Las Galeras Travel Guide

Sunrise over the green hills of Las Galeras
Las Galeras travel guide

Your guide to
Las Galeras.

Getting here, the beaches, whale season and the best things to do at the quiet end of the Samaná Peninsula.

Las Galeras · Samaná · Dominican RepublicSunrise in Las Galeras
Getting hereBeachesWhale seasonThings to do
Plan your trip

Start here.

Everything you need to plan a trip to Las Galeras, from getting here to the best beaches and the whale season.

At the table

Where to eat in Las Galeras.

Plan a seaside meal at La Playita or arrange a private chef for dinner at your villa.

Explore restaurants & dining →
Good to know

Las Galeras
basics.

Where is Las Galeras?

At the eastern tip of the Samaná Peninsula, in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. It is a small fishing village surrounded by beaches, cliffs and forest, about 40 minutes beyond Samaná town.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry, popular season runs roughly from December to April, and whale season (usually January 15 to March 31) is the busiest time. The rest of the year is quieter and greener, with more chance of rain.

How do I get there?

Most visitors fly into Santo Domingo (about 3 hours by road) or Samaná El Catey (about 1 to 1½ hours). See getting here.

Do I need cash?

Yes. Many small restaurants, boat captains, motoconchos and beach vendors only take cash. Bring Dominican pesos in small bills.

Is Las Galeras good for families?

Yes, especially the calm town beaches. For remote beaches, remember there are no lifeguards and few services.

Local connections

Plan it with a local.

Tell us your dates, group size and what you’d like to do. We’ll connect you with a trusted boat captain, guide or driver.

Photos: Las Galeras sunrise — Esprit15d / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Samaná bridge — Boris Kasimov / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0 · Humpback whale (illustrative) — National Marine Sanctuaries / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Salto El Limón — -wuppertaler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 · Playa Rincón — Danu Widjajanto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Playa Frontón — Danu Widjajanto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Playa Madama — Man77 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.