03Cities and regions

The north-east

Samaná Peninsula

The Samaná Peninsula stretches north-east between Samaná Bay and the Atlantic, with towns such as Santa Bárbara de Samaná and Las Terrenas. Playa Rincón is a long sandy arc between two hilly headlands; Playa Frontón meets taller cliffs and deeper water; Playa Bonita near Las Terrenas is softer and quieter for a stay close to town. West of the bay lies Los Haitises National Park, with sharp karst hills, mangroves and water channels explored by small boat among rocky islets. From mid-January to mid-March the Ministry of Environment opens humpback-whale watching season in the bay and the Silver and Navidad Bank sanctuary; the official announcement cites 15 January and 15 March. Choose a licensed operator with a seasonal permit, and leave the dock early when seas are calmer and visibility better. Outside whale season the peninsula remains a destination for beaches, parks and short trails, and El Catey Airport shortens air access from the capital or the east.