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SamanSaman
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Come and discover the ecological bliss o the SamanPeninsula, Dominican Republics breathtaing paradise. Withmajestic crstal-clear wateralls, secluded pristine beaches,rolling hills studded with coconut palms, and an inusion o
rich culture and histor, the Saman Peninsula is a naturalgem that remains one o the countrs most unexploredregions, maing it a haven or eco-tourists.
O-the-beaten-path, the Saman Peninsula becons adventure,nature and romance seeers alie with destinations andattractions such as the secluded Cao Levantado, mangrovereserves ound in nearb Los Haitises National Par andthe Marine Mammal Sanctuar o the Dominican Republicsurrounding the Peninsula, where thousands o humpbacwhales retreat each winter to rolic, mate and give birth.
While Saman is renowned or nature and adventure,Las Galeras and Las Terrenas are two charming towns on
the peninsula that cater to tourists. Serenel located onthe tip o the Peninsula, Las Galeras main beach oers abreathtaing respite or sunning, swimming or strolling alongthe beachronts stores and restaurants.
Las Terrenas, a Mediterranean-inuenced town, eatures amixture o distinctive restaurants, bars, shopping and vibrantnightlie bound to satis all genres o travelers. The cit alsooers a variet o accommodations to ft an stle or budget,rom small boutiques, to laid-bac beachront hotels, to deluxeall-inclusive resorts.
Saman, Las Terrenas and Las Galeras are all destinationsnown or ecotourism as each oers numerous nature-riendlactivities such as caving, cascading, scuba diving, mountainbiing, hiing and horsebac riding. Each adventure is agreat wa to see the Northeast Coast, whether b taing anexcursion through the jungles and paradise beaches, or aplunge into the waters o a deserted beach.
The ollowing guide to the Saman Peninsula includesdescriptions o the amazing attractions, excursions and eco-adventures that await ou.
Pedestrian bridge in Saman Bay
Pueblo Prncipe
Cruise ship at Saman BayCover Photo: Salto El Limn
Welcome to Saman
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The Saman Peninsula, located on the Northeast Coast oDominican Republic, is nown or its magnifcent beaut andquiet unspoiled beaches ound within the Ba o Saman, andremains one o the most natural and undiscovered regions in theCaribbean. Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirdso the large island o Hispaniola, which it shares with the Republico Haiti, and is the second largest countr in the Caribbean,comprising an area o 19,279 square miles (48,442 square
ilometers). The countr has a population o more than 9.5 millionand enjos sunn tropical weather ear-round. The average ear-round temperatures are 78 to 88F (25 to 31C). The coolerseason is November through April, while it is warmest rom Mathrough October.
time: The local time zone is eastern Caribbean Time (GMT -0400).Dominican Republic does not observe dalight savings time.
Capital City: Dominican Republics historic and sophisticated capitalcit, Santo Domingo, is the oldest cit o the New World and was declareda World Heritage Site b UNESCO in 1990.
language: Spanish is the ofcial language; however, oull besurprised b the act that the majorit o emploees in hotels and touristdestinations spea relativel good English, French, German and Italian.
CurrenCy: The Dominican peso (RD$) is the ofcial currenc.getting Here: Dominican Republic currentl has eightinternational airports throughout the countr, including: El CateInternational Airport (AZS) in Saman, Punta Cana International
Facts Airport (PUJ), La Romana International Airport (LRM), GregorioLupern International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, El CibaoInternational Airport (STI) in Santiago and Las AmericasInternational Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo. Maritime portsthat regularl receive cruise ships include: Santo Domingo Port(Don Diego and Sans Souci terminals), Casa de Campo Port inLa Romana and Saman Ba acilities.
DoCumentation: For most visitors, a passport along witha US$10 Tourist Card (available at the airport) is required toenter the countr. For a list o countries that can enter Dominican
Republic without a visa, please visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com/en/entr-requirements.
eleCtriCity:Operates at 110 Volts/60 Hertz, the same asNorth America.
taxes: Dominican hotels and restaurants collect 26 percent otheir published prices (16 percent sales tax + 10 percent servicecharges).
meDiCal preCautions: Travelers visiting the countr areadvised to drin onl bottled water. Also, because o the strengtho the Caribbean sun, it is recommended that vacationers drinwater throughout the da to avoid dehdration.
