Currency
Dominican Peso (DOP)
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
AST (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Dec–Mar
Typical Duration
7-8.5 nights
Price Range
$402.50-$8,640 per person
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
Yes
Samaná is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Samaná Peninsula, pristine beaches, and as a gateway to whale watching season when humpback whales migrate to the region.
Cruises that visit Samaná
- cruises to Samaná
- Samaná sailings
- Samaná cruises
- 6-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 9-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 9-night Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 12-night Silversea cruise
- 14-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 14-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 16-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 16-night Explora Journeys cruise
Build Your Day in Samaná
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Samaná Boardwalk
The mandatory seaside avenue to visit when you go to Samaná.
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Beautiful national park in the Samana peninsula of Dominican Republic.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Playa Las Ballenas
More beautiful beach in Samaná
Bahia Principe Escape Samana
Plenty of wardrobe space and shelves.
Salto El Limón
A must-visit if you’re in the Samaná area!
Porto by Mosquito
The "must-go-to" place in las Terrenas, Samaná in the Dominican Republic.
Pueblo Principe
Can buy anything from fresh vegetables,meat to clothes and electronics.
Open 24 hours
Peninsula de Samana
Beautiful place amazing Dominican people
Le Tre Caravelle
Le Tre Caravelle is the best restaurant in Las Terrenas.
ETNO Beach Club
The best place to enjoy the evening in the Dominican Republic.
SANTA BAHÍA KITCHEN & BAR
We had dinner there twice during our 3 night stay in Samaná.
Cascada Limón
This was one of the main highlights of the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Tree House Village
Would highly recommend to first-time Dominican Republic travelers.
Santorino
The Best Restaurant in Samana, good service and great food.
Samaná Zipline, El Valle
Very fun, very security, don't miss it if you go to Samaná
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Royal Snack Bar & Restaurant
Dine-in·Takeout
Bodega y Surtidora Samaná
The place is cramped, but you'll find the essentials.
Closes soon · 7 PM
Almacenes Chito
Good variety.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Cayenas del Mar Beach Club - Samaná
Very nice and pleasant place at the Samana's bay
Restaurant Don Piron
Truly one of the best meals we had in El Valle, Samaná.
Bar Restaurante Ballena Blanca - Malecon Samana
Our friend said her Pina Colada was the best she had the whole trip!
Whale Museum of Samana / Nature Center
Whale bones, migration exhibits & tours
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Restaurant-Bar Moreno & Ruth, cayo levantado. “(Isla bacardi)” en Samaná
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Salto El Limon Samana Tours - El Limon Waterfalls
An incredible experience and a must-see in Samana!
Bamboula | Restaurante Samaná
My new number one in St. Barbara de Samaná.
Los Cacaos Samaná
Tourism-free authentic fishing village.
Las Casitas de Colores
This view is breathtaking and the place is well kept, very clean.
Super Tienda Villacon
I shopped at Villacon regularly during my time in Samana.
Samana
But whale watching is good.
Restaurante Hacienda Samaná Bay
Easily the best restaurant in Santa Barbara de Samaná.
Alta Gama Drinks
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Runners Adventures Samana
We also saw the Monkeys and it was super fun!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Experience Samana Adventures
Samana Adventures truly exceeded my expectations.
Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
La Plazita Comercial Center
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Grand Samana Plaza
Open · Closes 10 PM
Samaná Shopping
Good prices i like the people there
Wilson Gift Shop Samana
This is one of Samanas finest!
Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
D' Orchid Bar and Lounge
Dine-in
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Samaná
Samaná has emerged as a vibrant Caribbean cruise destination, with seven major cruise lines including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages calling at this Dominican port. While primarily a port of call, Samaná welcomes over 50 cruises annually, with most itineraries featuring 7-night voyages that combine this charming locale with other Caribbean favorites like Coco Cay, Puerto Plata, and La Romana. The port's popularity peaks during the winter months from November through March, making it an ideal escape for those seeking warm-weather cruising.
Stepping ashore in Samaná, cruise passengers discover a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere distinct from busier ports. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches and the famous Samaná Bay, where visitors can experience the area's unique coastal charm. Whether you're seeking relaxation, water activities, or a taste of authentic Dominican culture, Samaná offers a refreshing complement to any Caribbean cruise itinerary.
Stepping ashore in Samaná, cruise passengers discover a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere distinct from busier ports. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches and the famous Samaná Bay, where visitors can experience the area's unique coastal charm. Whether you're seeking relaxation, water activities, or a taste of authentic Dominican culture, Samaná offers a refreshing complement to any Caribbean cruise itinerary.
Cruise Lines at Samaná
- Royal Caribbean International (36 cruises)
- MSC Cruises (12 cruises)
- Virgin Voyages (8 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (5 cruises)
- Celebrity Cruises (4 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (3 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (3 cruises)
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (3 cruises)
- Silversea (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Samaná
Cruises Visiting Samaná
Ship Schedule at Samaná
Samaná Location
Other Cruise Ports in Dominican Republic
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Samaná a unique destination?
Samaná combines dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, and a wildlife-rich bay, plus thriving local culture and modern resorts.
When is the best time for whale watching in Samaná?
Mid-January to late March is peak whale-watching season in the bay.
How can I reach Samaná from Santo Domingo?
A toll road takes about 2 to 2.5 hours; El Catey International Airport near Las Terrenas offers JetBlue service.
What are must-see places in Samaná?
Las Terrenas for beaches and dining, Samaná town for whale watching, and Los Haitises National Park.