Samana province: the site of a massive humpback whale congregation, new five-star hotels, a new airport and new cruise ship destination
Dominican Republic (September 12, 2006) – Beginning in January, the Atlantic Ocean’s largest population of majestic humpback whales, an estimated 2000-5000 males and females, will make their annual pilgrimage to the protected waters of the Samana province in the Dominican Republic. But nature’s colossal mammals are not the only ones flocking to this area. Actor Brad Pitt has been spotted more than once property shopping here, while singer Shakira and actor Vin Diesel have already acquired their own pieces of this sleepy ecological paradise.
Approximately three hours by car from Puerto Plata, also on the north coast, the hilly and palm tree-covered area of Samana has been considered a pilgrimage by some because of its distance from a major airport. But that sentiment is about to change. El Catey International Airport, located 20 minutes from the town of Samana, is scheduled to open November 1, 2006. The addition of El Catey to the peninsula provides the capacity and capabilities to handle large international flights from the United States.
In anticipation of the new airport, hoteliers are also announcing opening dates of new five-star luxury properties to accommodate the expected rise in tourism to Samana. Leading the pack is the Gran Bahia Principe group with four new five-star, all-inclusive resorts opening in various towns throughout the peninsula, including one on an uninhabited island.
The beachfront Gran Bahia Principe Cayacoa is scheduled to open November 1, 2006. Located three minutes from Samana, the resort includes 295 rooms, all with Jacuzzis and most with a view of the sea, as well as four restaurants, four bars, a gym and spa.
The beachfront Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo is scheduled to open November 1, 2006. Located on the northern side of Samana in the quaint town of Las Terranas, a 30-minute drive from El Catey airport, the resort features 396 rooms, four restaurants, four bars, tennis courts, a gym and spa.
The beachfront Gran Bahia Principe Samana, scheduled to open November 15, 2006, is a smaller, more boutique-style resort. Featuring 110 rooms, all with Jacuzzis, the resort is located on the mainland facing Cayo Levantado Island and is 15 minutes from the town of Samana. It features three restaurants, three bars, a small shopping centre area, tennis courts and gym.
Gran Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, scheduled to open December 15, 2006, is located on an island 15 minutes from the town of Samana. The majority of the 195-room resort features a villa-style arrangement. Amenities include four restaurants, four bars, a cigar bar, jogging circuit, tennis courts, gym and spa.
Land and air are not the only methods for reaching Samana. Starting in January, 2007, MSC Cruises will introduce three cruises that will stop at Cayo Levantado. The new seven- and 11-night cruises on the MSC Opera will spend an entire day on the coast of Samana. MSC Cruises will offer a diverse menu of 19 excursions to Samana featuring options such as beach parties, jeep safaris, horseback rides to waterfalls, cave and Taino petroglyph exploration and snorkelling, and whale-watching during season.
Since the 1980s Samana province has been known to nature lovers for its government-protected marine area called the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic. This sanctioned area is the protected winter home for nearly a third of the Atlantic Ocean’s humpback whale population. Several government-permitted day-tour companies in the town of Samana offer guided trips to visit the whales. Companies carrying permits include Victoria Marine, Prieto Tours (tel 809/685-0102) and VIP Travel Services (tel 809/261-2035).
In addition to whale-watching, Samana has some of the most beautiful and hidden beaches in the Caribbean, including Playa Rincon and Playa El Valle. It also hosts an array of activities to keep every age group entertained. Day trips include an archeological outing to Los Haitises National Park where centuries-old caves display petroglyphs by Taino Indians, a ferry ride to the distinctive island of Cayo Levantado or a horseback excursion to breathtaking Salto de Limon waterfall.
Rich in history, the Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican and European flavours to more than one million US visitors each year. At 10,000 feet, the Dominican Republic is home to the highest point in the Caribbean. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families.
For more information on the Dominican Republic’s whale-watching excursions, accommodations and other activities call 1-888-374-6361. For information on travelling to the Dominican Republic visit www.caribbean.com.
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