SANTA BÁRBARA DE SAMANA (Samana)
Samana is one of the main tourist poles in the country due to its white sandy beaches and clear water. And it is also one of the breeding grounds for humpback whales. From January to March, thousands of humpback whales come to the coast near Samaná.
It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of the Samana Peninsula, a thin strip of land jutting out from the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic into the Atlantic Ocean. Arguably the most attractive part of the entire country, the region boasts a coastline lined with spectacular white-sand beaches, sweeping banks of swaying coconut palms and transparent turquoise seas. Far from the water, the peninsula is supported by the Cordillera Samaná, an impressive mountain range with 60 different species of palm trees and several impressive waterfalls, most of which are accessible only on horseback.
El Salto de Limón
The 52m waterfall is accessible by horse and takes about three hours round trip. You can also walk, but this is only suitable when it is very dry. The road crosses a wide river before climbing into mountains as thick as palm trees. When the waterfall comes into view, the horses are tethered at a small way station where you can drink before making the steep descent to the waterfall.
The walk is well worth the effort and you will see a rush of wild water falling steeply from a steep cliff in the middle of the wilderness, forming a natural pool at the base where you can swim. You need to be in decent shape and well shod, especially after heavy rain when the bog can be treacherous. You will also need to wear long pants for the trip.
