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Samana beach and coastline

Samana, Dominican Republic

Jungle beaches and a bay full of winter whales.

4.7 · 2,900+ Samana vacations booked by Canadians

All-Inclusive · Flights Included

Vacation Packages to Samana

Seven-night Samana packages with flights, transfers and resort in one price. Filter by all-inclusive, boutique or family and compare from your departure city.

Flying from

Viva V Samana By Wyndham

All-Inclusive

Samana

Dominican Republic

4.0
From Toronto (YYZ)Sunwing Vacations · Direct flightDeparts sam. 1 août
  • 7 nights
  • V Room
  • Flights incl.
From
1 465 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 122 $/mowith FlexPay

Bahia Principe Escape Samana

All-Inclusive

Samana

Dominican Republic

4.3 (781)
From Toronto (YYZ)Sunwing Vacations · Direct flightDeparts sam. 1 août
  • 7 nights
  • Superior Room
  • Flights incl.
From
1 485 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 123 $/mowith FlexPay

Wyndham Alltra Samana

All-Inclusive

Samana

Dominican Republic

3.6 (2,413)
From Toronto (YYZ)Sunwing Vacations · Direct flightDeparts sam. 1 août
  • 7 nights
  • Premium Junior Suite King
  • Flights incl.
From
1 695 $
per person · taxes incl.
or 141 $/mowith FlexPay

At a glance

Everything you need to know about Samana

Samana, in the Dominican Republic's wild green northeast, is a peninsula of jungle-backed beaches, the El Limon waterfall and a bay where humpback whales gather each winter. Less developed than the big resort coasts, Samana feels like the DR at its most natural, coconut plantations, the postcard beach of Playa Rincon, and the offshore cays of Cayo Levantado. From mid-January to March, thousands of humpback whales come to the bay to breed, making it one of the world's great whale-watching spots. Choose it for nature and beauty over big-resort buzz.

Samana, Dominican RepublicClimate

Climate

25–30°C · lush & green

JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid

Lush and tropical. Whale season Jan–Mar; hurricane season Aug–Oct.

Currency

Dominican Peso

1 CAD ≈ 43 DOP · USD widely accepted

Entry

Visa-free

Tourist card in airfare

Top Experiences in Samana

Humpback Whale Watching
Jan – Mar

Humpback Whale Watching

Thousands of humpbacks gather in Samaná Bay each winter — one of the world's top viewing spots.

El Limón Waterfall
40 min away

El Limón Waterfall

Ride horseback through jungle to a 50-metre waterfall with a swimmable pool.

Cayo Levantado
By boat

Cayo Levantado

A palm-fringed island of soft sand in the bay, perfect for a day of swimming and seafood.

Essential info for Canadian travellers

  • Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — no visa required for tourist stays up to 30 days.

  • Tourist card: The DR tourist card is bundled into almost all airfares — no separate fee on arrival.

  • Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Dominican Republic. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

  • Power & plugs: The DR uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada. No adapter needed.

  • Time zone: Samaná runs on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) — one hour ahead of Toronto in winter.

Best time to visit Samana

Jan – MarPeak + whales

Peak: dry-season sun and humpback whales in the bay.

Apr – JunShoulder season

Warm and lush with great value after the whales leave.

Jul – OctHurricane season

Greenest but highest storm risk. Travel insurance mandatory.

Nov – DecShoulder season

Drying out and quiet before the winter peak.

Where to stay

Samana zones & neighbourhoods

Samana offers a range of areas to base yourself, from lively beach strips to quiet upscale enclaves. Here's how to choose.

Las Terrenas

North shore

Most Popular

A cosmopolitan beach town with European flair, golden sand, and great dining.

Best for
  • Couples
  • Foodies
  • Beach

Samaná Town

Bay side

Whale-Watch Hub

The departure point for whale-watching tours and trips to Cayo Levantado island.

Best for
  • Whale watching
  • Day trips
  • Culture

Las Galeras

Eastern tip

Secluded & Wild

A remote village with some of the peninsula's most pristine, empty beaches.

Best for
  • Privacy
  • Nature
  • Couples

Cayo Levantado

In the bay

Island Escape

A picture-perfect island of palm-backed sand, popular as a day trip and one luxury resort.

Best for
  • Day trips
  • Couples
  • Beach

Beyond the resort

Day trips & excursions from Samana

Whale-watching tours, El Limon waterfall, Cayo Levantado and Playa Rincon boat trips are the highlights.

Whale Watching Safari
Seasonal

Whale Watching Safari

Half day · 4 hrsSamaná Bay · By boat

Get close to humpback whales between mid-January and late March in the bay.

Insider tips
  • Book Jan–Mar only
  • Mornings are calmest
El Limón Waterfall
Natural Wonder

El Limón Waterfall

Half day · 5 hrs~20 km east · 45 min + horseback

Trek by horse and foot through jungle to a dramatic 50-metre waterfall.

Insider tips
  • Wear a swimsuit and water shoes
  • Bring cash to tip your guide
Cayo Levantado Island
Island Day Trip

Cayo Levantado Island

Full day · 6 hrsIn the bay · 20 min by boat

Spend the day on a postcard island of soft sand and calm shallows.

Insider tips
  • Go early for the best spot
  • Bring snorkel gear
Los Haitises National Park
Natural Wonder

Los Haitises National Park

Full day · 7 hrsAcross the bay · 45 min by boat

Cruise mangroves and limestone karsts to caves with ancient Taíno rock art.

Insider tips
  • Bring binoculars for birdlife
  • Insect repellent helps
Limited availability — book now

Your Samana escape awaits

All-inclusive packages with flights from Canada, starting at

No booking feesBest price guaranteeCancel up to 30 days beforeCanadian-owned & operated

Good to know

Samana travel FAQ

Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking

Is Samana worth it for a beach week?

Yes, if you want nature, beauty and whales over big-resort scale.

Which airport serves Samana?

Samana El Catey (AZS) is closest; some travellers fly into Punta Cana and drive.

Is it good for families?

Yes, with calm beaches and whale tours, though resort choice is smaller.

How green is Samana?

Very, it is one of the lushest, least-developed parts of the country.

When can I see humpback whales in Samana?

From mid-January to late March, when thousands of humpbacks gather in the bay to breed; mornings are calmest for boat tours.

Do Canadian travellers need a visa for Samana?

Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa for short tourist stays in the Dominican Republic, and a valid passport is required. A tourist card requirement is typically bundled into airfare. Entry requirements can change, so confirm current guidance on the Government of Canada travel advisory page for the Dominican Republic before you go.