Samaná, a look at where the Caribbean becomes legend

This province is internationally recognized as one of the most transcendental and diverse tourist destinations, as it combines white sand beaches and turquoise water, lush natural landscapes, luxury hotels and a vibrant nightlife. The coast of Samaná is of great environmental importance. Its amazing spaces offer not only recreational areas for family enjoyment and biodiversity of species, but also a natural spectacle with activities of different levels of difficulty —low, medium and high—, depending on the adventure preferred. Among the most outstanding destinations to enjoy in this tropical area, you can choose: Cabo Cabrón National Park, Mirador Mi Paraíso, El Limón Waterfall, the mangroves of Bajo Yuna National Park, the sunsets in Las Terrenas or on the emblematic bridges of Santa Bárbara, visit the Victorian houses, Cayo Levantado, climb at Frontón beach and visit the oldest Methodist church, known as ‘La Churcha’. This province is home to some of the most impressive coastlines in the Caribbean. Ranked as one of the best in the world by National Geographic magazine, Playa Bonita is one of its natural jewels. But this is not all. In this coastal territory, you can take the route of the seven beaches, which includes Caletón Beach, Hidden Beach, Colorada Beach 1 and 2, Niningi Beach, Love Beach, and Breman Beach. Other outstanding beaches are Rincón, Las Ballenas, El Valle, Morón, Las Galeras and El Ermitaño. These coastal landscapes, along with Los Haitises National Park and the observation of humpback whales in the Samaná bay, consolidate the province as a top-level tourist destination.

Your most visited destinations

El Limón Waterfall: is the economic engine of the El Limón municipality, as it drives sustainable community tourism. Around 500 community members work there, and it is located in the heart of the Samaná mountain range. It is 50 meters high and is considered the most famous waterfall in the Caribbean.

Las Terrenas: epicenter of the big beach parties during Easter, being a nerve center during this break. It is characterized by its beautiful beaches, accommodation for different budgets, rental facilities and travel in 4×4 vehicles, in addition to its nightlife. Las Galeras: this municipal district, with strong fishing activity, stands out for Bahía de Rincón, declared as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by the travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Its warm waters, white sand and the confluence of the Arroyo Frío river with the turquoise sea make it a paradise.

The authorities

The 114,468 inhabitants that, according to the X National Census of Population and Housing of 2022, the province has are represented in the Senate by Pedro Catrain, of the Modern Revolutionary Party. In the Chamber of Deputies, Samaná has two representatives, both from the PRM: Cecilio García Javier and Carmen Lidia Williams. The mayor of Samaná is Nelson Núñez, who also presides over the Dominican Federation of Municipalities. Under the responsibility of being the administrative and political leader of the province, and the highest representation before the Executive Power, is Elsa de León Abreu, who since 2020 has been in charge of these functions. Although these authorities have popular support, some municipal officials consider it necessary to have a greater approach with the citizenry when making decisions, as well as the implementation of public policies that improve the management of solid waste.

Boost to tourism

In an exclusive interview for De Último Minuto, Senator Pedro Catrain explained that, with the infrastructure works currently under development —such as the Juana Vicenta and Sánchez aqueducts, the Arroyo Barril cruise terminal, and the fishing village in Las Terrenas—, the beginning of a new stage for tourism in the province will be marked. It is expected that the first cruise ship will be received at the Arroyo Barril terminal in December of this year. “At this moment, efforts are also being made to expand hotel capacity. In Las Terrenas alone, within two years, there will be around 6,500 rooms, which will allow for a greater flow of flights at El Catey International Airport, our link with the outside world,” said Catrain. Recently, the legislator submitted a project to elevate the Municipal District of Arroyo Barril to a municipality, with the aim of giving it a higher administrative category and adding a fourth municipality to the province.

“I have proposed the creation of a technological and tourism university in Samaná, which will allow the training of qualified human resources that this economic and tourism expansion will require,” he added. Regarding public investment, the Malecón of Samaná was recently inaugurated, with a cost of RD$600 million, in an event headed by President Luis Abinader, which included the delivery of the remodeling of the Santa Bárbara Church and the bandstand in front of the church. However, despite the tourism growth and its dreamlike landscapes, Samaná faces significant challenges. Wilfredo Benjamín Kelly, national tourism guide (@Locomonteando), revealed to De Último Minuto that the conservation and protection of the environment, unbalanced economic development, and the lack of preservation of cultural identity are some of the social challenges that must be addressed. On the other hand, lawyer Héctor Bienvenido Fermín, owner of the accommodation Apartamento Fermín, highlighted that the lack of impetus and promotion of El Catey Airport, the high cost of tolls, the constant blackouts, the lack of potable water, and urban planning errors converge among the greatest challenges faced in Las Terrenas and in the province in general. For Senator Catrain, environmental challenges, the lack of resources for monitoring natural resources, conservation and care of the environment, as well as the depredation of fishing, are the great challenges facing the province.

Samaná

It’s a treasure in the Caribbean, a precious jewel with a paradisiacal geographical location. It has one of the most perfect climates on the planet. Cradle of great personalities prominent in the country and in the world, it is the home of fish with coconut Samaná style and moro de guandules. An inexhaustible destination.