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Activities and tours in Samana - Las Terrenas
WHALE WATCHING AT SAMANA BAY
The best period to observe them is between the 15th of jaguar and the 15th of mars. It is breathtaking sight. These mammals that reach 15 meter and can weigh 40 ton, have chosen the bay of Samaná to mate and to give birth. During this period they don’t eat and use the fat reserves they accumulated during their stay in the north. Because they come in such quantities to this protected area and so close to the coast, they offer watchers an exceptional opportunity: only a small boat trip is needed to find the first group and see the males courting their beloved by leaping high out of the water. They surge with such force, that you can see their bodies completely out of the water.
NATIONALPARK LOS HAITISES
This excursion combines cultural, historical and ecological components. The National Park Los Haitises is a large zone of rocky hills, mangroves, rivers and small islands, called "mogotes", with a significant fauna: more than 100 different species of birds (of the 270 in the country), several lamantines (sea cows), sea turtles, bats, reptiles and among them the boa… Thanks to a tangle of mangrove roots, green vines, a mass of undergrowth and an almost inaccessible humid tropical forest, there exists a favorable ecosystem for the survival of endangered species. You will also see the many caves (with inside stalagmites and stalactites) with walls covered with inscriptions, witnesses of the time the Tainos lived here, hiding for the Spaniards. Only the drawings on the wall stayed, and some old legends about hidden treasures. One is about Cofresi, one of the last Caribbean pirates and founder of Sanchez, who hid a treasure that was never found yet.
EL LIMON ECO-TOURISM
Among the peninsula’s several ecological groups, an important one is the Ecotourism association of El Limón, which assembles various Ranchos that organize excursions on horseback to the falls. It wants to regulate the visits in order to preserve this beautiful spot, because its success could destroy it easily. The association maintains the roads and keeps the environment of the cascade clean. These activities provide an income for many families and this kind of organization is a good example of integrated development. Another interesting initiative is the organization the women of El Limón, who make and sell handicraft products, to make a living in their village. In the hamlet Palmarito, 6 km from El Limón, they also work at this type of local development. Here, with help of Andreas (from Ecotopia), the locals have cleared ancient pathways that lead to the Rio la Caña and led by the guide Fausto, you can walk through impressive vegetation. The place is totally out of the way of tourists and the unhurried 3-hour walk brings you to a refreshing dip in the natural swimming pools the river hollowed out here. On returning, a typical local meal is waiting for you in a garden with an incredible view on the hills bordering the beaches of El Valle and Cayo Morón. Whatever the type of excursion you make, the welcome of the El Limón people, the little local restaurants and the beauty of the site will captivate you.
ADVENTURE & ECO TOURS
Take a tour through the wild and beautiful surrounding from Samana. You can make tours by car, Jeep, quad or bike. Just what you prefer. The local tour-operators can give you good advise.
Samana is especially a very good spot for eco-tours.
WINDSURFING & KITING
Las Terrenas and its surrounding beaches are very good spots for windsurfing and the very popular kiting.
There are several possibilities for renting and learning your skills in this sensational activities.
The Las Terrenas area gets some really good surf. A few surf spots have earned good reputations. Also for kiting.
SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING
At almost every beach at Las Terrenas you'll find a diving-shop. There are several stations where you can go on diving-tours. It has outstanding opportunities all year long. Diving in the tropics in enjoyable for many reasons. The need for minimal or no wet suit, long range visibility, and the variety of marine life to observe and interact with are a plentiful. Add excellent food and secluded beaches and you begin to sense the appeal of Samana / Las Terrenas.
RESTAURANTS
From basic food to top-cuisine, Samana (and specially Las Terrenas) has restaurants for every palate. There are restaurants directly at the beach with a view of the bay and romantic sunsets, or restaurants in the center. For sure, you should taste the local cuisine at the "Comedores", very tasty and served by very friendly people.
NIGHTLIFE
The nightlife in Las Terrenas, especially in the weekends is very good. All kind of different bars are located at beaches and in the center, or at the hotel-boulevard on the road to El Portillo. You can go to a normal bar or visit the local disco's, perhaps practice some merengue or bachata...
HORSEBACK RIDING
The hilly area and long stretches of shoreline has made horseback riding a favorite activity in Samana. A variety of tours are available featuring visits to the famous waterfall in El Limon, cattle ranches and farmland, small rural villages, and a river where clients can swim. You can choose from several tours, in a group or alone. Even lessons in horse back riding are possible.
TENNIS
At this moment there are several places where you can play your game of tennis. Courts in hotels and at private villa's. At these courts, you'll always find international players to compete with. Private one-on-one instruction are available. Give us a mail and we can bring you in contact with instructors.
SPA TREATMENTS & RE-ENERGIZE
Samana, and especially Las Terrenas is a natural paradise and a great place to re-energize your body and soul. At some places you can arrange to have personal treatments at your villa or hotel without having to go out.
Or, if you prefer, there are also healing centers where guests can relax and de-stress by enjoying aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure, facials, peelings, pedicures, or learn yoga or t'ai chi.
SHOPPING
Las Terrenas has some shopping malls and streets with all kind of shops. Most of these shops are selling very creative handmade materials.
GOLF
At this moment there is a small 9-holes golf located at Samana and a brand new one is being built in Las Terrenas. It's a 18-holes golf. There are possibilities for buying real estate on this golf. It should be finished by the end of 2006.
BEACHES & PALMS
The Samana region has the most beautiful beaches of all the Dominican Republic. You can actually walk for miles all by yourself... Samana is also the region in all the Caribbean with the most palm trees. There are more than 150 different palm trees, at the beaches but also complete forests. All beaches are public .
LEARN SPANISH
The best way to learn Spanish is to go to a country where they speak that language. The Dominican Republic is such a country. And what could be a better way to learn your Spanish then from under a palmtree...
RENTING A MOTOR OR QUAD
There are a lot of places where you can rent motors, quads, bikes, scooters and cars.
For example: it's a lot of fun renting a quad and drive around in the area.
MOUNTAINBIKING
The region Samana with its natural beaches and hills is a perfect environment for mountainbiking. You can do it by your own, just by renting one, or go in a group with special tours. There are several possibilities.
CAYO LEVANTADO
The very tropical island in the Samana Bay, where the "Bounty-commercial" was taken... a small paradise in a paradise...
Take a boat tour to this tropical paradise, go snorkeling, banana-riding, have a very good local dish... and enjoy life...
SUNSET-DREAMING
August is the best time to see falling stars. So at that time you should definitely be at one of the beautiful beaches from Samana.
Take your girlfriend around sunset to one of your favorite beaches, a bottle of good wine and wait...
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