Samaná & Cayo Levantado Day Trip — Limón Waterfall, Horseback Ride and Cayo Levantado Beach
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition who can mount a horse, walk uneven trails and swim in shallow currents.
Overview
Ride through forest to Limón Waterfall, swim beneath a 40–50m cascade, then sail to Cayo Levantado’s white-sand bay for beach time and snorkeling. This full-day trip from Punta Cana blends horseback trails, local food, and a catamaran stop at Bacardi Island.
Samaná & Cayo Levantado Day Trip — Limón Waterfall, Horseback Ride and Cayo Levantado Beach
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You step off the safari truck into a humid blur of green — palms, guanábana trees and vines that slick with mist. The guides sling bridles over your shoulder and lead a row of horses up a narrow trail that climbs into a wall of forest. The air tastes like salt and wet earth; somewhere above, Limón Waterfall is announcing itself.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring water shoes
Trail to Limón and the waterfall rocks are slippery; closed-toe, grippy water shoes improve traction and protect toes.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
You’ll spend time on the beach and boat — choose reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently to avoid sunburn.
Carry a waterproof pouch
Keep your phone, ID and cash dry during the boat ride and waterfall swim in a small waterproof bag.
Book whale season early
If you want whale-watching insights, reserve a winter slot (Jan–Mar) when humpbacks are most active; tours fill fast.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whales (seasonal)
- Tropical birds like the Hispaniolan parrot and various herons
History
Samaná Bay has long been a maritime crossroads—the area hosted indigenous Taino settlements and later became a strategic anchorage for colonial and commercial fleets.
Conservation
Cayo Levantado and Samaná’s marine areas are sensitive; use reef-safe products, avoid touching corals, and support local businesses to keep tourism sustainable.
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Adventure Hotspots in Punta Cana
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Grip and toe protection for slippery waterfall rocks and shoreline snorkeling.
summer specific
Quick-dry clothing
Light shirts and shorts that dry fast after swims and boat rides.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while reducing damage to marine ecosystems around Cayo Levantado.
Light rain jacket
Afternoon showers are common May–November; a compact shell keeps you comfortable.
fall specific