Overview

Samana is a small, secluded peninsula on the northeast of the Dominican Republic. From beaches to cave formations and high-rock structures, to beautiful ocean views and whale watching, it's the perfect destination for a holiday getaway with a unique history and diverse amenities.

• Intellectualize during a history-tour of the centuries-old African American protestant churches
• Drink Presidente and feel the ocean breeze on El Malecón
• Dance the night away in Las Terrenas
• Stand awestruck at the rock formations and cave dwellings of the Taino in Los Haitises
• Relax, sunbathe, and swim in crystal blue waters in Cayo Levantado

History

In 1824, when the eastern region of Hispaniola was governed by Haiti, Haitian president and former Haitian revolutionary Jean-Pierre Boyer invited a delegation of freed African Americans to live in Samaná. Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, led a group of African American protestants to live on the land. Today, the descendants of these voyagers still live in the land, have English last names, and some of them speak English. If you're a history buff, hop on a motoconcho and visit La Churcha or Bethel AME to experience the historic faithful practice of the generations.

El Malecón (The Seafront)

Enjoy local food and the Dominican Republic's iconic beer, Presidente, as you sit alongside the seashore and soak in the warm, ocean breeze. Dance the night away in a local bar and tighten up your bachata and merengue moves.

Las Terrenas

Enjoy the nightlife and international scene of Las Terrenas, Samana's most tourist-populated region. Stay in a small, luxurious hotel, and eat fresh seafood. Bask in the sun at a white-sand beach. Las Terrenas is known, specifically, for its nightlife – a place to dance to bachata, but also your favorite hits from a variety of genres.

Los Haitises

Take a guided group tour from Samana's coast to view the lustrous rock structures and cave dwellings of Los Haitises, one of the Dominican Republic's most astounding national parks. Begin with a boat ride from el malecón, scoot across the sea, and you'll see mangroves and rock structures along the outside, and caverns with the drawings of the Taino people as you walk within.

Cayo Levantado

If you'd prefer less of the adventure and more of the calm, skip over to the neighboring island, Cayo Levantado. Time to relax. Take a bath in the crystal blue oceanside of Cayo Levantado and stay in luxurious lodging provided by Cayo Levantado Resort. Get a massage while basking in the sun. Drink fresh coconut water and enjoy rich, coconut flesh. Bring a friend or make one during your stay. Oh, and take a good camera too – this is the place for Instagram-worthy flix!