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 Virgin Voyages cruise
- 7-night MSC Cruises cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 7-night The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruise
- 7-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 7-night Virgin Voyages 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 Celebrity Cruises cruise
- 7-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 8-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night Royal Caribbean International cruise
- 9-night Celebrity Cruises 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
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
Onsite services
Playa Punta Popy
Quiet beach and a great place to swim.
Playa Rincon
Beautiful beach for sunning and swimming
Open now
Playa Cayo Levantado
Great beach, cristal water and awesome service.
Javo Beach La Playita
... relax, eat great local dishes, swim in transparently clear beach.
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Onsite services
Playa Las Ballenas
Soft white sand and clear waters.
Bahia Principe Escape Samana
Located in Samana it’s not too crowded and close by to fun adventures.
Salto El Limón
Onsite services
Porto by Mosquito
No doubt the best food I had in a month across the island.
Pueblo Principe
Good selection of everything at differing price points.
Open 24 hours
Restaurant Luis in Coson
Dine-in·Drive-through
Peninsula de Samana
Serene area with beaches & waterfalls
Le Tre Caravelle
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
ETNO Beach Club
Dine-in·Takeout
“Calolima” (Carlos Lima) Beach
Beautiful beach, crystal clear water, warm sand, perfect location.
SANTA BAHÍA KITCHEN & BAR
Best food BY FAR in Caribbean .. worth a flight just to eat here
Open now
Cascada Limón
Scenic waterfall & lush environment
Santorino
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Tierra y Mar
Dine-in·Takeout
Samaná Zipline, El Valle
Ziplining above the Dominican treehouse village was incredible!
Taberna Mediterranea Spanish Tavern & Restaurant
Dine-in·Takeout
Cafe Italia - Restaurant & Bar by waterfront Samana
Dine-in·Takeout
Pedestrian bridge
Playa Cayacoa - Playa Pública
Roped off swimming area.
Royal Snack Bar & Restaurant
Dine-in·Takeout
Bodega y Surtidora Samaná
The place is cramped, but you'll find the essentials.
Opens soon · 2 PM
Almacenes Chito
Delivery
Open · Closes 8 PM
Cayenas del Mar Beach Club - Samaná
D'Jose Pollo Al Carbón
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Restaurant Don Piron
They treat you like family and the food was the best food in the area.
Zabora Bistro
Dine-in·Takeout
Salto El Limon Samana Tours - El Limon Waterfalls
Onsite services
La Rumba de Samana
Dine-in·Curbside pickup
Bar Restaurante Ballena Blanca - Malecon Samana
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Whale Museum of Samana / Nature Center
Whale bones, migration exhibits & tours
Closed · Opens 9 AM Mon
Restaurant-Bar Moreno & Ruth, cayo levantado. “(Isla bacardi)” en Samaná
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Cafetería D’ Jariel Empanadas y más
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery
Cascada Lulu - Waterfall
Bamboula | Restaurante Samaná
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Samana Town Beach ~ Playa Cayacoa
Nice beach that has public access with a lot of parking.
D' Milagros Sazón
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No-contact delivery
Playa Lanza del Norte
Beautiful, remote, isolated beach.
Los Cacaos Samaná
Open now
Las Casitas de Colores | Plaza Pueblo Principe
Cafe del Mar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Samana
Delivery
Open 24 hours
Super Tienda Villacon
La plaza del coco
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Restaurante Hacienda Samaná Bay
Dine-in·Takeout
Letrero de Samaná
Alta Gama Drinks
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Pan de Coco Nancy
Dine-in·Takeout
Open now
Colego Beach Bar & Restaurant
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Paraíso Coffee Shop
Dine-in·Takeout
Antorcha Restaurant & Bar
Dine-in·Takeout
Runners Adventures Samana
Experience Samana Adventures
El Sabor del Patio 065 Samaná
Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery
Ysapau Cafe
Dine-in·Drive-through·Delivery
“El Parador” Buena Vista Restaurante
Great view, good food, cold beer ✌️
La Plazita Comercial Center
Open · Closes 6 PM
The Grand Samana Plaza
Open · Closes 10 PM
Samaná Shopping
D' Orchid Bar and Lounge
Dine-in
Cafe Sol El Encuentro
Dine-in·Takeout
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)
- Celebrity Cruises (6 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (5 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.