Once a fishing village and now one of travelers’ favorite destinations, Las Terrenas has kept its laid-back vibe. On the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula, it’s the ideal base to explore the wildest region of the Dominican Republic. We run most of our Samaná tours from here: here are our tips.
Enjoy the beaches of Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is lined with long, light-sand beaches and coconut palms. Playa Las Ballenas, Punta Popy, Playa Bonita or Playa Cosón: each has its own atmosphere, from the lively village beach to quieter stretches further away.
The best tours from Las Terrenas
Watch humpback whales
From mid-January to mid-March, humpback whales come to breed in Samaná Bay. Our whale watching trip leaves from Las Terrenas with a guide. Duration: morning, 8 am to 12 pm.
Hike to El Limón waterfall
A few kilometers from the village, a walk through the rainforest leads to this spectacular waterfall. The El Limón hike, morning from 8 am to 12 pm, lunch included.
Reach the wild beaches by boat
Some of the peninsula’s most beautiful beaches are reached by boat, such as Playa Ermitaño or Playa Frontón. Our boat day to Samaná’s 3 most beautiful beaches combines Playa Frontón, Playita and Playa Rincón. Playita and Playa Rincón can also be reached by car, ideal if you rent a vehicle.
Explore Los Haitises National Park
Mangroves, rocky islets and caves with Taíno petroglyphs, by boat from Samaná Bay. The Los Haitises tour, half a day.
ATV or zip line
For thrill seekers: the coffee and cocoa ATV safari on country trails, or the zip line over the jungle.
Take a merengue and bachata class
Merengue and bachata are part of the Dominican soul. We offer a dance class at a local academy in Las Terrenas with Dominican teachers: a joyful way to share a moment with locals, and then shine on the village dance floors. Book this activity by contacting us.
Discover coffee and cocoa plantations
In the hills around Las Terrenas, some families still grow coffee and cocoa the traditional way. We take you to meet them, discover the plantation from pod to chocolate, and taste the products on site. Book this activity by contacting us.
Everyday life in Las Terrenas
In the evening, the Pueblo de los Pescadores, a former fishing village turned dining spot, gathers seafood restaurants and bars right on the sand. The cosmopolitan atmosphere makes life there very easy for a first trip.
How to get to Las Terrenas?
By plane: El Catey airport
El Catey airport, Samaná’s airport, is about a 30-minute drive from Las Terrenas. It’s the most convenient option if your flight lands there. Otherwise, Las Terrenas is about a 2.5-hour drive from Santo Domingo.
With a private driver
We organize your transfers with a private driver from El Catey airport, Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, and can include Las Terrenas in a Samaná tour or a tailor-made itinerary.
By rental car
Prefer total freedom? Holaqueya offers car rental so you can explore the peninsula at your own pace, all the way to Playita and Playa Rincón. Contact us to book it with your stay.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Las Terrenas?
Las Terrenas is a village on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula, in the north-east of the Dominican Republic, about 30 minutes from El Catey airport and a 2.5-hour drive from Santo Domingo.
Which airport for Las Terrenas?
The closest airport is El Catey, Samaná’s airport, about a 30-minute drive away. You can also arrive via Santo Domingo, about 2.5 hours away.
When to go to Las Terrenas?
December to April for dry weather, and mid-January to mid-March to see humpback whales in Samaná Bay.
What to do around Las Terrenas?
El Limón waterfall, beaches like Playa Ermitaño, Playa Frontón, Playita and Playa Rincón, Los Haitises National Park, whale watching, a merengue and bachata class or a visit to coffee and cocoa plantations.
Can you rent a car in Las Terrenas?
Yes, Holaqueya offers car rental to explore the Samaná Peninsula freely. Playita and Playa Rincón can be reached by car.