Full-Day Samaná Adventure: Cayo Bacardi (Cayo Levantado) & Los Haitises from Punta Cana
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
14 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
You should have a moderate fitness level—able to board small boats, navigate a few steps and stand for several hours.
Overview
A single day that threads together karst islands, Taino cave art, and a postcard-perfect beach. This full‑day boat trip from Punta Cana brings Los Haitises National Park’s mangrove labyrinth and Cayo Levantado’s six shades of blue into one memorable itinerary.
Full-Day Samaná Adventure: Cayo Bacardi (Cayo Levantado) & Los Haitises from Punta Cana
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The morning starts before dawn in Punta Cana: a shuttle hums through sleepy resorts, headlights carving a route toward the peninsula. By the time the boat slips free of the mangrove-fringed shore the horizon has already brightened — the sea easing you into motion as gulls keep pace.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Pick-up is pre-dawn for a long full-day schedule; expect a return late in the evening—plan transportation accordingly.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
The sun on open water is strong and shade is limited on the island; protect skin and bring polarized sunglasses for clearer snorkeling views.
Waterproof essentials
Carry a small dry bag for your phone, documents, and any cash—boat decks and small waves make wet gear likely.
Respect cave sites
Some caves contain Taino pictographs—don’t touch the rock art and follow your guide’s rules to protect these cultural resources.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- frigatebird
- brown pelican
History
Los Haitises displays Taino rock art and was historically a refuge for indigenous people and later for mariners; the area’s name reflects its rugged, maze-like terrain.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize low-impact visits: stay on marked paths, avoid touching cave art, and use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and marine life.
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Adventure Hotspots in Punta Cana
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Protects electronics and documents from splashes and sand.
Sturdy water shoes or reef sandals
Makes boarding small boats and walking rocky island edges easier and safer.
summer specific
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
Provides sun protection on the boat without overheating.
spring specific
Snorkel mask (optional)
A personal mask fits better than rental gear for clearer snorkeling around the island.
summer specific