Samana, Cayo Levantado, DR.

Located on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic in the heart of the Caribbean, unspoiled Samana is a popular base for tourists who plan to participate in whale watching excursions or day trips to Cayo Levantado, both of which leave from the town's port. Samana's Malecon, or beachfront strip, is the center of activity and features outdoor cafes and small shops.

Samana boasts gentle tradewind breezes, rustling palms, sparkling beaches, towering waterfalls, recreation, golf, boating, scuba diving and breathtaking whale-watching thrills.

Take a leisurely drive through the mountains on the road connecting Las Terrenas and the city of Samana and it is easy to understand why they call this the Coconut Coast. To really get away from it all, take a day trip to Playa Rincon and the sleepy little community of Las Galeras—a favorite escape for wealthy Dominican vacationers.

Things to See & Do

* Whale watching
* Malecon area
* Snorkelling & Scuba diving
* Playa Rincon
* Cayo Levantado

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Dominican Peso
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 48,072 sq km Dom Rep.
Population – 26,000,000
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1 + 809

Port Location – There are really three different areas in the Dominican Republic that ships may call on. Santo Domingo (the Dominican Republic's capital city) offers two separate cruise ship piers. The newest, Don Diego Quay, is the best and is only a few minutes walk from the Old Town area of Santo Domingo. Another cruise terminal lies between the village of La Romana and the resort of Casa de Campo. There are minimal services at the dock so one must either take a tour or negotiate for a taxi. Yet another pier is available at Puerto Plata's commercial shipping area and is within easy walking distance of everything in Puerto Plata.

Transport Links – International flights to and from the US, London and Europe are available from Santo Domingo), 18km (11 miles) east of the city ,Puerto Plata International Airport and Punta Cana International Airport which is 30 minutes’ travel time from the Punta Cana and Bávaro resorts.

Cheap and efficient air-conditioned bus and coach services run from the capital to other major towns. Travellers are recommended to hire tourist taxis or radio taxis that can be arranged in advance. There are several car hire companies in Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has flat-fare bus and minibus