Samana, Dominican Rep?

Drea

Hey all,

I am hoping to book a holiday soon, and have seen one to Samana, Dominican Rep which looks lovely. Have been trying to read up about Samana though and not finding a whole lot of information.

It seems cruises stop here for the day but haven't heard anything of someone going on a proper holiday there (we're thinking of 10 days) so I'm worried it's more of a "day trip" place than somewhere to go for a longer time. Has anyone been there? Are there things to do? It'd be July so not much use for whale watching.

Or would I be better off looking at the normal spots of Dominican Republic?

Thanks

neilbond007

I stopped at Cayo Levantado. Was immense.
There probably isn't too much to do but at the end of the day the holiday was for 2 weeks of laying on a beach relaxing. If you want to do too much more it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Drea

Thanks more than happy with a laying on the beach holiday but think my partner might be after a bit more so will look elsewhere and maybe go there for the day if it's possible.

Drea

After saying that he said he'd rather Samana, reckons he can do the more touristy things anywhere. So, looks like that's where we're off to!

travellerboy

I visited Samana last January, a much under-developed area of the Dominican Republic. The people are very poor, roads and infrastructure very bad. I would find it hard to recommend, would have concerns on crime whether petty or more serious.

July is far too humid too be comfortable, if I was going to the caribbean in July/August it would be Aruba without question.

nw_man

Drea wrote: »

Hey all,

I am hoping to book a holiday soon, and have seen one to Samana, Dominican Rep which looks lovely. Have been trying to read up about Samana though and not finding a whole lot of information.

It seems cruises stop here for the day but haven't heard anything of someone going on a proper holiday there (we're thinking of 10 days) so I'm worried it's more of a "day trip" place than somewhere to go for a longer time. Has anyone been there? Are there things to do? It'd be July so not much use for whale watching.

Or would I be better off looking at the normal spots of Dominican Republic?

Thanks

Can you hang on for a while for an answer ? This sunday coming, our cruise ship stops there :rotfl:

Seriously though, there doesnt seem that much there to me from what research I have done.

mickey234

I visited Samana as a port of call on a Cruise ship. Very under-developed with friendly people. Loved the area especially Playa Rincon, fabulous beach.
Would love to visit for a longer time but 14 days would be too long for me, much better than the Cruise ship though, it was the Dawn of Hell (NCL).

coolcol_2

We visited Samana on a cruise ship. I think it's the worst place we've ever been - dirty and horrible. The beggars were everywhere and very nasty with it. We stayed ashore about 20 minutes - it was too long. Several other people off the sghip had some very bad experiences with being ripped off. Never again!!!

Drea

Now you all come out the woodwork! It's booked :eek:

honest7

Hi Drea

Don't pay attention to those who are saying that its the worst place on earth.

I worked on a cruise ship for over a year and Samana was hands down the best island that myself and the crew had visited. The only people who moaned and said nasty things about the island were the miserable guests onboard the ship. They just kept moaning about how poor the people were and how Samana is under-developed. It really got on our nerves after awhile, and it showed how closet minded they really were. Had one guest who thought that Samana was actually in Cuba(go figure):eek:

So all I can say is go with an open mind. The beaches are fantastic, the people are friendly, and the food fab. Myself and my partner would hire a motorbike or a quadbike for a couple of hours and just go on a lovely journey around the island.

Hope you have a fab time

Incapuppy

Drea wrote: »

Now you all come out the woodwork! It's booked :eek:

It looks lovely and I'm sure you will have a fab holiday, I'd much rather go somewhere thats less developed over a busy resort any day