Things to do in
Las Galeras.
Beaches, boat trips, snorkeling, whale watching, trails and day trips: the best things to do at the end of the Samaná Peninsula.
Start with the sea.
Las Galeras is small, so most days begin and end at the water. These are the classics, all within easy reach of town.
Spend a day at Playa Rincón
Kilometers of white sand, fish lunch on the beach and a freshwater river at the far end.
Playa Rincón guide →
Take a boat to Frontón & Madama
Hidden beaches below cliffs and forest, reached by boat or on foot. Bring snorkel gear.
Playa Frontón guide →
Snorkel, dive or climb
Reefs, walls and caves around Cabo Cabrón and Cabo Samaná, plus some of the best rock climbing in the country at Frontón.
Read more ↓Beaches, boats and reefs.
Beach hopping
Walk to Playa Grande (the town beach) and La Playita, drive to Playa Rincón, or take a boat to Playa Frontón and Playa Madama. See all the beaches for how to reach each one.
The seven hidden beaches
A guided coastal walk links a string of small coves, usually ending near Playa Rincón with a boat ride back. Allow a full day and confirm the route with your guide. See the route.
Snorkeling and diving
Dive schools in town run boat dives to sites around Cabo Cabrón and Cabo Samaná, with reefs, walls and caves. Frontón and Madama are popular for snorkeling on calm days.
Rock climbing
The limestone cliffs at Playa Frontón are one of the best-known climbing spots in the Dominican Republic. Go with an experienced local guide and your own gear.
Whale watching.
From mid-January to the end of March, humpback whales gather in Samaná Bay. Licensed boats leave from Samaná town, about 40 minutes from Las Galeras. Read the full whale-watching guide.
Trails, horses and ATVs.
Hike to Boca del Diablo and Frontón
A coastal trail heads toward Playa Frontón, passing the Boca del Diablo, a natural blowhole where waves force water up through the rock. Wear proper shoes, bring water and consider a local guide.
Horseback riding
Local guides offer rides through the countryside and down to the beaches.
ATV and buggy tours
Explore the dirt roads, viewpoints and beaches around the peninsula. Confirm the route, helmets and driver requirements with the operator. Ask us for a trusted contact.
Beyond Las Galeras.
Salto El Limón waterfall
A tall waterfall in the forest near the village of El Limón, between Samaná town and Las Terrenas. You reach it on foot or on horseback, and you can swim in the pool at the bottom. Wear shoes with grip, as the trail can be muddy.
Cayo Levantado
A small island in Samaná Bay with a public beach, reached by boat from Samaná town. It is often combined with whale watching in season.
Los Haitises National Park
Across Samaná Bay, Los Haitises is known for its steep green islets, mangroves, seabirds and caves with Taíno rock art. Boat tours leave from the Samaná side of the bay.
Samaná town and Las Terrenas
Samaná town (Santa Bárbara de Samaná) is the departure point for whale watching and Cayo Levantado. Las Terrenas, on the north coast, is busier, with more restaurants and nightlife.
Need a ride?
Airport transfers, beach runs and day trips with a local driver.