White sandy beaches, cool blue waters and balmy Caribbean nights, the Samana Peninsula has all this and more. Coconut-covered mountains that reach down to the sea, vibrant coral reefs teem with brightly-colored fish, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls tumbling down the lush green hills, the chatter of bright green Dominican parrots, cicadas singing through the night and the melodic strains of bachata, merengue and salsa. The sights and sounds of Samana are never far away.

The Samana Peninsula is considered by Dominicans and visitors alike as the most beautiful area on the island, it is the jewel in the crown of the Dominican Republic. With much of the Caribbean now well-developed, the peninsula’s pristine beaches and sparsely-populated mountainous terrain with an abundance of tropical vegetation are not only a welcome change, but are all that remain of the true magic of the tropical Caribbean.

Samana is the Caribbean of 40 years ago, the Caribbean that brings memories of a bygone era when each tropical shore, bend in an old dirt road brought new adventure and a wondrous sense of anticipation exploring a developing region that had seemingly shielded itself from the stress and pressures of modern day life. Samana today is still that, a return to a simpler place and time where the magic of discovery still awaits our visitors. My preferred town in Samana is Las Terrenas, a small, quiet Fishermans village with little tourist activity, an awesome beach and restaurants right on the sand. Perfect central hub to explore the rivers, waterfalls and miles of beaches that make up the Samana peninsula.