Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Samaná: Mangroves, Caves and Bacardí Island Beach
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers with basic mobility; some stepping on and off small boats and walking on uneven cave edges required.
Overview
Cross Samaná Bay to Los Haitises National Park for mangrove channels, Taino pictographs and concentrated birdlife, then finish on the powder sands of Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island). This 6–8 hour boat day pairs natural history with a beach lunch — ideal for cruise passengers with limited time.
Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado Day Trip from Samaná: Mangroves, Caves and Bacardí Island Beach
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The boat slips away from Samaná’s cruise pier and the harbor’s chatter falls behind you. Salt spray fills the air and the coastline loosens into a horizon of limestone islands tufted with mangroves. Within forty minutes the water narrows and the karst towers of Los Haitises National Park rise like green-swathed islets — a place where the sea seems to shape the land as much as the land shapes the sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The boat exposes you to prolonged sun; choose reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after swimming to protect both skin and local coral.
Prepare for wet footing
Boarding skiffs and exploring cave mouths involves slippery rocks and wet docks—wear closed water shoes or grippy sandals.
Motion-sickness precautions
Short crossings can be choppy; take antiemetic medication before departure if you’re prone to seasickness.
Carry local cash
Vendors on Cayo Levantado may accept cash only for souvenirs or extras; small bills in Dominican pesos are useful.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Magnificent frigatebird
- Brown pelican
History
Los Haitises contains Taino pictographs and archaeological sites; the area was declared a national park in the 1970s to protect its wetlands and cultural heritage.
Conservation
Tour operators coordinate with park authorities to limit boat traffic in sensitive inlets; visitors should avoid touching cave art, use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Samaná
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes or grippy sandals
Protect your feet when boarding boats and walking on wet limestone and mangrove roots.
Light wind shell or long-sleeve shirt
Blocks wind on the open bay and provides sun protection during the boat crossing.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Keeps you protected under tropical sun and reduces chemical impact on marine life.
summer specific
Binoculars and waterproof phone case
Binoculars enhance birdwatching in the mangroves; a case protects gear during boat transfers.