Drinking age: The legal drining age in the countr is18-ears old.
Hotels: For inormation about Dominican Republic hotels andaccommodations in the Saman region, visit the Association oHotels and Tourism: www.Asonahores.com andwww.godominicanrepublic.com/en/hotels
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Los Haitises National Park
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LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARk Maing up approximatel 62square miles (160 square ilometers) o unique, diverse area, LosHaitises National Par is comprised o mangroves, estuaries, covesand bas. Easil reached b a short boat ride across Saman Ba,
the par is well-nown or both its magnifcent series o limestonecaves covered in Taino Indian art and its boat excursions throughexotic mangrove swamps. Within it, visitors will fnd themselvessurrounded b more than 100 species o birds, 90 plus plantspecies, a wide variet o mammals and caves bearing pre-Columbian Taino art.
CAyO LEVANTADO This coconut palm-lined island has becomeone o the areas top tourist destinations or romance, relaxationand exquisite Dominican cuisine. Man visitors oc to this6-square-mile (15-square-ilometer) island to wal along thepristine beach and tan, while others venture out to the thrivingrees or snoreling and scuba diving.
LAS TERRENAS Once a fshing village, Las Terrenas hasemerged as one o the most highl rated destinations in thecountr, oering a unique combination o entertainment, diningand hotels, in addition to the spectacular beaut o its 18 miles(28.2 ilometers) o untouched beaches. Las Terrenas is the mostmodern and commercial town in the peninsula with hotels, cratshops, supermarets, sports acilities, tour operators and variousother services, all o which reect a rich European inuence.
LAND WHALE OBSERVATORy The Ministr o Environmentinaugurated Dominican Republics frst land whale observationpoint in Januar 2011 in order to celebrate the annual whalewatching season. The observator is located at Punta Balandra onthe Southeast Coast and allows visitors to view the thousands ohumpbac whales that migrate to the protected area o the MarineMammal Sanctuar in Saman Ba b land rather than boat.
SHIPWRECk MUSEUM The Shipwrec Museum opened in2010 and eatures exhibits o artiacts recovered rom ancientshipwrecs. The museum is equipped with a modernizedconservation lab, along with a well-stoced git shop specifcalladded or visitors rom the estimated 100 cruise ships that arescheduled to doc at Saman.
Attractions
Cayo Levantado Island
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MARINAS Puerto Baha Marina is a ull service marina
on the north end o Saman Ba and the top cruising groundo Dominican Republic. Numerous secluded sae harbors,intimate caves, bountiul fshing grounds, great stretches osand beaches and other alluring destinations invite explorationand oer memorable das o pure pleasure rom Puerto Bahawww.puertobahiasamana.com.
NIGHTLIFE With numerous beach restaurants and discothequesthat carr on all night long, visitors can interact with locals whileenjoing the areas exquisite gastronom lie the delectablecoconut bread or fsh with coconut sauce, or dancing the nightawa to pulsating beats o the merengue, bachata and salsa.
SHOPPING you will fnd a wide variet o shops or souvenirsin Saman Cit and Las Terrenas, while smaller boutiques andgit shops can be ound in the resort complexes. Local vendorscan be ound throughout the beach towns selling larimar jewelr,amber artiacts and hand-crated fgurines rom Dominicantropical wood. It is important to note that Saman is one touristarea in Dominican Republic where credit cards are not as readilaccepted. It is best to bring cash, travelers checs or use ourATM card at one o the bans in town.
Cayo Levantado Island
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BeachesThe Saman Peninsula boasts several magnifcent beaches withsil sand gentl lapped b turquoise water. The Peninsulasbeaches are some o the most secluded and quiet beachesamong Dominican Republics 1,000 miles (1,600 ilometers) o
coastline.PORTILLO East o Las Terrenas is Portillo Beach, an unspoiledsand beach popular or waling along the calm, shallow watersin the golden sand.
PLAyA BONITA This beautiul beach is a spectacle o naturewith calm, clear water and coconut trees dipping into the sea andgrass bordering the unspoiled beach. Bonita Beach is located inLas Terrenas and is decorated with numerous boutique hotels,private villas and amous restaurants, ideal or those looing ornatural beaut, peace and quiet.
