Domionican Republic Primer II

NORTHEAST COAST OVERVIEW                                

For those vacationers who dream of a one-on-one with Mother Nature, a visit to the Samana peninsula on the Dominican Republic’s (DR) northeast coast is like pulling up a chair on her front porch.

Samana’s beauty lies in her simplicity.  Here, unspoiled beaches serve as a threshold to vibrant coral reefs and mountain waterfalls intersect lush tropical forests. But while Samana is a top destination for eco-tourists and naturalists, some come to this “off the beaten path” peninsula to interact with humpback whales alone. After all, Samana is home to one of the largest and best breeding grounds in the world for this elusive mammal.

But while Samana’s beauty is the stuff of legends, its history is fodder fit for a fairytale. Columbus stopped here on his discovery of the New World (see “Playa las Flechas” in the Beaches backgrounder) but the area didn’t become populated until late in 1756 when people began migrating from the Canary Islands.  Soon Samana became a lair for pirates who pillaged passing ships. What followed was a short ownership by Napolean Bonaparte and later, settlement by freed American slaves.

All this history and meshing of cultures has made Samana one of the most impressive melting pots in the DR. “Americanos,” descendents of the African-American inhabitants, mix with Europeans from France, Spain and Italy. Not only do people here look different from their Dominican brethren, but the food and even the language has a twist all its own. 

Top Attractions

Whale Watching

From January through March, Samana showcases its status as (according to the World Wildlife Fund) one of the best humpback breeding grounds in the world. In fact, as many as 5,000 whales make their way to this area each year.

Full and half-day whale watching excursions are available through several companies with most departing from Samana (the town). Visitors board a 50-foot vessel equipped with bathrooms, snack bars and hydrophones for listening to the sounds of male humpbacks. Costs average $50 for adults. (See Tour Operator backgrounder.)