The Samaná Peninsula

The Samaná Peninsula, jutting into the Atlantic from the country's northeast, is one of the Dominican Republic's most beautiful and unspoilt regions, a lush realm of coconut palms, jungle-clad hills and gorgeous, less-developed beaches like Playa Rincon and Playa Fronton. Inland, a scenic ride leads to the tumbling El Limon waterfall. Above all, Samaná is world-renowned for whale watching: each winter humpbacks migrate by the thousand to the Dominican Republic's sanctuary waters, and hundreds enter Samaná Bay to mate and calve, offering one of the Caribbean's great wildlife spectacles.

What you actually see

• The humpback whales - the winter whale-watching in Samaná Bay.
• El Limón waterfall - the jungle waterfall reached by trail or horse.
• Playa Rincón - one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches.
• Los Haitises - the mangrove-and-cave national park across the bay.

When to go

December to April is the magical window when the humpback whales fill Samaná Bay, peaking in January to March; the same dry season is best for the beaches and weather. Whale-watching tours run from Samaná town in season and are a highlight not to be missed.

Honest expectations

The peninsula is greener and less developed than the big resort zones, which is its charm, but that also means rougher roads and fewer facilities in places, and the whale season is limited to winter. The El Limon trip can feel touristy. For lovely unspoilt beaches, a jungle waterfall and, in winter, the unforgettable spectacle of migrating humpback whales, though, Samaná is a Dominican highlight.

Nearby

The Los Haitises National Park and the north coast are close by.