Samaná

Samaná Bay sits on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. The surrounding hills are green and steep, and the bay is sheltered enough that humpback whales breed here between January and March. Ships anchor offshore and passengers tender to the waterfront at Santa Bárbara de Samaná, a small town of colourful buildings and a few waterfront restaurants. The main excursion is to Los Haitises National Park, a coastal area of mangroves, caves with Taíno petroglyphs, and thick tropical forest accessible only by boat. El Limón waterfall, a 40-metre drop reached by horseback or hiking trail, is another popular trip. Playa Rincón, about 45 minutes from town, regularly appears on lists of the Caribbean's best beaches, with white sand and coconut palms. Local food tends toward fried fish, tostones, and fresh coconut. The Dominican peso is the currency, though US dollars are accepted at most tourist spots.