El Limón Waterfall & Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Day Tour — Samaná, Dominican Republic
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Good for anyone with moderate fitness: short uphill/downhill hikes, a 20–30 minute horseback ride, and the ability to climb uneven trails.
Overview
Combine the Caribbean calm of Cayo Levantado with the raw pulse of El Limón waterfall on a full-day tour from Samaná. Expect a scenic boat ride, beach time with a buffet lunch, then a ranch horseback ride and a steep walk to a striking 40–50m cascade.
El Limón Waterfall & Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Day Tour — Samaná, Dominican Republic
Select participants and date
The morning boat cuts a clean line across Samaná Bay and the breeze quickly strips the heat from your skin. On deck, the island—Cayo Levantado, locally known as Bacardí Island—appears like a green coin tipped against the sea: palms leaning, sand bright as bone. Later, the truck grinds up a dusty road into the hinterland and you trade salt for jungle; horses wait at the ranch, patient and sure-footed, ready to thread you toward the thunder of El Limón.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Shoes for both reef and rocks
Bring closed water shoes or sturdy sandals—the beach has coral flats and the waterfall pool has slippery stones.
Bring a dry bag
Protect your camera and phone from spray on the falls and from boat splashes on the ride to the island.
Hydrate and pace yourself
It’s a long day in heat and humidity—carry at least 1–2 liters of water and take breaks during the horse ride and hikes.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before swimming to reduce impact on coral and local marine life.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Reef fish (parrotfish and sergeant majors)
History
The Samaná Peninsula has a diverse cultural heritage shaped by Taino survivors, African-descended communities and 19th-century migrations; Cayo Levantado was popularized by tourism in the late 20th century.
Conservation
Local guides encourage reef-safe sunscreen and discourage walking on coral; maintain distance from nesting shorebirds and dispose of waste at designated bins.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Samaná
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed water shoes
Protects feet on coral flats, slippery rocks, and the waterfall pool.
summer specific
Dry bag (small)
Keeps electronics and a spare shirt safe from spray and boat spray.
Reusable water bottle (1–2 L)
Refillable hydration is vital in heat and humidity—pack extra for the day.
Reef-safe sunscreen & hat
Protects skin and minimizes damage to fragile reef ecosystems.
summer specific