Saman

The Samana Peninsula is a resort for lovers of individual recreation. There is untouched nature (with coconut groves, clear rivers, waterfalls and caves – everything is as it should be) and deserted beaches. In the sea you can see dolphins and manatees, and from January to March – even humpback whales. The nearby island of Cayo Levantado is the best place for diving or snorkelling. Check liuxers for customs and traditions of Dominican Republic.

How to get there

There are two international airports on the peninsula at once – Samana El Catey and Samana Arroyo Bavril, from where it takes about 30-45 minutes to get to the hotel area by taxi.

Transport in Samany

The most convenient way to move around the resort is by rented transport – a car, a scooter or, for the hardy, a bicycle. There are also taxis scurrying around Samana in excess, there is also public transport in the form of buses and minibuses.

Samana Hotels

Most of the hotels are concentrated on the south coast. They are suitable both for a relaxing family holiday and for youth companies.

The beaches of Samana

Wonderful beaches occupy almost the entire coastline of the peninsula. Popular places are the south coast (most hotels are concentrated there) and the island of Cayo Levantado, Playa Rinson, protected by a cape from the restless Atlantic, Playa Moron and Playa Bonita Beach on the northern coast of Samana.

Entertainment and attractions

In the nearby Los Haitises National Park, you can get unusual sensations: swim in an underground lake with the squeak of bats, looking at ancient rock paintings on the walls of caves. In the village of Las Terrenas, you can sign up for several excursions, visit uninhabited beaches or go to the mountains. The main attraction of these places is the 30-meter El Limon waterfall.

Saona

Saona is a cozy hospitable island belonging to the Dominican Republic, off the southeast coast of the island of Haiti, in the Caribbean Sea. This is the largest island of the Dominican Republic, which is part of the southeastern national reserve. Its nature is protected by the government of the country.

The area of ​​the island is just over 100 sq. km, most of Saona is uninhabited, and in the remaining territory there are only three small fishing villages. There are also no hotels and other tourist infrastructure here, while tourists may well come here on an excursion, relax on white sand beaches and palm groves, swim in the purest turquoise water. One of the main attractions is the insanely beautiful lagoon, only one meter deep.

The nature of Saona is very picturesque. About 539 different plant species grow on the island, many of which grow exclusively in this place.

Entertainment and attractions in Saona

There are several options for an excursion tour to Saona, but the main thing that this amazing island can offer travelers is the unsurpassed nature of the Dominican National Park in its magnificence.

Not far from the island is the schematic border of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Approximately in the same place is a small sunken sandy island. The depth of the water here is shallow, literally knee-deep, and the water is very warm and pleasant. In a word, walking and taking photos for memory is a pleasure.

Not far from the island you can dive in search of starfish. This entertainment is not interesting to everyone, but those who wish, as a rule, are found. Guides will suggest places where there are more stars. Classical diving is also developed on Saona. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, and in the water you can find large moray eels, parrot fish, hedgehogs, groupers, stingrays and other exotic inhabitants of the sea.

Numerous caves have been preserved on Saona, which were once used by the indigenous population of these places – the Taino Indians. The most famous of them is the legendary cave of Kotubanama, named after the leader, who at the beginning of the 16th century took refuge in this cave, fleeing from the conquering Spaniards. All of them were used both for housing and for ritual purposes. According to some reports, pirates hid their treasures in a number of caves.

Some excursions to Saona are quite expensive. As a rule, their price is explained by the complexity of services. In other words, during the trip, tourists will be provided with transport, a guide, delicious hearty treats, and drinks. The duration of such excursions is from several hours, sometimes they take almost a whole day.

The mangrove forests of Saona

One of the main attractions of Saona is the mangrove forests, of which there are four species on the island (including such rare ones as black and red). Mangrove forests are made up of trees or shrubs that have adapted to unusual habitats. They usually grow in a coastal environment, in places with little or no waves. Visually, it looks like a forest or a row of trees growing as if from water. Under water, there is a whole system of roots, in which millions of fry and small fish love to settle. Here they find both shelter and protection from predators. In total, 40 different species of fish and 124 species of mollusks living in coastal waters are known to be present here.

Turtles and iguanas are typical representatives of the island’s fauna, manatees and dolphins can be found in coastal areas, and starfish of various colors and sizes live and breed in the warm shallow waters. In addition, seagulls, pigeons, green parrots, storks and other bird species live on the island. In the roots of mangroves, they find shelter from predators.