Samana is a jewel on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, and it’s an ideal spot for exploring lush national parks. The region’s bays, caves, and mangrove forests make for memorable outdoor excursions. If you’re into nature, history, or just stunning scenery, Samana’s tours won’t disappoint. We particularly like the Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado Island trip for its combo of dramatic rock formations and a relaxing island beach. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of adventure and downtime.
While all the options offer something unique, some focus on deep nature exploration like birdwatching, and others emphasize cultural highlights such as Taíno cave paintings. To help you choose the right experience, here’s a quick overview of the best national park tours in Samana.
1. Samaná: Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado Island
This tour is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty and history of Los Haitises National Park. It’s rated 4.2/5 based on 200 reviews and lasts between 6 and 9 hours, making it a full-day adventure. You’ll travel by catamaran through the park’s bays, caves, and mangroves, with a special focus on the Taíno cave paintings that reveal the indigenous presence in the area.
The highlight is a visit to Cayo Levantado Island, famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Dominican feast, giving you a taste of local cuisine amid stunning scenery. The boat ride offers impressive views of rock formations and lush vegetation, making this a well-rounded experience for nature lovers who crave culture, scenery, and a bit of relaxation.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive day with a mix of history, wildlife, and beach time, all wrapped in a fun boat trip.
2. Samana: Los Haitises National Park & Caño Hondo Day Tour
Rated at 4.1/5 based on 13 reviews, this full-day tour emphasizes exploring the park’s lush mangroves, rivers, and lagoons via boat. It’s a great choice for travelers who are keen on wildlife and plant life, especially if birdwatching is on your list.
A key highlight is a visit to the Cueva de la Línea, where you can see Taino petroglyphs, providing a tangible link to the past. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch on a beach within the park, followed by swimming in the natural pools of Caño Hondo, surrounded by tropical vegetation. The focus here is on nature immersion and tranquility, making it perfect for quiet-minded travelers or those interested in eco-tourism.
Bottom line: If you want to combine boat exploration with wildlife and cultural insights, this tour offers a more laid-back, nature-focused experience.
3. Samana: Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado Tour
This 7-hour guided tour has a rating of 3.9/5 from 11 reviews. It offers a compact but thorough look at Los Haitises’ rock islands and Taino history. The trip includes a visit to the Linea Cave, where you’ll see ancient paintings, and time to relax on the beaches of Cayo Levantado.
What sets this tour apart is its emphasis on education and scenic beauty. Guests enjoy a traditional Dominican buffet on the beach, making it a good choice for travelers who want culture without an all-day commitment. It’s a more moderate option in duration but still packs in plenty of highlights, suitable for those with a mid-range schedule.
Bottom line: This tour balances sightseeing and cultural learning, ideal if you want a shorter, well-rounded experience in the park.
4. Private Birdwatching in Los Haitises National Park
While this private tour has no reviews yet, it offers a focused look at bird species and caves within Los Haitises. Starting at a meeting point set with your guide, it’s suitable for nature enthusiasts who want a personalized experience.
With a duration of about 3 to 5 hours, the trip includes visiting Cays, mangroves, and caves, with special attention to birdwatching. The tour also covers the pictographs and historical areas of Sabana de la Mar. It is perfect for avid birders or those who want a more intimate, flexible outing with a guide who knows the best spots.
Bottom line: For a tailored, nature-centric experience focused on avian life and caves, this private tour delivers a quieter, more personalized day.
$79.00 per person
5. Los Haitises National Park & Montaña Redonda Day Tour
At around 10 hours and with no reviews yet, this full-day tour offers a blend of nature, scenery, and adventure. It includes a visit to Los Haitises, with its mangroves, beaches, and wildlife, plus the opportunity to swing above the clouds at Montaña Redonda.
The highlight of this tour is the scenic views from Montaña Redonda, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, including lush forests and Samana Bay. The tour emphasizes photo opportunities and unique experiences, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive day with a bit of thrill.
Bottom line: If you’re after a longer, adventure-filled day with stunning vistas, this tour is a perfect choice.
$140.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and time constraints. If you crave a full immersion with both history and beach relaxation, the Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado trip is hard to beat. For those who prefer birdwatching or a more private experience, the Private Birdwatching is ideal.
If you want a quick highlight tour, the Cayo Levantado tour offers a good balance of scenery and culture in less time. For true adventure lovers, the Montaña Redonda and Haitises combo will satisfy your craving for sweeping views and outdoor fun.
Booking early is advisable during peak seasons, especially for private and highly-rated tours, to secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute disappointment.
To sum it up, Samana offers a wide range of ways to enjoy its stunning landscapes and cultural sites. Whether you’re interested in a full-day boat cruise, a birdwatching trip, or a scenic mountain swing, there’s a tour designed for your style. For the best experience, think about what part of the park excites you most — wildlife, scenery, or history — and pick the tour that fits your schedule and budget. With these choices, you’ll be sure to create memorable memories in this captivating corner of the Dominican Republic.