Excursions to a dream destination in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Playa Rincón, in Las Galeras, on the Samaná peninsula, is considered one of the ten best beaches in the world for its virgin sand and lush forests. It is also considered one of the 50 most impressive natural sites in South America and the Caribbean. The beach is about 3 kilometres long and reveals typical Caribbean beauty, far from mass tourism. At the western end there is also a river, Caño Frio, ideal for a quick dip in the cool water at the end of the day and a meeting place for all Dominicans. Playa Rincón is characterised by several beautiful bays of fine white sand, coconut trees and blue-green waters. During the day you can sunbathe, swim or snorkel, or relax in the shade of the palm trees. It is also an ideal place to observe spectacular animals, such as the whales that come to calve from December to the end of March.

Playa Bonita is about 10 minutes from the village. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in Las Terrenas. Behind the beach there are villas with gardens and several hotels, among them 'El Mosquito - Hotel Boutique', which also offers beach club services and excellent gastronomy. From Playa Bonita you can walk to Punta Bonita, where the wind never blows and you can appreciate the calm and the colour of the super clear water, which between the reef crests forms a real natural swimming pool. A true corner of paradise. Calm and tranquillity reign here.

Playa El Portillo is a long beach of golden yellow sand in the north of the Dominican Republic, on the Samaná peninsula, just a few minutes from the centre of Las Terrenas. The place is especially popular with local families because of its shallow waters, while the beach remains quiet and little known to tourists. From October to January, El Portillo offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing, during which time the beach is moderately windy.

From the centre of Las Terrenas, it is about 20 minutes drive to the even more secluded and wild Playa Cosón. Here you can appreciate the beauty of the seascape, along with the green Caribbean vegetation and the golden sand. The sea is crystal clear, emerald turquoise, deeper than the classic shallow Caribbean sea, often with waves. In the shade of the palm trees there are beach bars and restaurants. The most famous is undoubtedly the Luis restaurant, famous for its fries, among the best in the world, and for its fresh fish, especially live lobsters grilled right there on the beach.

Playa Las Ballenas translates as "whale beach". In fact, the beach is surrounded by three small whale-shaped reefs. Every morning on the beach you can buy fresh fish and lobster from the local fishermen. Las Ballenas is an incredible combination of a quiet seaside holiday and the opportunity to visit the best restaurants and hotels, which are just a couple of minutes walk from the beach. The length of Las Ballenas is 2.5 km, although the coastline seems endless. The beach is white sandy and the sea is calm and crystal clear, rarely crowded. The atmosphere here is calm and relaxing, many come to Las Ballenas to enjoy the lovely sunset while sipping excellent cocktails.

The excursion to Salto del Limón is truly a fantastic ecotourism experience. The waterfall originates at the point where the waters of the Arroyo Chico River flow into the waters of the Limon River. Salto El Limón is an impressive three-tiered waterfall, 55 metres high, which creates a beautiful natural pool of cool, clear water at its base. The one kilometre long trail leading to Salto El Limón is very easy to walk. It starts about halfway along the road linking Las Terrenas (north) and Samaná (south), connecting the two Dominican coasts. Access is only allowed by foot, mule or horse available along the route.

The Dominican Republic is not only famous for its beaches, but also for its production of excellent coffee grown between 600 and 800 m in the mountainous areas of Salcedo. The Ruta del Café is a fascinating nature trail that runs through some of the most unspoilt landscapes of the Dominican Republic amidst lush tropical vegetation. Visits to coffee plantations together with fascinating hikes will allow you, in the company of local guides, to discover the natural caves, rivers and wonderful landscapes of the Salcedo area.

Cayo Levantado is a small island located in the bay of Samaná, on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, which can be reached by renting a private boat or with the various organised excursions. It is an idyllic setting with paradisiacal beaches, extensive vegetation and beautiful crystal clear waters, surrounded by an almost wild landscape. Also known as Bacardi Island, the picturesque island of Cayo Levantado is only 1 km long, but offers everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Whale watching excursion

This event can only be seen from the end of January to March, because at that time the whales gather in the Gulf of Samana to breed.

Therefore, only tourists on holiday during this period will be able to see it live. Located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, the Samana Whale Sanctuary is considered one of the best whale watching experiences in the world. The whale watching is unique because the waters are only available to whale watching boats, so the whales will feel right at home. Here you will see baby mammals swimming alongside their mothers or jumping out of the water.