Best kept secrets of the Dominican Republic - Part 1
Most people visiting the Dominican Republic make the mistake of never leaving their hotel in Punta Cana and Bavaro. Sure, all-inclusive hotels can be tempting, but the country has so much more to offer than just endless resorts and crowded beaches. Do yourself a favor, get out of your comfort zone and explore the rich cultural heritage, friendly small villages, and hidden gems of the Dominican Republic.
Is it safe to leave the resort in Punta Cana?
The answer is absolutely YES! The Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean. Although most of the tourism is concentrated in Punta Cana and Bavaro, the rest of the island also greatly depends on tourism, so officials do their best to keep crime rates low. Just like anywhere else in the world, there is some petty crime in the Dominican Republic as well. But if you don't walk around all bling-bling, then the whole island is pretty much safe even for female solo travelers. And while the staff at your hotel in Punta Cana is nice to you because that's part of their job, you will meet some genuinely friendly locals in the countryside.
There are organized day trips from Punta Cana to most of the below-mentioned locations, but it is highly recommended to spend one or two nights at each destination to truly experience the charm of the Dominican Republic.
We will introduce you to the hidden secrets of the Dominican Republic that you definitely don't want to miss. We originally wanted to make only one article on this, but there is just so much to discover that we will split up the Dominican Republic into regions. Let's start with the magical Samaná Peninsula, home of endless beaches, hidden coves, and colorful small villages hidden in the jungle.
Samaná Peninsula
Many Dominicans consider the Samaná Peninsula the most beautiful part of their country. With its traditional charm, laid-back vibe, and incredible vistas, Samaná is a hidden gem with most of its land still wild and undeveloped. The Samaná Province is full of jaw-dropping scenery: coconut palms lining the shore, colorful villages dotted along the rough roads, tropical forests, small fishing outposts along the coast, and vibrant local markets. Fun fact: the Samaná Peninsula has the most palm trees per square mile in the whole world.
There are four towns where you can stay. The capital of the peninsula is Samaná City, which has a relatively large city center, buzzing market, and crowded streets. It is a nice town, but if you really want to experience Samaná, you should stay in Las Terrenas, a small fishing village and the dance capital of the Dominican Republic. This quiet town comes alive at night, and you will see locals and tourists mingling and bonding over drinks, and sharing the greatest salsa and merengue moves on the dance floor.
If you want to indulge yourself in a tropical paradise, consider staying in El Limon in the heart of the peninsula surrounded by lush rainforest. Another option to consider is Las Galeras, a serene small town with an incredible number of secluded beaches and tranquility.
No matter where you stay, you can take day trips from each of these towns either on your own or as part of an organized tour.
So what's there to do in Samaná?
Top 10 beaches of Samaná
Playa Rincon
It is often voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. It has a whopping 3 miles (5 kilometers) white sand bay, dotted with coconut trees and bordered by calm turquoise waters. At the northern end of the beach, you will find Caño Frio, a freshwater river and mangrove forest. Treat yourself to freshly caught fish at one of the beach restaurants, enjoy a cocktail under a palm tree or go snorkeling or body surfing at the northern side of the bay.
How to get to Playa Rincon?
If you are staying in Las Galeras, you can take a motoconcho to Playa Rincon or hire a small fishing boat on the beach.
Organized tours to Playa Rincon from Samaná City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Playa Fronton
This beach can be accessed only by boat or a 2-hour hike through the forest. Thanks to its isolated location it is never crowded but worth every effort to get there. It was the filming location of the Survivor reality show. The corals can be seen from the boat, and there are also many caves worth exploring. It is a great place for rock climbing too as there is a 90-meter wall excellent for rappelling. There are no facilities on this beach.
How to get to Playa Fronton?
To get to Playa Fronton, you can either hike from Las Galeras or take a small fishing boat from the beach. In any case, do make a stop at Playa Madama, another fantastic beach along the way with a cave system. Once you are on Playa Fronton, you can walk down the beach all the way to the Boca del Diablo blowhole.
Organized tours to Playa Fronton from Samaná City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Playa Madama
It is one of the three must-see beaches of Las Galeras along with Playa Rincon and Playa Fronton. This picturesque beach boasts beautiful white sand and a cave system. There is a trail to the east where you can see huge waves crashing against the rocks. Playa Madama is located between Playa Fronton and Las Galeras, so people taking a boat trip to Playa Fronton often make a quick stop here as well.
How to get to Playa Madama?
Getting to Playa Madama is the same as getting to Playa Fronton. You can either hike from Las Galeras or take a small fishing boat from the beach.
