Thanks !! You should have written the article. More helpful and better pictures
I like the town of Samana, Although it is harder to find info on what to do. Don't find anything creepy about it, looks like a typical Dominican town to me.
I think it is now possible to go to Cayo Leventado independently. I tried to go in July but was quoted an insane price for the boat transfer from Samana. If you could post the info on how to get to the Cayo and the average price, I would be forever grateful.
You can take a boat from Samana or a few spots along the way to Las Galeras, including Los Cacao. I cannot remember the name of the other town, but they will all be standing there holding signs for Cayo or they will wave at you to try to get your attention. When we went about 5 years ago, it included a trip to Los Haitisis and then stopped at Cayo. The price was around $150 for the whole boat. So it seems to me that if you are just going to Cayo, it should be a lot less money, or try to meet some other folks going over and share the cost of the boat. The boat should be able to hold about 8 people. As with everything, if you walk away after the first price, they may reduce the price by about 20-30%, especially in the slow season.
If you want more info on what to do in Samana, look for my website. I am not allowed to post it on here, but if you search for samana vacation rentals, you will find it on the first page of google. Lots of info on restaurants and area attractions.
You will be able to book most excursions from the small dock in Samana, whether it is El Limon or Los Haitisis or Cayo Levantado.
For trips to Playa Fronton, book those in Las Galeras at the end of the road. When I went I think it cost about $40 per person, but it included lunch and they also provided snorkeling gear and one of those battery operated torpedos that pulled you around in the water. If you go with no frills it should only be $20 USD per person if you have a full boat.
If you want to take a scenic trip to Rincon, you can go by boat to there from Las Galeras as well. When you get there, on the side with the small stream, you can venture upstream in a very small boat, pushed by hand for just a few dollars. You get to see a lot of birds, wildlife and small fish in the crystal clear water.
You may eat at Vista Mare even if you are not staying there. The food is just so so. Nothing special but it is a nice place to stop and enjoy the fantastic view and a breeze. Nice, modern, clean, full bar and a big screen TV.
Sometimes you can get into Puerto Bahia. Just tell them you are going to eat. It is a very nice upscale place, but the management needs to get their act together. The place is huge and has a lot of rooms and residences for the yachting crowd, but there never seems to be many people there, so as a result, sometimes the food is not very fresh. Same thing here, nice place to visit for a few drink and appetizers but don't go there very hungry expecting a fantastic meal, because you may not get it. I have had many great meals there, but I am also been disappointed. It is hit or miss.
Before you get to the road to El Monte Azul, look on the right for "La Finca" It is a cool place that rents rooms but you can also just stop for a drink or something to eat. In the offseason, the kitchen may not be open. They have a fantastic view, and it is a little easier to get to. Keep going all the way back and at the end of the road make a right through the gate. On your way back you will see some massive trees that were blown over in last year's hurricanes.
Shortly past the new Texaco gas station, look for a right hand turn, and go back about two miles to Boca Diablo. It is a hole in the rocks, and when the waves pass under, it can blow a coconut 20 feet in the air. There is also a very interesting granite mine there. They are taking out huge chunks of rock with what looks like a giant chain saw on wheels. Some people caution about the safety of going to Boca Diablo, but I have been there 30 times and nobody ever bothered me, and in many cases we were given an escort by tourismo.
If you decide to go to El Limon, there is a buffet there called La Manzana where they have some great Dominican food. I have gone there with Dominicans, and they all enjoyed it, so it must be good because they are often very picky about Dominican food. Look for the red apple on the road sign.