PLAyA COSN An ideal beach or waling and nature
observations, Cosn Beach is located west o Las Terrenas andconsists o calm waters with a range o colors, river mouths,and strong winds or ite enthusiasts and waves or surfng. Thesurrounding area is also developed with gated communities,private villas and hotel complexes.
LAS BALLENAS Located in Las Terrenas just a short distanceawa rom the center o town las this long beach o white-powder sand and well-established water sports acilities. TheMarico rivermouth delights the little ones who oten pla in thecool waters.
EL LIMN Located in El Limn, east o Las Terrenas and Portillo,this spectacular golden-sand, 3 mile (4.8 ilometer) beach has
a beautiul view o Cao El Limn (Cao El Coquito or smallcoconut as the locals call it). Visitors can delight in areas withcalm crstalline, shoulder deep pools or marvel in the power othe sea in other sections.
MORN BEACH Morn Beachs charm is seen in its lush greensurroundings, golden sand and sea that constantl changescolors. Visitors o this deserted beach ma also fnd ancientcanons rom the das o the pirates.
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Ro
Limn
PuertoBaha
AcuarioNaturalKaio
CayoLaFarola
Atlantic Ocean
Cabo Saman
CaboCabrn
Playa Frontn
Playa Madama
CayoLevantado
Juana Vicente
Sabana de La Mar
Las Caitas
Rancho Espaol
El Valle
La Casualidad
IguanarioLos Tocones
Salto El Limn
Los Cocos
Boca del Diablo
La Barbacoa
Carenero
El Limn
Arroyo BarrilSnchez
ElPortillo(EPS)
ArroyoBarril(DAB)
PlayaCosn
PlayaMorn
PlayaCaletn
PlayaLanzadelNor
te
PlayaLasCanas
PlayaElLimn
PlayaElValle
PlayaLasGaleras
Playa Los Cacaos
Playa
Rincn
CayoElLimn
Punta Balandra
AutopistadelNordeste106Kms(66miles)toSantoDomingo
Las Garitas Majagual
Saman Bay
SAMAN
Whales Observatory
PlayaLasTerrena
s
PlayaPuntaPopy
ParqueNacional
Cabo Cabrn
Sanctuary of theHumpback Whales
PlayaPortillo
Golfode
LasFlechas
BahaRincn
Las Galeras
NautilusEcoMarinePark
ToNagua
2011 DR1 Maps Email: [email protected] Tel 809 769 9560
SAMAN
PENINSULA
Atlantic Ocean
Caribbean Sea
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Parque NacionalLos Haitises
Parque Nacionalde los Manglaresdel Bajo Yuna
Ro Yuna
Resort town
City or Town
Point of Interest
Road
Caution
Bridge
Intl. Airport
Domestic airport
Port or marina
Mooring point
Beach
Blue Flag Beach
Surfing
Sailing
Kitesurfing
Diving
Shipwreck
Waterfall
Whale sanctuary
Protected Area/Park
KEY
Mangrove/Swamp
Park Boundaries
Cave
Hiking
Zipline
Casino
Church
Hotel area
Information center
Gas station
Cao Hondo
AeropuertoInternacional
El Catey (AZS)Monumento Natural
Cabo Saman
PlayaBonita
CayoLasBallenas
Paintball
PlayaLasBallenas
SamanLa Chorcha
Las Terrenas
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PLAyA RINCN Rincn Beach, considered the second bestbeach in the world b Cond Nast Traveler, is best nown or itscalm, crstalline waters just waiting to delight visitors. Locatedin the mouth o a small ba, this beautiul and quiet white-sandbeach is surrounded b coconut and almond trees. One side othe beach remains relativel undeveloped and sheltered, whilealong the other, clis segue into the waters o the Cao Frio.
EL VALLE Defned b its name, El Valle, meaning the vallein English, is located between two mountains and is nor th o theBa o Saman. Surers will delight at El Valle due to the beachsideal surfng waves.
LAS GALERAS Oten reerred to as The Fishermans Beach,Las Galeras is a quiet beach in the most northeastern point o thecountr. The highlight o this beautiul beach is the recreationaldiving aquarium. Visitors can purchase resh fsh, sip reshcoconut juice and even join a boat tour to other beaches orwhale watching.
