Dominicans refer to La Península de Samaná as the Land of Eternal Spring. Its bright sunshine and life-giving rains overflow the peninsula’s mountainsides with vibrant green foliage and flowering plants. The peninsula, roughly 40 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, is also home to some of the country’s most beloved beaches and has been a long-time favorite destination for the independent and backpacking tourist.

In general, the Dominican Republic has a laid-back vibe, but on La Península de Samaná that mentality is encouraged. Mom-and-pop businesses and budget accommodations thrive on the peninsula, whereas in other parts of the country they are being drowned out by commercialism and big business. La Península de Samaná is easily the prettiest area in the country and the one that will get you to come back to the Dominican Republic time and again.

Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, and Samaná are the three small towns worth visiting. Along the northern Atlantic coast, the town of Las Terrenas is the busiest, offers the most variety for accommodations and restaurants, has long sandy stretches of beach, and has the best nightlife of the three towns. Las Galeras, on the eastern tip of the arm, is by far the most quiet and remote, and the beaches are, without doubt, the most beautiful on the peninsula—especially the famous Playa Rincón, with its gently curved white-sand beach backed by a thick coconut grove.

Santa Bárbara de Samaná (commonly called “Samaná”), the capital of the province of Samaná, is on the Bahía de Samaná and is best known for its excursions to see the humpback whales in their natural habitat in the waters right offshore. The humpback whales arrive every winter to give birth and mate in the waters of the Bahía de Samaná. Samaná has also become a busy port for the arrival of cruise ships.

The Best of La Península Samaná

• Cayo Levantado
• Salto El Limón
• Whale-Watching
• Playa Rincón
• Nightlife in Las Terrenas