Full-Day Samaná Waterfall Adventure and Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Tour from Punta Cana
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Basic level of fitness for short horseback rides, moderate walking on uneven terrain, and boardings on/off boats.
Overview
Spend a full day crossing Samaná Bay, riding to El Limón waterfall, and lounging on Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island). This full-day tour from Punta Cana mixes a short jungle horseback ride, a possible whale-watching boat crossing in season, and beachside rum and lunch.
Full-Day Samaná Waterfall Adventure and Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Tour from Punta Cana
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The bus eases out of Punta Cana before sunrise and the coastal road becomes a ribbon between green ridges and the Atlantic. By midmorning you’re bumping along a dirt ranch track with the smell of wet soil and citrus in the air; horses clip-clop nearby and the jungle closes in until El Salto del Limón appears — a vertical curtain of water dropping roughly 170 feet into a jade pool that dares you to jump in.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a dry bag
Protect camera, phone, and a light layer from spray during the bay crossing and waterfall swim.
Wear grippy shoes
Trail to El Limón includes slippery rocks and river crossings; closed-toe shoes with tread help prevent slips.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
You’ll spend time on sand and in shallow water on Cayo Levantado; choose reef-safe formulas to protect marine life.
Prepare for seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication before the boat crossing — conditions can get choppy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales (in season)
- Tropical birds like kingfishers and green jays
History
Samaná has deep Taino roots and later grew as a strategic sugar and banana-producing region; its cultural mix includes African, European, and immigrant influences.
Conservation
Local communities monitor whale-watch permits and trail access to limit erosion; use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid disturbing nesting birds on Cayo Levantado.
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Adventure Hotspots in Punta Cana
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe trail shoes
Grip on wet rocks and trails to reach the waterfall safely.
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Protect valuables during boat crossings and near the waterfall.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
You’ll want to swim at the waterfall and the island beach.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Sun protection for the beach and exposed boat ride.
summer specific