná. Home to pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, and plenty of family friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Explore Los Haitises National Park and discover its amazing history, take a snorkeling trip to the nearby coral reef, or relax on the pristine white beaches of Cayo Levantado Island. This guide will help you plan the perfect Samaná vacation and explore the best that this region has to offer.

Getting to Samana

The city of Samaná is located in the Dominican Republic, along the Samaná Bay on the eastern edge of the island. Samana province shares its border with Puerto Plata province to the west and Santiago, soon to be known as Monte Cristi, to the north. The closest international airport is el Catey Airport, located 40km north of the city. Airlines have daily flights from El Catey Airport to Santo Domingo to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once you arrive in Samaná, you will find plenty of airports and free public transportation services to get you from one point to another.

Los Haitises National Park

Los Haitises National Park is a protected natural resource with a large area of nearly 600 square miles stretching along the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic. This diverse park showcases majestic forests, mangrove swamps, and limestone caves filled with beautiful rock formations. The park is also home to a large variety of endemic species such as the Hispaniolan solenodon, the Culicidae Heliconia and Tutuisa plant species. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails, many of which lead to small coves with picturesque beaches. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities in the park, as well as taking guided tours through its lush mangrove swamps. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins or whales swimming off the coast!

Cayo Levantado Island

A short boat ride from Samaná lies Cayo Levantado Island, a stunning private island with pristine white beaches and crystal clear waters. This little slice of paradise is home to some of the most stunning sunsets in the Caribbean. Visitors can relax on its sandy beaches, explore beachcomber paths or take part in many of the activities offered on the island such as beachfront yoga classes, snorkeling trips or scuba diving excursions. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Cayo Levantado’s jungle trails and explore its bio-luminescent bay or journey through its mangrove swamps in a kayak. With that said, it’s not surprising why this island has been an integral part of many of Samaná’s visitors’ trips.

Accommodation & Dining

Visitors to Samaná will find plenty of accommodation options to suit almost any budget. Those looking for all-inclusive resorts may want to stay at one of the several options available near the El Catey Airport or along the shoreline of Samana Bay. On Cayo Levantado Island there’s a beautiful beachfront hotel that offers stunning views, as well as a variety of other boutique hotels and hostels. For those looking for something a bit more unique, there are plenty of traditional Dominican guesthouses available throughout the region.

Accommodation On Cayo Levantado

When it comes to accommodation on Cayo Levantado Island, there’s really only one option – the all-inclusive resort called Ocean Dream Resort. This luxurious 5 Star Resort offers stunning views and a plethora of amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. You’ll find a variety of rooms and suites with balcony views of the ocean and beach resort. There is also an array of dining options available including fine dining restaurants and more casual eateries for those on a budget.

Dining in Samana

There is no shortage of restaurants in Samaná with both local Dominican cuisine and international favorites readily available throughout the region. When it comes to local foods, Mofongo is definitely a must-try. This traditional dish consists of mashed plantains, garlic sauce and other ingredients depending on your preference – it’s definitely worth a try! Other local dishes include bacalaitos (fried codfish fritters) and pastelitos (stuffed pastry pockets). Visitors can find these dishes at restaurants throughout Samaná as well as at select beach-side eateries on Cayo Levantado Island.

Activities & Things to Do

Samaná offers some of the best activities and day trips in the Caribbean. Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as scuba diving trips at nearby coral reefs, horseback riding with experienced tour guides or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters around Cayo Levantado Island. Other popular activities include dolphin excursions and catamaran cruises along the shores of Samana Bay – perfect for those looking for something truly unique! Book your catamaran trip now!

Those feeling a bit more adventurous may want to consider hiking through Los Haitises National Park – you never know what you might find! There are guided tours available that will take you to some of the most beautiful sights in this park, including hidden lagoons, mysterious caves and even a few secret beaches only accessible by boat!

Conclusion

Samaná is an incredible destination in the Caribbean that offers something for everyone – from pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to family-friendly activities and historic sites. Exploring Los Haitises National Park is an amazing outing for those seeking adventure while a day at Cayo Levantado Island is perfect for those looking for total relaxation. With its great selection of accommodation options and plenty of things to do in the region, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable time in Samana! Don’t miss out on your catamaran cruise – book now!