Samana is a wonderful place for exploring on foot, especially because the area’s lush landscapes and rugged coastlines lend themselves well to outdoor adventures. The Los Haitises National Park stands out as a top destination for walking tours, offering a chance to see caves, mangroves, and native wildlife up close. We particularly like the From Samana: Los Haitises Boat and Walking Tour with Lunch because it combines a full day of exploration, natural beauty, and a delicious Dominican lunch on Cayo Levantado. It’s perfect for travelers who want a rich, immersive experience in nature with some cultural highlights sprinkled in.
If you’re after a shorter, equally engaging adventure, the Los Haitises: Boat Excursion and Walking Tour with Lunch offers another excellent option. Both tours give a good sense of the park’s unique landscape, but the first stands out for its longer duration and detailed exploration, making it ideal for those who want a full day of discovery.
1. From Samana: Los Haitises Boat and Walking Tour with Lunch
At number 1, this full-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Los Haitises National Park. It begins with a guided boat trip through winding islets, providing stunning views of the park’s landscape. The boat ride is a highlight, with opportunities to spot seabirds, mangroves, and possibly even dolphins. The tour then includes walking through caves, where you’ll see indigenous pictographs and petroglyphs, a real window into the island’s ancient inhabitants.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of boat travel and on-foot exploration. The guide, an expert on the region, shares insights into the park’s flora and fauna — guests often comment on how knowledgeable and engaging the guide is. The lunch on Cayo Levantado, a picturesque island with white sandy beaches, is a delightful way to end the day, giving you time to relax and soak in the scenery. With a 4.2/5 rating from 20 reviews, the tour is well-loved, especially for its balance of adventure and comfort.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a full-day, in-depth look at Los Haitises, combined with cultural discovery and a delicious local meal.
2. Los Haitises: Boat Excursion and Walking Tour with Lunch
Ranked slightly lower with a 3.5/5 from 4 reviews, this alternative tour offers a similar experience but with a shorter duration—about 7 hours. It emphasizes walking through caves with indigenous pictographs and petroglyphs, which makes it appealing for those interested in cultural history.
The tour also features a boat ride through the park’s famous mangrove pathways, giving travelers a chance to see this unique ecosystem up close. Lunch is served at a beautiful beach in Samana Bay, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. While reviews are more modest, the guide’s explanations about the wildlife and the scenery add significant value. This option is more suited for travelers with limited time or those looking for a less intensive day.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a shorter, culturally rich adventure with scenic boat rides and walking, this tour provides solid value and memorable sights.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider your time commitment, interests, and budget. The first tour offers a longer, more detailed experience, ideal if you want a full day immersed in nature and history. The second provides similar highlights but is shorter and may be better suited for travelers with tighter schedules or who prefer a quicker overview.
Both tours include walking through caves with ancient pictographs and exploring mangroves, so if those are your priority, either will deliver. For foodies, the Dominican buffet lunch at Cayo Levantado or the beach in Samana Bay ensures a satisfying end to your day. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, as these tours tend to fill up.
In summary, Samana offers several excellent walking tour options that showcase its natural beauty and cultural history. The top choice for a comprehensive experience is the From Samana: Los Haitises Boat and Walking Tour with Lunch, perfect for travelers wanting a full day of adventure and learning. The shorter Los Haitises: Boat Excursion and Walking Tour with Lunch is a good pick if you are pressed for time but still want a taste of what makes Los Haitises special.
No matter which tour you choose, these walks provide a genuine look at the lush, rugged landscapes of Samana and its rich cultural tapestry. Book early, and get ready to enjoy a memorable day exploring this beautiful corner of the Dominican Republic.