Playa Rincn
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ExcursionsHUMPBACk WHALES OBSERVATION Each winter 3,000 to5,000 whales migrate to the warm crstalline waters o the Bao Saman with intentions o mating and giving birth. Whale-watching season begins in mid-Januar and continues throughthe end o March, however, excursions are available as long aswhales remain in the ba. Guests can view the gentle creaturesat the Sanctuar or Marine Mammals o the Dominican Republicor at the new Land Whale Observator. The 200 square mile(518 square ilometer) sanctuar was established in 1966 andcontinues to protect the thousands o humpbac whales whomigrate rom the arctic waters o the north.
EL LIMN WATERFALL Considered the most spectacular oDominican Republics man wateralls, El Limn captivates as itcascades 170 eet (51.8 meters) into a pool where visitors matae a dip. To reach the top o the alls, horsebac riding is a
popular option among adventure tourists and also provides abeautiul view o the surrounding jungle and natural pool below.
DISCOVER SAMAN Visit Santa Barbara de Saman, whichwas discovered in 1756 and originall intended to be thecountrs capital. The cits pedestrian bridge oers panoramicviews o Saman and visitors are sure to enjo the local maretwith resh ruits and fsh, as well as clothes and shoes. Visitorscan also visit La Churcha, also nown as the DominicanEvangelical Church. The church is the frst Arican WesleanMethodist Church o Saman and was made rom materialsoriginall shipped over b the English Methodist Church in the1800s, thus maintaining an Arican-American culture let in
Saman.JEEP SAFARI ADVENTURE Set out on an adventure in anall-terrain 4x4 where oull have the opportunit to tastethe avorul Dominican coee and the various tropical ruitssurrounding ou. Also, ou will visit the waterall o El Valle,where ou can enjo a dip in the natural pool, and thencontinue on to tae the Loma de la Pia Trail through lushtropical vegetation, eventuall leading ou bac to the pier.
Los Haitises National Park
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ZIP LINE TOURS Visitors are now able to experience a newdimension o entertainment in Saman. Adventure seeers beginthe tour waling through oral paths to the frst o 20 platormsand 10 lines, between 230 and 1315 eet (78 and 400 meters)long. The zip line adventure begins at Juana Vicente, locatedjust a ew minutes rom the Saman Pier, and taes guests ingsael over coconut palms and lush green valles with spectacularviews o mountains, Saman Ba and Cao Levantado. The tourlasts or 3 hours and includes expert trainers, rereshments and
resh Dominican-grown ruit. To open soon.SCUBA DIVING The Saman Peninsula is made up o a roccoastline with high clis hiding an exciting underwater worldo sheer drop-os and pinnacles that rise rom 165 eet (49.5meters) to within 15 eet (4.5 meters) o the surace. BetweenJanuar and March, humpbac whales can be heard underwateras the migrate toward Silver Shoals. Divers can discover reesites eaturing undercuts, as well as series o large caves, tunnelsand swim-throughs.
CATAMARAN & SNORkELING TOUR Board a Catamaranor an unorgettable experience. you will sail the Ba as ousavor the majestic scener, rich vegetation and pristine waters,
and ou will eventuall anchor in Cao La Farola where oucan enjo snoreling with a variet o tropical fsh, vibrant coraland gardens. Then, oull continue to the small island o CaoLevantado where ou can relax on its beautiul beach.
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As the second largest countr in the Caribbean, DominicanRepublic oers a wide range o activities which can be ashort or long distance awa rom one another. Man optionsexist or traveling on well-maintained highwas to nearbattractions and also to more distantl located sites.
AIRPORTS The peninsula is more accessible than ever withnew and improved highwas and three local airports usedor international and commuter ights. El Cate InternationalAirport (AZS) is located 30 minutes rom the town o Saman,and El Portillo National Airport (EPS) and Arroo BarrilAirport (DAB) both o which serve the province o Samanwith commuter ights. Local airlines provide services betweensome o these airports and other regions in the countr, amongthem AERODOMCA, www.aerodomca.com.
HIGHWAyS In June 2009, the Dominican governmentinaugurated a highwa that connects Santo Domingos LasAmericas Airport with Saman, maing it a scenic et speed
two-hour commute. Along the drive, visitors will be enchantedwith views o coconut palm plantations and Los HaitisesNational Par, among more.