Organized tours to Playa Madama from Samaná City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Playa Ermitaño
Visit Playa Ermitaño to see the gorgeous beach where the Turkish and Swedish versions of the Survivor TV series were shot. It is located between Punta Cayita Honda and Punta de Leche, close to El Limon village. The only way to access this beach is by foot, through a dense jungle-like trail path or by boat. The beach got its name from a captain, named Juan El Ermitaño, who spent 22 years in exile on this beach before being found. Legend says, there is still pirate treasure hidden somewhere near the beach.
How to get to Playa Ermitaño?
There are no organized tours to Playa Ermitaño, so you have to make your way there on your own or find a local who will take you there by boat. You can probably find someone on El Valle beach to take you to Playa Ermitaño by boat.
Playa Escondida
A hidden gem, close to all the action of Las Terrenas. Only a few people really know that there is such a beautiful beach within walking distance of Las Terrenas, so Playa Escondida is deserted most of the time.
How to get to Playa Escondida?
To access Playa Escondida, you need to drive or walk to Playa Bonita, walk all the way to the right side of the beach, then cross the dense jungle over the cliff. You will find yourself in paradise in just a few minutes far away from everyone and everything.
Playa Bonita
The beach is located close to Las Terrenas and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. This beach is a lot more tranquil than Playa Ballenas or Playa Popy and is an excellent place to relax after a long night at one of the salsa bars in Las Terrenas.
You can rent surfboards, body boards, and stand up paddle boards at two surf shops on the beach ($10 / hour). You can also take surf lessons at Playa Bonita, which is an excellent beach for beginners.
How to get to Playa Bonita?
If you are staying in Las Terrenas, you can take a motoconcho to Playa Bonita (about 100 pesos one way). You can also walk there, but there are no clear signs so best to go with a local first to learn the way there.
Playa Cosón
A 5 mile (8 kilometers) long, soft, sandy beach near the town of Las Terrenas. It is perfect for long sunset walks where you can admire the high palm trees, crystal clear water, and tranquility. You will find surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing schools on the beach that offer both rentals and courses. Try the fish of the day or the popular lobster dish at the famous Luis restaurant.
How to get to Playa Coson?
If you are staying in Las Terrenas, you can take a motoconcho to Playa Coson (about 150 pesos one way). You can also walk there, but there are many small roads zig-zagging the area so best to take a taxi first to learn the way.
Playa Popy
If you are looking for a vibrant beach, Playa Popy is the liveliest beach of them all in Las Terrenas with numerous bars, restaurants, and salsa music all the way. This beach is frequented by locals and tourists as well as Dominicans who come to spend the weekend in the Samaná Peninsula. Fishermen come back in their small boats with their early morning catch to Playa Popy. You can buy fresh fish such as dorado, red snapper, and tuna, as well as lobsters, crabs, shrimps, squids, and many more species found in the sea. The day is not over on Playa Popy once the sun has set. The many beach bars and clubs get busy with salsa and merengue music drawing in the people.
How to get to Playa Popy?
Playa Popy is the main beach at Las Terrenas. Just follow the parallel road down to the beach once you enter the town.
Playa El Valle
A 1.2 mile (2 kilometers) long golden stretch nestled in a valley of lush jungle, flanked by towering bluffs, and peppered with fishermen’s canoes. Playa El Valle is undeveloped and wild with a rustic charm that makes it a great spot to get away from the crowds. Take a stroll along its length, where you’ll spot fishermen bringing in the catch or heading out to sea. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the beach, and take long hikes amid this rugged landscape. When swimming, do stick close to shore as there are rip currents, particularly in the winter season. It is a spectacular spot to take in the beauty of the Samaná Peninsula.
How to get to Playa El Valle?
You will need to drive or take a taxi to Playa El Valle through the village of El Limon.
Organized tour to Playa El Valle from Samaná City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Cayo Levantado
Also known as Bacardi Island, Cayo Levantado is a tiny, 3 square kilometer island situated in Samaná Bay only 4 miles (7 kilometers) from the port of Samaná. It is truly a not-to-be-missed destination when vacationing in the Samaná Peninsula and hands down the best beach in the vicinity of Samaná City.
There are actually two beaches on Cayo Levantado island, one public and one that is exclusive to the guests of the Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado hotel. You will find many restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood caught the very same day, and small bars serving tropical cocktails and ice cold beer. You will also find many shops selling authentic handmade souvenirs from the Dominican Republic. Public bathrooms can be found in two different places on the island and massage service is also available.
How to get to Cayo Levantado / Bacardi Island?
Since Cayo Levantado is an island, the only way to get there is by boat. There are boats going back and forth from the port of Samaná to Cayo Levantado.
