Favorite Things To Do in Las Terrenas
There is just so much to see and to do in Las Terrenas and the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. We suggest that you plan ahead to enjoy as much as possible of our paradise destination. Below we created a list of the most favorite things to do. This should help your discovery…
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- Whale Watching
The Atlantic Humpback whale’s mating and birthing season is between mid-January and the end of March. Samana Bay is their breeding ground. Each year, about 2 thousand whales travel there to reproduce. The DR government has designated this area a sanctuary for whales, with several regulations in place to protect them.
- El Limon Excursion
El Salto del Limon (Limon Waterfall) is a spectacular 55-meter cascading crystalline waters, forming a beautiful natural pool at the basin. It is visited by thousands of eco tourists each year. Tours usually last 4 hours. We recommend you hire a local guide, who will take you to Limon. Choose your adventure by a nice walk or a ride of one or two hours on a donkey/mule/horse through a dense tropical moist forest.
- Fine Dining and Haute Cuisine
Las Terrenas is home to one of the Dominican Republic’s most refined dining scenes. This is mainly due to decades of high‑end European immigration, a cosmopolitan expat community, and a concentration of skilled chefs who maintain international culinary standards. (Las Terrenas has over 6,000 international residents from more than 20 countries.)
- Playa Bonita Beach Day Trip
Playa Bonita is a great place to spend an entire day taking long walks and stopping to dine at any of the restaurants right on the beach. Yes, just walk along the beach in either direction; at the far end to the right, there is a lovely little beach with hardly any waves. That beach is famous for surfing. You can park for free and walk to the beach.
- ATV / Quad (4-Wheeler) Riding
Explore the stunning landscapes of Las Terrenas and Samaná on four wheelers. Awesome adventure, which is also perfect for beginners and casual riders. Easy to handle and great for exploring beaches and easy trails.
- Snorkeling and Diving
Sign up with any of the numerous diving/snorkeling excursions, such as Dive Academy, to go on their charter for snorkeling/diving and visit undeveloped Playa Jackson.
- Fishing Trip
Las Terrenas has world-class deep-sea and sport fishing in nutrient-rich Atlantic Ocean waters. The area is renowned for its diverse marine ecosystem, where anglers target prized species like Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and Marlin. The various fishing, snorkeling, diving, and special Samana tours leave from right in front, just a minute walk. You can see the boats from our terrace. (I am working to organize deals with reliable, trusted excursion partners.)
- Sunset Beach Walk
Las Terrenas is famous for long palm beaches, calm waters, and open west-facing skies. This is the perfect recipe for a bright, dramatic sunsets framed by palm silhouettes . Friendly photo advice… try to arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset time — the best colors often happen before the sun touches the horizon. But remember to stay after sunset, as the sky often turns pink, violet, and gold.
- Night Life – Dancing & Bar Hopping
Enjoy tropical drinks and dancing in any of the oceanfront clubs with international music. Maybe, take Latin dance classes (bachata, merengue, salsa, etc.). Where? At nearby Etno Beach Club, which sometimes turns into an outdoor dance party on the beach, or on the roof of multi-level El Mosquito Art Bar.
- Dudú Lagoon
Laguna Dudú is a stunning cenote eco-adventure park famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, intriguing underground caves, exhilarating zipline jumps, and lush tropical surroundings. One of DR’s most unique destinations and is located nearby Cabrera.
- Laguna Gri-Gri
Laguna Gri-Gri is one of DR’s major bird sanctuaries, set along a peaceful lagoon flanked by thick mangroves. Take a boat ride along this mystical lagoon and then narrow channels at any time of the day, and at sunset to see egrets and vultures soaring and chirping loudly above the mangroves.
- Las Galeras & Cayo Levantado
Day trip to drive through beautiful scenic mountain views to Las Galeras at end of Samaná Peninsula. Then take a boat ride to Cayo Levantado island. Cayo Levantado is the realization of a true tropical paradise.
- Los Haitises National Park
Day trip to Los Haitises National Park to see the the historic artworks of the indigenous Taíno people found in caves. This will be a true ecological tour to get to know the countryside, rainforests, and jungles of the Dominican Republic. This was the filming location for the Jurassic Park movie.
- Virgin Beaches Outing kitesurfing
Hire a local taxi and go out visiting various beautiful untouched swimmable beaches. You can get away and truly immerse yourself and relax within authentic and stunning natural beauty.
- Kitesurfing / Surfing / Paddleboarding / Kayaking
Spend the day at Playa Punta Popy, Playa Bonita, or Playaa Las Ballenas surfing, kitesurfing, and/or stand-up paddleboarding. There are training schools too. At end of Playa Las Ballenas, there are kayak rentals.
- Ziplining
You may consider zip lining. To be clear, we have never been ziplining yet. But we have heard of Samaná Zipline near El Valle. This is also on the Samana Peninsula.
- Horseback Riding
Arrange for horseback riding tour. This is offered in various areas, including El Limon waterfall.
