OVERVIEW

Escape to the tropical shores of Las Terrenas for a relaxing day at a beach club overlooking the turquoise waters of Playa Ballenas. After meeting your host at the pier, enjoy a scenic drive through the Dominican countryside to this popular coastal town, where you'll be welcomed to your seaside retreat and introduced to the club’s amenities. Settle into a sun chair beneath an umbrella, swim in the warm Caribbean waters, or simply relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. When hunger calls, savor an included pre-selected mean before returning to the beach for more leisure time. For a little added adventure, kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while additional food, refreshing beverages, and tropical cocktails can be purchased from the beach club’s restaurant and bar before your return to Samaná.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax along the beautiful shores of Playa Ballenas in Las Terrenas.
• Enjoy approximately 2½ hours at a beach club with sun chairs, umbrellas, showers, and restrooms.
• Savor an included pre-selected meal and enjoy optional kayaking along the coastline.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel from the ship.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and eco-friendly insect repellent.
• Bring extra spending money for optional à la carte food, beverages, and cocktails.

OVERVIEW

Cruise across Samaná Bay by catamaran to discover the extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage of Los Haitises National Park. Admire rainforest-covered limestone formations rising from emerald waters as you navigate through a striking landscape of tropical islets, mangrove forests, and hidden caves. Step ashore for a guided exploration of ancient Taíno caves, where pictographs and petroglyphs offer a fascinating glimpse into the heritage of the island’s first inhabitants, then enjoy time to appreciate the park’s natural surroundings. After your exploration, reboard the catamaran for a festive return cruise featuring upbeat music, soft drinks, and local beer served after the cave visit.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise across Samaná Bay to the spectacular landscapes of Los Haitises National Park.
• Navigate alongside lush mangroves and dramatic rainforest-covered limestone formations.
• Explore ancient Taíno caves featuring historic pictographs and petroglyphs, followed by a lively return catamaran cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles for wet, rocky, and uneven cave surfaces.
• Dress in lightweight outdoor clothing and bring a hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Bring water and remain well hydrated throughout the excursion.

OVERVIEW

Venture into the remarkable landscapes of Los Haitises National Park on an active small-group adventure combining a scenic boat journey, mangrove kayaking, and Taíno cave exploration. Cruise across Samaná Bay toward San Lorenzo Bay, where rainforest-covered mountains and towering palms meet emerald-green waters. After a safety briefing, climb into a double kayak and paddle along the pristine coastline, weaving beside mangrove forests while your guide introduces you to this fascinating ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits it. Continue by boat to the caves of Los Haitises for a guided walk among dramatic rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites while discovering ancient Taíno cave paintings that provide a glimpse into the island’s Indigenous heritage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise across Samaná Bay to the spectacular natural surroundings of San Lorenzo Bay.
• Paddle a double kayak along pristine coastline and through the mangrove ecosystem of Los Haitises.
• Explore Taíno caves featuring dramatic geological formations and ancient cave paintings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear waterproof, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles; these are mandatory.
• Dress in lightweight outdoor clothing and bring a towel, as you may get wet during the boat ride and kayaking.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, eco-friendly insect repellent, and biodegradable sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Discover the scenery, culture, and flavors of Samaná on a leisurely journey through Santa Bárbara de Samaná. Travel through lush hills and palm-filled landscapes before reaching the colorful waterfront, where Victorian Caribbean-style architecture, local life, and sweeping views of Samaná Bay provide plenty of photo opportunities. Continue to a local restaurant for a guided tasting of three Dominican rums, ranging from light to aged varieties, paired with a traditional Dominican bite as you learn about the journey from sugarcane to bottle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Santa Bárbara de Samaná on a scenic drive featuring coastal views, colorful architecture, and photo stops.
• Taste three different profiles of Dominican rum and learn about the island’s rum-making tradition.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and a camera.
• Bring extra spending money if you would like to order food from the restaurant menu.

OVERVIEW

Cruise across beautiful Samaná Bay aboard a power catamaran for a relaxing escape combining island beach time, Dominican flavors, and panoramic resort views. Admire palm-covered hills, golden beaches, and the bay’s tropical scenery as you make your way to Cayo Levantado. Once anchored near the island, enjoy free time to swim in the clear Caribbean waters or simply relax and take in the scenery. Continue to a waterfront resort, where a Dominican-style buffet lunch awaits, followed by leisure time to cool off in the infinity pool overlooking Samaná Bay. Complete the experience with a scenic journey back toward the cruise port, with complimentary beer and soft drinks served onboard.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through picturesque Samaná Bay aboard a power catamaran to Cayo Levantado.

• Enjoy free time for swimming and relaxation surrounded by Cayo Levantado’s tropical scenery.
• Savor a Dominican-style buffet lunch and relax beside a resort infinity pool with panoramic views of the bay.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothing and bring a towel from the ship.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and eco-friendly insect repellent.

OVERVIEW

Journey into the Samaná countryside for an authentic introduction to Dominican farming traditions, local hospitality, and tropical flavors. Visit a traditional family farm, where a guided walk through the property reveals fruit trees, aromatic herbs, native crops, and plants used in local cooking and traditional practices. Then discover two of the Dominican Republic’s most beloved products—coffee and cacao. Learn how locally grown coffee is harvested, roasted, and ground before enjoying a freshly brewed cup, then discover how cacao is transformed into chocolate and try your hand at grinding pre-toasted cacao beans using a traditional pilón. Complete your countryside experience with homemade hot chocolate and a tasting of seasonal tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, papaya, watermelon, and mamey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a traditional family farm and discover crops, herbs, tropical fruits, and Dominican agricultural traditions.
• Learn about the farm-to-table journey of Dominican coffee and cacao, with freshly brewed coffee and homemade hot chocolate.
• Grind cacao beans using a traditional pilón and sample a selection of seasonal tropical fruits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing; long pants are recommended for protection from insects.
• Closed-toe, non-slip footwear is mandatory due to uneven rural paths and natural terrain.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and eco-friendly insect repellent.