Dominican Republic's Wildly Underrated Peninsula Offers Punta Cana Beauty Without The Crowds And High Prices

The Dominican Republic conjures up images of baby blue water rolling in and out of white sand beaches crowned by swaying palm trees. This paradisiacal scene isn't an exaggerated marketing campaign but rather the background of daily life in many parts of the country, which is why it's no surprise that you'll find some of the Caribbean's best beaches right here. Most travelers seek this perfect island dream in the popular Punta Cana, a formerly untouched piece of heaven that was transformed when businesses rushed frenetically to profit from its beauty. Overdevelopment has now left it overcrowded, overpriced, and overly touristy, driving away visitors who want a more "authentic" experience. If you're one of these visitors, set your eyes on the Samaná Peninsula instead.

Lesser-known, less expensive, and decidedly more local than Punta Cana, Samaná Province spans 30 miles. The peninsula is located on the northwest side of Hispaniola (the island shared between the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and has three main points: Santa Barbara de Samaná, the provincial capital located in the south central part of the island; Las Terrenas, the tourist and nightlife hub of the region; and Las Galeras, the remote northern tip whose peacefulness attracts people looking to get away from it all. Inland, Samaná remains wonderfully safe from massive development, with tropical rainforest covering much of the terrain. There aren't many highways or hotels in this part of the province, but tourists often venture inward for adventurous day trips in the region's well-preserved nature.

Like Punta Cana, Samaná's coast is dotted with postcard-perfect beaches. Except here, there are still many that are calm and uncrowded. Fronton Beach, a wild stretch of sand that can only be accessed by boat or a two-hour hike, comes to mind, as does the long and peaceful Playa Bonita. If you want a party vibe instead, take a boat to Cayo Levantado, where good music, sweet cocktails, and delicious local food are the law of the land.

Active travelers who want a break from sunbathing can head out into the water for exciting excursions. Dominican Republic is one of the best places on the planet for whale watching, and if you come to Samaná during winter, you'll have a chance to see migrating humpback whales play in the water. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available throughout the peninsula for those who want to see marine life up-close. When you've had enough of the coast, head inland on horseback to reach Salto del Limón, a majestic waterfall with a refreshing natural pool at its base.

Don't miss out on visiting the UNESCO-listed Los Haitises National Park. Navigate around emerald waters, crossing densely forested limestone islands where pelicans and frigate birds sit around looking for their next meal. On land, you'll find caves that hold some of the country's most important archeological treasures: centuries-old pictographs and rock carvings that the Indigenous Taínos made long before Spanish ships docked at the island's shores.

Though Samaná shows a less touristy side of the Dominican Republic, many travelers who come here are still looking for a comfortable, all-inclusive resort that is affordable. For an isolated, quiet vacation, look no further than the four-star Wyndham Alltra Samaná, which sits in a secluded spot, yet is less than 10 minutes away from Las Galeras town. Groups love this family-friendly resort that has several restaurants, three pools, a children's play area, and a calm, shallow beach. 

Alternatively, if you want a party-centric atmosphere, you can head to Las Terrenas, where there are numerous resorts right in town. Those who'd rather be in their own bubble but still enjoy nightlife should consider staying at Viva V Samaná, whose all-inclusive label goes beyond drinks and food, including parties, dance classes, and cool activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and archery.

If you're ready to plan a vacation to this idyllic spot, look for flights that arrive in Santo Domingo, the capital. From here, book a private car to take you to Samaná. The journey should last around 2.5 hours if you're going to Las Terrenas or an additional hour if you're driving all the way to Las Galeras. Samaná does have its own airport, El Catey, but it only has direct flights to Toronto, Ontario, and Quebec, Canada — it doesn't even service other Dominican cities. The journey may be long, but it's well worth it.