Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic: travel guide
Bohemian beach town on the green Samana Peninsula
Bohemian beach town on the lush Samana peninsula, gateway to the palm-fringed coves of Playa Rincon and Playa Bonita, the El Limon waterfall, Los Haitises mangroves and the winter humpback-whale grounds of Samana Bay.
About Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a relaxed beach town on the northern coast of the Samana Peninsula, in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. Palm-lined bays, small cafes and a village feel give it a calmer, more international character than the big resort areas, and the surrounding hills are green and wooded.
Playa Rincon and Playa Bonita are among the best-known beaches, with Playa Fronton reached by boat or along a coastal path. The Salto El Limon waterfall can be visited on a hike or horse-ride, and boat trips visit Los Haitises mangroves and Cayo Levantado. From January to March, humpback whales gather in Samana Bay.
Las Terrenas suits couples, nature lovers and travellers seeking a quiet beach base. The drier months from December to April are the best time to visit.
- Country
- Dominican Republic
- Currency
- DOP
- Time zone
- America/Santo_Domingo
- Nearest airport
- AZS
Last updated
Top places to visit in Las Terrenas
Salto El Limon
waterfall · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A 40m jungle waterfall in the hills above Samana, reached on foot or horseback through cacao and coffee groves to a swimmable emerald pool.
Playa Rincon
beach · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Regularly ranked among the world's best beaches: 3km of white sand backed by coconut palms and a cold freshwater river, framed by cliffs near Las Galeras.
Cayo Levantado
island beach · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A palm-covered islet in Samana Bay (the original Bacardi ad island) with two calm public beaches, reached by boat from Samana town.
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
national park · about 5 h · entry $100 (≈ ₹160)
A protected wilderness of mangrove channels, karst mogotes and Taino pictograph caves on Samana Bay, explored by boat with abundant birdlife.
Playa Bonita
beach · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A wide, breezy sweep of soft sand west of Las Terrenas with a handful of boutique hotels and beach restaurants — good for long walks and surf.
Playa Coson
beach · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A vast, near-empty crescent of pale sand and coconut palms west of Las Terrenas, famed for its sunsets and grilled-fish beach shacks.
Playa El Portillo
beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A calm palm-lined beach east of Las Terrenas beside a small airstrip, with reef snorkelling and quiet water.
Pueblo de los Pescadores
dining strip · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A cluster of old fishing shacks on the Las Terrenas seafront reborn as the town's dining-and-nightlife strip, packed with French, Italian and Dominican eateries.
Playa Fronton
beach · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
A remote cliff-backed cove near Las Galeras with a vivid coral reef, reachable only by boat or a rugged hike — prime snorkelling.
Puente Peatonal de Samana
bridge · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A whimsical chain of pedestrian bridges hopping between islets across Santa Barbara de Samana's bay, offering pretty harbour views.
Things to do
- Salto El Limon Waterfall Hike & Horseback Nature · 3 h · from USD 45 per person
- Los Haitises National Park Boat Excursion Boat · 6 h · from USD 75 per person
- Humpback Whale Watching in Samana Bay Boat · 4 h · from USD 65 per person
- Playa Rincon Boat & Beach Day Boat · 6 h · from USD 70 per person
- Cayo Levantado & Los Haitises Combo Boat · 8 h · from USD 95 per person
- Samana Peninsula ATV Beach Tour Adventure · 4 h · from USD 60 per person
Day trips and tours
- Samana Whales & Cayo Levantado 8 h · from USD 110
- Los Haitises Nature Day Trip 7 h · from USD 80
Where to stay in Las Terrenas
- Las Terrenas (Pueblo de los Pescadores) about DOP 130 per night
The lively town centre by the beach and dining strip, walkable to shops, bars and boutique hotels.
- Playa Bonita about DOP 150 per night
A tranquil beach a short ride from town with boutique hotels and long walks at sunset.
- Las Galeras about DOP 90 per night
A remote fishing village at the peninsula's tip, the gateway to Playa Rincon and Fronton.
Hotels
- Hotel Alisei 4-star · USD 110 to USD 240 per night
- Hotel Playa Colibri 3-star · USD 70 to USD 150 per night
- The Peninsula House 5-star · USD 500 to USD 900 per night
- Viva Wyndham V Samana 4-star · USD 170 to USD 360 per night
- Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences 5-star · USD 250 to USD 620 per night
Where to eat
- La Terrasse French, Seafood, International · about USD 35 per person
- Mi Corazon European, Fusion, Fine Dining · about USD 60 per person
- La Yuca Caliente Spanish, Mediterranean, Seafood · about USD 30 per person
- El Cabito Seafood, Caribbean · about USD 28 per person
- The Beach Restaurant Playa Bonita Seafood, International · about USD 30 per person
- Restaurante Luis Coson Seafood, Dominican · about USD 15 per person
Getting to Las Terrenas
Airport: Samana (AZS)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Scooter Rental
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Dominican Republic
Frequently asked questions about Las Terrenas
- What are the main places to visit in Las Terrenas?
- Places covered in our Las Terrenas guide include Salto El Limon, Playa Rincon, Cayo Levantado, Parque Nacional Los Haitises, Playa Bonita.
- Where should I stay in Las Terrenas?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Las Terrenas: Las Terrenas (Pueblo de los Pescadores), Playa Bonita, Las Galeras.
- How do I get around Las Terrenas?
- Ways to get around Las Terrenas covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Scooter rental, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Las Terrenas?
- The nearest airport to Las Terrenas has the code AZS.