In the Samaná peninsula, internal travel is mainly by taxi (USD 10-30 depending on distance) or motoconcho (local motorcycle taxi, USD 2-5 the short trip, authentic experience but low safety for long distances). Scooter hire (€25-35/day at Las Terrenas) is the best freedom option — useful to reach Playa Bonita, Playa Coson, El Limón from Las Terrenas. Car hire (€35-55/day, agencies at AZS, Las Terrenas, Samaná Town) is useful for independent travellers — beware of mid-quality secondary roads.
Access to Samaná from Europe is via three routes. Direct flight to El Catey (AZS): international airport in the south-west of the peninsula (40 min from Las Terrenas, 1h from Samaná Town), few scheduled flights, seasonal charters (Air Transat, TUI Fly, Iberojet) mainly in high season. Return fares €600-1,100.
Flight to Santo Domingo (SDQ) + 2h30-3h transfer via the Northeast highway: practical option if combining Samaná with a cultural visit to the capital. Caribe Tours bus SDQ-Samaná USD 15 (4h via El Catey cableway), private taxi USD 180-220 for 4 people (2h30).
Flight to Punta Cana (PUJ) + 3h-3h30 transfer: more complex requiring a long drive. Caribe Tours bus PUJ-Samaná USD 20-25 (4h via Santo Domingo or directly along the coast), private taxi USD 220-260 for 4 people (3h-3h30). Tricky but possible if combining with a Punta Cana stay.
In the peninsula, guaguas (shared minibuses, USD 1-3) link the villages but are uncomfortable. Official taxis and scooter or car hire are preferable for tourists.
Read also
- Samaná, capital of the peninsula — Whale bay, Cayo Levantado, base for humpback whale watching.
- Dominican Republic — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Punta Cana and the East — The all-inclusive beach option to combine for a complete trip.
- Santo Domingo and the South — The UNESCO cultural dimension to combine with Samaná for a balanced trip.