Things to do — Samaná Peninsula

Samaná concentrates the Dominican Republic's major nature experiences. Humpback whale watching (January-March, €75-90/person) — the season's absolute must-do. Recommended operators: Whale Samaná (Kim Beddall, world ecotourism references, on-board biologists, hydrophones, 95%+ sighting rate), Mister Sand (reliable local alternative). Departure from Samaná Town port 8am or 1pm, return 12pm or 5pm.

El Limón waterfall (€30-50/person, half day) — horse or foot hike 30-45 min through tropical jungle from El Limón village. Guided excursions leave from Las Terrenas (10 min drive to El Limón). Swimming at the foot of the falls (40 m, natural pool).

Cayo Levantado (€25-40/person, half or full day) — boat from Samaná Town port (20 min crossing), paradise beach on small bay island, beach restaurant, snorkelling. Avoid cruise ship call days (Tuesday-Thursday in high season, up to 1,500 cruise passengers landing).

Los Haitises National Park (€50-80/person, full day) — boat excursion from Sabana de la Mar or Sánchez through mangroves and karst islets, visit Taíno caves with petroglyphs, bird watching (frigates, pelicans, ibises). One of the country's most beautiful nature experiences.

Exceptional beaches: Rincón (3 km of wild white sand, from Las Galeras), Playita (next to Rincón, more intimate), Playa Madama (accessible by boat from Las Galeras, totally preserved), Playa Frontón (dead-end beach, 1h hike from Las Galeras), Playa Bonita and Playa Coson at Las Terrenas (more accessible and touristy but magnificent).

Water sports: kitesurfing and windsurfing at Playa Coson (Las Terrenas, excellent conditions January-June, Kite Costanera, Vela Samaná schools, €200-300 the week's lessons). Diving and snorkelling from Las Galeras (preserved reefs, Cabo Cabrón, La Tortuga). Deep-sea fishing (€250-400 the half-day outing).

Cultural visits: organic cacao plantations (Las Terrenas and Samaná, tasting and direct purchase, €15-25/person with visit), El Limón pueblo (traditional rural village), Samaná Town fish market (authentic local atmosphere in the morning), fishing port to observe fishing returns.

Gastronomy: Las Terrenas concentrates the peninsula's best gourmet restaurants — La Yuca Caliente (Franco-Dominican fusion cuisine, €35-55/person), Mosquito Art Bar (creative and arty, €25-45), Big Dan (renowned Italian, €25-40), El Cayuco (seafood cuisine, €30-50). At Las Galeras, more rustic atmosphere but quality present — El Cabito (Spanish cuisine, €30-45). At Samaná Town, popular local restaurants (€10-20).