The Dominican Republic is not only a luxury beach holiday, but also an opportunity to see the largest whales in the world in their natural habitat. And for this miracle to come true, you need very little - to visit the Samana Peninsula.
Where is the Samana Peninsula located?
Samana is a peninsula on the north-eastern coast of the island of Haiti, which in turn is divided between 2 countries - Haiti and the Dominican Republic (Dominican Republic). True, the locals like to call their island Hispaniola - this is the old name. It was on its shores that Columbus moored at the discovery of America, and here, according to his will, the ashes of the great navigator and adventurer were transferred to the capital of the Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo. The island of Haiti belongs to the Greater Antilles, which also includes the islands of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.
The Dominican Republic is famous for:
- its beaches with stunning white sand, which does not burn even in the most intense heat;
- The azure Caribbean;
- friendly and very cheerful population;
- stable temperature of water and air;
- excellent service in hotels;
- delicious food: cheeses and other dairy products, meat delicacies - all natural, without any artificial additives;
- fresh seafood, including oysters;
- the safety of rest in a real paradise.
But even in paradise there are the most beautiful places that are distinguished by the true virginity of their nature. Such places include the Samana Peninsula, located 175 km north of the capital of the Dominican Republic. Christopher Columbus himself spoke of Samana as "the most virgin-beautiful place on Earth." And he has seen plenty of tropical islands, and waterfalls, and places untouched by the human hand. Let's see what so attracted Columbus and still does not leave indifferent any tourist who has set foot on this coast in the Caribbean.
What is the Samana Peninsula like?
Even if the main place of your stay in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana or Boca Chica, and you have already managed to feel all the charm of the Caribbean, still visit the Samana Peninsula. Only here you will understand what real bliss is - this is what admiring tourists say about this place.
On this peninsula, nature seems to have specially collected everything that is worthy of admiration:
- Caves - some of them hide lakes with the purest water, and on the walls there are still drawings of ancient Indians.
- Waterfalls of amazing beauty, among which the most famous is El Limon, which falls from a height of 55 meters.
- Virgin forests in which royal palms and the Kaoba tree grow - its wood is also called mahogany.
- Mangrove forests, home to a huge number of bird species.
- White beaches - you may not meet a single person on them for a long distance, and groves of coconut trees will hide your solitude.
- Direct access to the Atlantic Ocean will provide water sports enthusiasts with many unforgettable hours.
- The rich underwater world will give diving fans an opportunity to enjoy communication with its inhabitants.
Each of these attractions has its own locations. In the national parks of Cabo Cabron and Los Haitises, you will see caves, forests with impenetrable thickets, and waterfalls. These trips include jeep and horse rides.
For those who prefer water activities, there is the possibility of amazing sea fishing. In addition, diving, surfing, water skiing, catamaran riding - all this in the waters of the gentle Caribbean Sea.
The pride of the Samana Peninsula - humpback whales
The most interesting adventure awaits those who visit the Samana Peninsula from January to March. They will be able to see the mating games of humpback whales that swim in the vicinity of the peninsula to conceive and give birth to offspring. They grow up to 19.5 meters in length, and their weight can reach 48 tons. During mating games, whales release a fountain up to 3 meters high.
Whales frolic in the waters of the Atlantic, so special conditions are needed to see everything in the immediate vicinity. There are 2 possibilities for this:
- Visit the Ground Whale Watching Center.
- Take a boat directly to where whales are usually found.
The spectacle of frolicking sea giants leaves no one indifferent, many are specially planning to visit the Dominican Republic during this period.
