After meeting your friendly local guide at the pier, make your way to the powerboat, which is waiting approximately 5-8 minutes from the cruise pier on foot.

Setting out into the blue Samana waters, begin your search for magnificent humpback whales. Each winter, the whales journey from the North Atlantic to the Samana Bay to give birth to their calves. From your waterside seat, survey the waters for sights of these gentle giants. Pass by the famous Cayo Levantado island (sometimes called Bacardi Island) and take in the spectacular views of the mountains surrounding Samana Bay. Beer and soda will be available for purchase on the boat (not included). Depending on the whales, your time on the boat may be up to two hours.

Once your journey has come to an end, you will be taken back to the small boat pier where you began. It is a five-minute walk back to the cruise pier via an open-air market.

Offering the same views as the famous Playa Rincon, but reached in half the time, La Playita is the perfect spot for guests looking to get away from the crowded cruise lines’ beach.

After boarding your transportartion at the pier, travel approximately 35 minutes to La Playita, located near the sleepy little fishing town of Las Galeras. The water here is just like what you see on postcards, and the panorama of mountains that stretch out into the ocean will surely take up one of your camera’s digital memory cards.

During your free time at the beach, a typical Dominican buffet of fish and chicken is provided. Drinks on the beach are included in the price of your tour, however, drinks served inside the restaurant are not included and are served at an additional charge.

As preferences can vary when it comes to how you spend your time at the beach, all other items are provided on an a la carte basis so you can create your own customized perfect day at the beach. Lounge chairs are available to rent for $5 US and massages are available right on the beach for $25 US (half-hour) or $50 US (full hour).

La Playita is one of the best places on the whole peninsula to snorkel, as the reef creates a natural breakwater that keeps the water calm. Feel free to bring your own snorkel gear, or you can rent it for $15 US.

There is a dive shop right on the beach that can usually set up a dive for you (not included and pricing varies), allowing you to see the manta rays and a host of other marine life not far off the beach.

Escape the mobbed cruise line tours on this exclusive small-group Samana orientation with no more than 16 guests per guide. Get a real feel for the island through a local’s perspective.

After meeting your friendly local guide, you will ride to a typical village in an open-air safari vehicle. Enjoy a presentation of local items that you can sample, including local fruits, nuts, moonshine and some locally-grown and processed hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is unique and tasty – it’s like tapping a chocolate tree! Bring along a little spending money, as you will have time in the community co-op/gift shop to purchase cocoa or other local products to take home.

Next, you will pass through a very small town that houses a hand-rolled cigar factory. A stop will be made at the cigarfactory if it is open on the day of your tour.

Next, head down a bumpy dirt road to reach a semi-secluded natural beach, where you can take in stunning views of the mountains diving into the ocean. Although the beach is not safe for swimming, the views of its natural beauty are not to be missed. Enjoy a typical Dominican buffet, consisting of fresh fish and chicken, served on the beach with as much local beer, soda and water as you can drink (and maybe even some local rum!).

After lunch, take a 10-minute walk from the parking area along a fairly moderate trail to the Lulu Waterfalls. Local kids will be on-hand to assist those guests needing help navigating the trail or crossing the river via 6-8 sandbags. If you accept their help, a dollar tip is suggested for services rendered. They do not beg for handouts. Enjoy approximately 20 minutes of free time at Lulu Watefalls to take a quick swim, jump from the rocks above into the water, or just sit and enjoy the setting.