BUS COMPANIES Air conditioned motor coaches and vansarranged b local tour operators are available rom mosthotels. Major bus companies include Caribe Tours, Tel. (809)538-2229.
CAR RENTALS Car rental ofces and acilities can be oundat the local airports. Renters must be 25 ears old with a validdrivers license.
CRUISES A short distance rom Miami, Saman isconvenientl located along the route o all eastern and southernCaribbean cruises. Maing Saman a port o call gives cruiselines great exibilit in scheduling vessels in the eastern andsouthern Caribbeans sometimes crowded routes. SamanBa is encircled b the Peninsula to the north and DominicanRepublics mainland to the south, maing the peaceul baideal or cruise ship anchorage.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION Taxis are available at mosthotels and tour operators are more than willing to provideadditional options or getting around. Visitors should alsochec with their hotel or an recommendations.
Local Transportation TABLE OF DISTANCES By LAND:Saman toCao Levantado (b boat) 20 minutesPunta Balandra 20 minutesLas Galeras 30 minutesLos Haitises (b boat) 40 minutes
Las Terrenas 55 minutesPlaa Rincon 1 hour and 10 minutes
Saman to other regionsSanto Domingo 2 hours and 30 minutesPuerto Plata 2 hours and 30 minutesSantiago 3 hoursLa Romana 3 hours and 45 minutesBaahibe 4 hoursPunta Cana 5 hours
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Isla Saona
Isla Beata
Atlantic Ocean
HatoMayor
Higey
Barahona
Bonao
Puerto Plata
Santiago
Montecristi
Nagua
Jarabacoa
Constanza
BocaChica
Punta Cana
Miches
Baha deSaman Cayo
Levantado
RoSanJuan
CabareteSosa
Lupern
Parque NacionalIsla Cabritos
OviedoLaguna
de Oviedo
Cabo Rojo
Parque NacionalSierra de Bahoruco
Jaragua
J. ArmandoBermdez
Jos del CarmenRamrez
Los Haitises
Baha deManzanillo
Pico Duarte
San PedroDe Macors
Monte Plata
Salto El Limn
CaboFrancs
Viejo
Damajagua
Cayo Arena(Paraso)
Estero Hondo
La Vega
Laguna Rincnde Cabral
Loma QuitaEspuela
El Choco
Saman
LagunaLimn
Lagunas Redonday Limn
Hoyo dePelempito
PoloMagntico
El Seibo
Cabo CabrnCabo Saman
CuevaFun Fun
Mara Montez (BRX)
Punta Cana (PUJ)
La RomanaCasa de Campo
(LRM)
La Isabela (JBQ)
Arroyo Barril
LagunaRedonda
Pedernales
SANTO DOMINGO
La Romana
Reserva Cientficabano Verde
Cibao (STI)
JuanDolio
GregorioLupern(POP)
Cueva LasMaravillas
IslaCatalina
Altos deChavn
El Catey (AZS)
Las TerrenasEl Portillo
Las Amricas(SDQ)
La Caleta
Bocade Yuma
Dunasde Ban
Haiti
Lago EnriquilloIsla Cabritos
Caribbean Sea
ParqueNacionaldel Este
Azua
BAN
San Cristbal
Cabrera
San Josde las Matas
Dominican Republic
San FranciscoDe Macors
City and Town
Point of Interest
Cruise Port
International Airport
Domestic Airport
Beach
Protected Area/Park
Golf Course
Whales
Highest Peak
KEY
Playa Grande
CayosSiete
Hermanos
Bayahibe
2011 PRO RD S.A. Email: [email protected] Tel. 809.769.9560
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www.gDcrbc.c
neW york
Phone: 212-588-1012/ 14Toll Free: 1-888-374-6361
miami
Phone: 305-358-2899Toll Free: 1-888-358-9594
CHiCago
Phone: [email protected]
san Juan, puerto riCo
Phone: [email protected]
CanaDa
montreal, QueBeC
Phone
: 514-499-1918Toll Free: [email protected]
toronto, ontario
Phone: 416-361-2126/ 27Toll Free: 1-888-494-5050
Dc rbcm f t
Av. Caetano Germosn,esquina Av. Gral Gregorio Lupern,
Santo Domingo, Repblica DominicanaPhone: 809-221-4660
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