Excursions from Las Terrenas: whales, Los Haitises, El Limón and vehicle rental
Las Terrenas is a good starting point to explore the Samaná peninsula: the whale bay, the islets of Los Haitises, El Limón waterfall, beaches you can only reach by boat. Here are the outings we recommend to our guests, and how to arrange them.
The humpback whales of Samaná Bay
January 15 to March 30 · a half-day boat trip
Every winter, North Atlantic humpback whales, some of which spend the summer off Canada, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Newfoundland, travel down to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth. Samaná Bay is one of their gathering places, and whale watching is only allowed there from January 15 to March 30. You will often see mothers with their calves, and sometimes breaches, when the males compete with each other.
Trips leave in the morning, with pick-up at the villa: allow half a day, including 2 h 30 to 3 h 30 at sea depending on the sightings. If you can, choose a trip with no stop at Cayo Levantado, so that all the boat time is devoted to the whales; on some days, a hydrophone even lets you hear the males singing. Places are limited: book as soon as your dates are set. The trip is not suitable for babies.
Los Haitises National Park
A full day · speedboat from Sánchez · meal included
Across Samaná Bay, Los Haitises is a national park of mangroves, caves and forest-covered islets rising from the water by the dozen. You visit it by speedboat, for about three hours: the mangrove, where small crabs scurry over the roots of the mangrove trees, the bird island (pelicans, frigatebirds, herons) and caves decorated with paintings left by the Taíno, the island's first inhabitants.
From Las Terrenas, the most convenient departure point is Sánchez: crossing the bay takes only about twenty minutes, compared with three quarters of an hour from Samaná, which means more time in the park. Trips usually include the park entrance and a Dominican buffet on the way back. Bring closed shoes, a hat and a rain jacket.
El Limón waterfall
A morning · about a 45-minute walk each way
Near the village of El Limón, the waterfall drops into a pool in the heart of the tropical forest, in a nature reserve that no vehicle may enter. You can go up on horseback or on foot. On foot, allow about 45 minutes each way on a stony path through the plantations: a chance to discover the crops and plants of the region. Leave early to arrive before the crowds and swim at the foot of the falls.
The path is rocky: better to skip it if you have weak knees or ankles. Bring good walking shoes, a swimsuit and a towel.
ATV safari: countryside, coffee and cocoa
A morning · departs from El Limón · no experience needed
To see the Dominican countryside up close, nothing beats an ATV safari from El Limón: the route crosses villages, plantations and rivers to wild beaches, with a swim along the way. Many trips include a stop with a family who let you taste the coffee and cocoa they grow. Led by guides at a moderate pace, they suit beginners; with pick-up at the villa, you avoid driving on busy roads.
Playa Frontón and Playa Rincón, by boat
A full day · departs from Las Galeras · meal included
The big day on the list. You drive to Las Galeras, at the tip of the peninsula (about 1 h 30 by road), from where a speedboat heads to Playa Frontón, a beach no road leads to. The water is clear for snorkeling. On the way to Playa Rincón, a swimming stop at Playa Aserradero often brings sightings of sea turtles. Lunch is at Rincón: fish, shrimp, or lobster in season. To reach Playa Rincón on your own, see our guide The beaches of Las Terrenas.
The Samaná zip line
A morning · in the mountains of El Valle
In the mountains of El Valle, twelve cables stretched between two mountains let you fly over the forest. The descent takes about an hour, in a small group. Bring closed shoes.
For large groups: a private catamaran
A full day · Samaná and Cayo Levantado
For an extended family or a group of friends, a sailing catamaran can be rented for the day from Samaná: snorkeling around a shipwreck that has become home to many fish, sailing to the island of Cayo Levantado, lunch on the beach, then back to Samaná.
The excursions at a glance
| Excursion | When | Length | Indicative price per adult |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humpback whales | January 15 to March 30 | Half a day | US$90 |
| Los Haitises | Wednesday and Saturday | A full day | US$90 |
| El Limón waterfall | Every day | A morning | US$55 |
| ATV safari | Every day | A morning | US$120 for 1 person, US$160 for 2 |
| Frontón and Rincón | Monday and Thursday | A full day | US$100 |
| Samaná zip line | Every day, from 6 participants | A morning | US$100 |
| Private catamaran | Subject to availability | A full day | US$1,800 up to 12 people |
Prices listed in October 2026 by our partner Flora Tours, in US dollars, including transport from the villa, given as a guide. The 18% tax (ITBIS) is added, except for the catamaran. Reduced rate for children on most trips.
Good to know before booking
- Pick-up at the villa: most trips include transport from Las Terrenas.
- From January to March, book the whales early: places go quickly.
- Cancellation: check the conditions when you book. Late cancellations are usually not refunded, and rain is not a reason for cancellation.
- In your bag: sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle and a light rain jacket, even when the sky is clear.
- Carry a little cash for tips and purchases on site.
Rent a vehicle and explore at your own pace
Between two guided excursions, a vehicle lets you reach the beaches far from the village whenever it suits you: Morón for a day trip, El Portillo for a morning, Playa Rincón for a big day out. In the village, you can rent cars by the day (from small city cars to SUVs), ATVs, buggy-style side-by-sides, motorcycles and scooters, with delivery possible to the villa or the airport.
| Vehicle | For | From, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter | Getting around the village, Playa Bonita, Playa Cosón | US$30 |
| ATV | Country roads and nearby beaches | US$50 |
| Small car | Morón, El Portillo, grocery runs | US$60 |
| SUV | Playa Rincón and bumpier roads, with the family | US$70 |
| Side-by-side (buggy) | Dirt tracks, with a group | US$140 |
Prices listed in October 2026 by our partner Richard Rent Car, in US dollars, before the 10% discount for our guests. Fuel and delivery extra, depending on the case.
- 21 years old minimum, with a valid driver's license (from your country or international) and a passport.
- A credit card: it is the usual payment method, and it is used for the security deposit when one is required.
- Fuel: the vehicle is handed over with a full tank and must be returned full; otherwise, the missing fuel is charged.
- Insurance: ask what the included insurance covers when you book.
On the road, drive in daylight until you know the route, and keep your distance from motorcycles, which are numerous.
Our partners in the village
Excursions: Flora Tours. Based in Las Terrenas for more than eighteen years, this agency runs its own trips, in small groups, with pick-up at the villa and guides who speak English, French and Spanish.
Book on flora-tours.com
Vehicle rental: Richard Rent Car. In the village since 1996, on Calle Libertad. 10% off for our guests when you mention Villas Riviera as you book.
See the Richard Rent Car vehiclesTo plan the rest of your stay, see our guides The beaches of Las Terrenas, Getting to Las Terrenas and Village life.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see humpback whales from Las Terrenas?
From January 15 to March 30, the only period when whale watching is allowed in Samaná Bay. Trips leave in the morning, with pick-up at the villa, for half a day. Places are limited: book as soon as your dates are set.
Which excursions can you do from Las Terrenas?
The most popular: humpback whale watching (January to March), Los Haitises National Park by boat, El Limón waterfall, an ATV safari in the countryside, a boat day to Playa Frontón and Playa Rincón, the Samaná zip line and, for groups, a private catamaran to Cayo Levantado. Most include transport from your villa.
How do you get 10% off at Richard Rent Car?
Villas Riviera guests get 10% off vehicle rentals at Richard Rent Car, in Las Terrenas, by mentioning Villas Riviera when they book.
What do you need to rent a vehicle in Las Terrenas?
Be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license (from your country or international), a passport and a credit card. The vehicle is usually handed over with a full tank and must be returned full; it can be delivered to your villa or to the airport, with fees depending on the location.
