Samana is the capitol of Samana Province, located on the northern coast of Samana Bay. It boasts coconut-covered mountains that march down to the sea, coral reefs and white sandy beaches. Nature lovers will enjoy the playful waterfalls, Dominican parrots, spiny lobster and much more.
Christopher Columbus described it as "the fairest land on the face of the earth." This part of the island is probably the last underdeveloped coastal area in the country, revealing the true magic of the tropical caribbean.
There are some big all-inclusive resorts along the peninsula, but the small mom & pop operations give the area much of its unique, international flavor and charm. Nightly rates run from about $10 US in smaller hotels and guesthouses located away from the beaches to over $130 US in some of the areas nicest, oceanfront accomodations. Breakfast is often included even with the small hotels.
There are many boutiques & shops in Samana and the Las Terrenas area. Art is available in galleries or from roadside vendors.
Interests for the area are the beautiful falls of El Limon, whale watching, Cayo Levantado and mountain excursions including Zipline Samana.
Of note: credit cards are not as readily accepted in the area. Bring cash, travelers checks or use your ATM card at one of the local banks.
Though there is no real gay nightlife in the province, attitudes appear to be more accepting in Las Terrenas. The locals are quite gay-friendly. Discretion will get you most things you're looking for and the motoconcho (motorbike taxis) drivers are eager to assist you.
There are new and improved airports in the region or you may take the new 2-hour route on the bus from Santo Domingo for about $10 US. JetBlue will begin servicing Samana November 14th and you may make reservations online now..
Sources: Travel Info Page, Samana Online, GoSamana
1 comment:
Samana is indeed beautiful, and Las Terrenas is an eclectic town. But I would quibble just a bit with the comment that it is probably the last underdeveloped coastal area in the country. The southwestern coast is absolutely stunning. I hope sometime you will be able to report on Barahona and Pedernales, which are truly stunning and much less developed than Samana. In fact, they may be too "primitive" for some, because rhere is very little hotel accomodation.
Post a Comment