Best Beaches in Samana

More commonly visited for the boat taxis to Playa Rincon, but worth exploring in its own right – this pretty stretch of nearly-white sand and calm sea is also known as Fisherman’s Beach, because you can buy fresh fish moments after it’s been caught. You can buy coconuts too, which are deliciously refreshing. The natural aquarium is a big diving attraction, and if you fancy exploring further afield simply hop on a boat to Playa Rincon or Fronton.

By hook or by crook, hike, drive or hop on a boat to see the ridiculously pretty Rincon for yourself. Taking a little more effort to reach (15 mins from La Galeras on dirt track/boat) keeps the cove fabulously quiet. It’s worth the journey: cameras at the ready for the miles of powder white sand, where quiet waters gently lap on one side, and livelier waves roll to and fro on the other. Coconut and almond groves play backdrop.

Another that takes a while to get to (you can walk, boat taxi or drive from Las Galeras) but that’s half the charm of it. The rest of the charm lies in the white sands, seriously turquoise water, and dramatic cliff face which rock climbers can scale. The sea is perfect for swimmers and snorkelers. Visit in the first half of the day to get the sunshine, or later if you prefer the shade from the mountain.

Keep heading east on the peninsular and eventually (via hills, forest and a dirt track) you find yourself at Madama. This little sandy cove is sheltered and accessed only by a steepish walk, boat (from Galeras) or horseback – no cars interrupt the calm here. The lagoon is clear and calm for swimmers and snorkelers, and the surrounding cliffs are gorgeously rugged. Come in the morning and you may well be the only person there.

Hidden by vegetation but easy to reach via a dirt track, this cove has lovely calm waters and is known as “Lover’s Beach” for its rugged romance. Pack a picnic, propose or just fall in love with the ocean.

Named the valley because it’s squidged between two mountains, El Valle is a popular surfing spot as the waves can get quite big here.

An 8-mile stretch of beach on the northeast – punctuated with restaurants, beach shacks. The east side merges into Playa Punta Popy and Playa Portillo. Walk west, and you’ll eventually find yourself on Playa les Ballernas, Playa Bonita, and Playa Coson. One of our favourite hotels near Playa las Terrenas is Albachiara Beachfront Hotel & Residence.

If you’re a sucker for nice long beach walks, you’ll love this long stretch of sea, sand and palms. Need to cool down? Run into the water for some glee-inducing body surfing (or hire kit for bodyboarding or kite surfing). Keep walking and the waters become flatter and shallower. Worked up an appetite? Tuck into freshly caught and grilled fish and lobster at Luis Restaurant.

Just west of Las Terrenas and accurately named “Pretty Beach”, the Bonita is a charming curve of pale sand dotted with palms that merges onto Player Coson. Grass and vegetation lie behind, hiding a gaggle of luxury apartments. The brightest blue sea stretches out ahead - brushing against rocky outcrops and whipping up waves for surfers to the east, with calmer conditions to the west. Snorkelers will love the off-shore reef. Everyone will love the sunsets.

Easily reached from the town, this one’s named “the whale” beach after the shape of the rock formations offshore. The waves pick up a little from December to March which is surfing season, then the rest of the year is super calm and gentle. There’s a coral reef to explore underwater, or if you prefer to stay above the surface beach shacks offer kayak, boat and SUP hire. The western end tends to be a bit quieter – unless you’re here during Semana Santa (Easter break) when the whole place is known to be heaving.

East of the town, the tip of Punta Popy juts out into the ocean. Trade winds keep this beige sand beach breezy, and a favourite of kite boarders. In the mornings (sunrise is spectacular), the area’s quiet, later on and at weekends, the bars and restaurants are buzzing. One of the nearest hotels is Saman Boutique Hotel.

A bit more peaceful than the other Tarrenas beaches, Portillo’s made up of shallow waters, golden sands, and not much else – it’s perfect for walks as you can go on for miles. Kite boarders love it here too. Stay nearby at the Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo.

You’d be a mad not to visit really, when you look at this stunning, secluded suntrap on the middle of the peninsula’s north coast. Accessed by a wooded path, this often empty beach comes with glorious golden sands and see-through seat that seems to be all shades of blue. This is part of the pirate coast, where ancient cannons have stood for centuries on the seafront (though rumour has it Moron’s cannon was moved recently).

Near Playa Moron. Stop off here if you’re on the way back from the El Limon waterfall and haven’t quite had enough of mother nature’s masterwork yet. Golden sands go on for three miles, where you can spot the Cayo El Limon (AKA Cayo El Coquito or “small coconut”).

A public stretch of sand in Samana City – the main beach in the port. Lovely warm waters and fabulous views of the Bridge to Nowhere, which links cays that poke out of the water like green pompoms. Sit and sip cocktails from a coconut, and watch the world go by. Check out Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa in Playa Cayacoa.

If you fancy an escape from city life, treat yourself to a day pass for the private Cayenas del Mar beach club – the shining star of Playa Anadel. They keep this sandy beach ship shape, providing changing rooms, showers, loungers and a restaurant for guests. The water’s beautifully clear, with a dock you can leap off. A popular stop off for cruise ship guests.

Take a boat taxi from Samana port to the tiny ‘Bacardi’ island with its typically Caribbean white sand beaches, palms and clear waters. The public beach is on the eastern edge of the islet, the rest being taken up by resort and private beaches.