Organized tour to Cayo Levantado from Samaná City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Organized tours to Cayo Levantado from Punta Cana
Waterfalls and hiking
El Limon Waterfall
Also known as Cascada Salto el Limon in Spanish, this beautiful waterfall is nestled between the hills of the Samana Peninsula in lush greenery halfway between Las Terrenas and Samana City. It can be reached either by a 30-45 minute scenic hike or a 20-30 minute horseback ride from the village of El Limon. You will get wet and muddy as there are several river crossings on the way to the top where you will have a panoramic view of El Limon waterfall before you start your descent.
How to get to El Limon waterfall / Cascada Salto el Limon?
You can do this trip independently by taking a taxi to the waterfall or a local bus, called guagua. If you are coming from the direction of Samana, the guagua will stop at the entrance of the trail to El Limon waterfall. Although if you are coming from Las Terrenas, you will need to take a guagua to El Limon village first, then either walk to the entrance or take an other guagua to Samana City and get off at the right spot. Independent travelers will need to pay a 50 peso entrance fee.
Organized tours to El Limon waterfall from Samana City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Organized tour to El Limon waterfall from Punta Cana
Lulu Waterfall
This waterfall, which is also known as Cascada Lulu in Spanish, lies just outside of Samana City. This gorgeous waterfall which is tucked away in the rainforest at El Valle is a great place to stop for a quick swim on your way to El Valle beach. The path to Lulu Waterfall is lined by coffee and cocoa trees and you will also find a small shop to purchase local handmade products. There is a fantastic tree house hotel near Lulu Waterfall, which you should definitely check-out if you are planning to stay in the Samana Peninsula.
How to get to Lulu Waterfall / Cascada Lulu?
There is irregular guagua bus to El Valle from Samana City but it is best to take a taxi or drive on your own. You can park your car at the parking lot near Zipline Samana and simply follow the trail to the falls which is an easy hike for everyone.
Organized tours to Lulu Waterfall from Samana City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Hiking from Las Galeras to Playa Fronton
This is a grueling but rewarding trek trough lush greenery and farm lands. You will depart from La Plantacion hotel in downtown Las Galeras and follow the road to the East. There are no clear signs to Playa Fronton, so it is best to download the Maps.me application onto your phone and follow that.
Do make a little detour to Playa Madama and visit its cave system on your way to your destination. Once on Playa Fronton, enjoy the spectacular beach which you will probably have all to yourself if you arrive after 3:00 pm. Do not hike back on the same way! Follow the trail along the shore to La Boca del Diablo, a ravishing natural blowhole. You will encounter some stone mines and pawed road after the blowhole where you may try to hitchhike and travel on a coconut truck. It is a long and exhausting hike that will probably take a full day. Bring lots of drinks and snacks with you as there are absolutely no shops and restaurants to stop along the way.
Beware! Since you are far from civilization, you may be the target of robbers as this has happened in the past. Do not hike alone but in a group of at least 3-4 people and leave all valuables at home.
Whale watching
One of the most popular and breathtaking things to do in the Dominican Republic is definitely whale watching. For centuries, thousands of humpback whales have been coming to the Bay of Samana to breed from January through March each year. A whale watching tour in Samana is a must do when vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Listen to the male whales singing their mating song and watch them showing off to females by jumping out of the sea. If you are lucky, you may even see a mother and her calf swimming along your boat! The only way to see these magnificent mammals from up close is by taking a whale watching boat excursion.
Organized whale watching tours from Samana City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Organized whale watching tour from Punta Cana
You can also spot whales off the coast of Las Galeras. Combine your beach hopping to Playa Fronton and Playa Madama with a whale watching tour.
Los Haitises National Park
Los Haitises National Park is easily the crown jewel of the Dominican Republic's extensive national park system. Its name translates to "highland" or "hilly land" in the Taino indian language. It is a 618 square miles (1600 km2) protected area which is home to many endangered species like Hispaniolan piculet, Hispaniolan emerald, Hispaniolan woodpecker, ridgway's hawk as well as many pelican and frigate bird species. The national park also boasts the largest number of plant species among the protected natural areas in the country. Its unique landscape was the backdrop of the opening scene in the original Jurassic Park movie.
You will also find many caves in the park with pictographs and petroglyphs left behind by the Taino indians. You can only access the park in an organized excursion by licensed tour operators. You are advised to book your ticket to Los Haitises National Park as early as possible as the number of visitors allowed in the park is limited.
Organized tour to Los Haitises National Park from Samana City, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras and El Limon
Organized tour to Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana