Samana Dominican Republic. A unique place for whale watching
Samana Province
Samaná province is a truly unique place. Its capital is Santa Bárbara de Samaná [known to many as Samaná City]which is located 245
km northeast of Santo Domingo. It has a glorious peninsula
reaching out into the sea and a world renown bay which attracts
thousands of humpback whales every year.
Samaná province is located in north east Dominican Republic on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As well as being known for the whale watching it is
also known for its splendid mountains.
There is no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful areas of the Dominican Republic, yet the tourist industry has
not yet exploited the full potential of its location: the tropical forests, coconut groves, hundreds of beaches with turquoise
crystal clear waters,
waterfalls, protected national parks, as well as the protected bay and peninsula.
Samana Bay
Between Jan and March about 5,000 humpback whales migrate to Samana Bay [Bahia de Samana] to congregate, mate and rear their calves.
The humback whales are renoun for breaching [jumping from] the water. They swim close to the coast and the best way to see them is via a whale watching
cruise from Samana.
I took the photo right on a boat trip in the bay. It was one of numerous sightings of humpback whales.
More on Samana humpback whales
Samana harbour
The shallow marine floor of Samaná (the greatest depth of the bay is barely 45 meters) represents a
danger for ocean-going vessels with a deep draft; but, on the other hand, conditions are favorable for a largescale fishing industry.
History
It was discovered on January 12, 1493 by Christopher Columbus. The
following day the first battle in the New World took place between the
Taínos of Ciguayo and the Spaniards. According to a journal entry in the
admiral?s own handwriting, ?[he had] never seen so many arrows fly over
a ship.? Indeed, he dubbed the bay the Golfo de las Flechas (Gulf of Arrows).
It is said that this was the first instance of violent opposition to the Spanish conquistadors in the Americas.
Santa Bárbara de Samaná was founded in 1756 by the Spanish
brigadier and the governor of the island, Francisco Rubio Peñaranda.
Airports
I visited Samana in January 2006 and all the talk was of the opening of the new airport. In November 2006 the Samaná El Catey International Airport opened.
The airport is located near the village of El Catey, 8 km (5 miles) west of Sánchez, at the base of the mountainous peninsula Cape Samana. Local travel times
are 30 minutes drive to Las Terrenas, 40 minutes drive to Samaná, and approximately 1 hour drive to Las Galeras. This airport is providing the opportunity
for tourists and business people to enjoy what will come one of major tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic.
There is another airport named Arroyo Barril, which serves private planes and domestic flights.
The flight to Samaná from Las Américas, La Romana or Punta Cana is between 30 to 45 minutes.
La ChurchaI must confess that one of my most moving memories of the Dominican Republic was a visit to La Churcha. I say that even though I am
not a particularly religious person.
La Churcha is an old church building shipped out all the way from England in 1824. Its purpose was to house the freed North American
slave congregation who became the nucleus of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Today it is the Dominican Evangelical Church, and its the romantic Victorian architecture
has lured many a photographer to its portals.
It had been damaged by the hurricane of 2004 and as British Ambassador, Andy Ashcroft had received a letter asking
for funds to help with repairs. He managed to persuade the authorities to provide a contribution and took the trouble to travel to
the church to present the cheque. As I was visiting Andy on holiday, I went with him to this appointment.
The church was full of devoted parishoners, many who were well into their 80`s and 90`s. Many of them addressed the gathering to give thanks
for the assistance and they did so with a belief an passion that I had not previously witnessed. I have kept the running order of the service
and have a video of the occasion. When time permits I will post it on the site.
Cayo Lavantado [Isla de Cayo Levantado]
This makes for an excellent day trip:
Known for its fantastic beach and and where the bacardi commercial was filmed, a good day is spent whale watching
and then getting dropped off at the Isla de Cayo Levantado.
This small island in the Bay is the stuff of legends. Apparently linked to bounty hunters and treasure.
The sand is so white and the turquoise waters crystal clear. It is just how you would imagine a caribbena island to be.
It is excellent fpr swimming and snorkeling.
Trade
Most of the peninsula is layered with white, pink,green and gray marble. This is quarried and transported for processing to
Santo Domingo.
Samana also produces coconut, fish and shellfish.
Cuisine
There is international cuisine available however whilst in Samana you should try the famous gingerbread, yaniqueques (Johnny
cakes) and the fabulous pescado con coco (fish in coconut sauce).
Check out the recipe here!
More about Dominican food
If you were interested in Samana you may want to know more about Cabaete, a lttle further north
More about Dominican festivals
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