Samana Bay Day Trip: Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island) & El Limón Waterfall
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to manage a short steep walk or a 20–30 minute horseback ride, plus a full day on your feet
Overview
A full-day Samana loop that pairs a motorboat crossing to Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island) with a horseback approach to El Limón waterfall. Expect beachside calm, a tropical forest ride, and a cool 40‑meter plunge pool.
Samana Bay Day Trip: Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island) & El Limón Waterfall
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The morning opens on the water. A low, humid light brushes the roofs of Santa Bárbara de Samaná as a Safari-style motorboat cuts through Samana Bay, spray flicking like fine glass. The bay pushes and pulls at the hull; gulls wheel overhead with the casual arrogance of locals who know where breakfast hides. For most of the day the trip reads like a series of landscapes: open sea, a white-sand islet with a single hotel, and a riparian slice of forest that ends abruptly at a sheet of falling water.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring quick-dry footwear
Paths to El Limón are wet and rooty; closed-toe water shoes or trail runners with good tread will help on the slippery approach.
Pack a dry bag
Bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone, ID and cash during the boat ride and waterfall swim.
Carry reef-safe sunscreen
Cayo Levantado’s shallow reefs and beach are sensitive—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply regularly.
Bring small local cash
Vendors, tips for guides and extra drinks on the island often require Dominican pesos or small USD notes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Humpback whales (seasonal, winter months)
History
Samaná’s coastal communities have Taíno and colonial-era roots; Cayo Levantado became internationally famous after tourism promotion in the late 20th century.
Conservation
Operators encourage staying on established trails and using reef-safe sunscreens; avoid disturbing nesting birds and marine life on the island.
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Adventure Hotspots in Santa Bárbara de Samaná
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe water shoes or sturdy trail runners
Protects feet on slippery, root-strewn trails and rocky shorelines.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
For swimming at El Limón and enjoying the shallow beaches of Cayo Levantado.
summer specific
Small dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and documents safe on the boat and near the falls.
Reusable water bottle and electrolytes
Hydration for a long tropical day; refill after boat stops if possible.
summer specific