Day 1: Arrival in Samaná & Las Galeras
You land in Samaná, where we’ll grab you and head to Las Galeras, a sleepy fishing village with more roosters than tourists. Check into a budget guesthouse—simple rooms, fans, maybe a hammock on the porch. Take a sunset stroll along the beach, where fishermen haul in their nets. Dinner’s local: fresh fish with tostones (fried plantains) at a shack by the sea. Your digital map drops tonight, packed with hidden coves, mangrove trails, and secret beaches around Samaná. Crash to the sound of waves.
Day 2: Coconut Oil Museum & Playa Rincón
Morning’s for a quirky coconut oil museum in Las Galeras, a tiny spot run by a local family. It’s got old presses, bottles, and stories of how coconuts built the peninsula’s economy. You’ll try grinding coconut flesh—expect oily hands. Lunch is mangu (mashed plantains) at a nearby comedor. Then we hop a shared van to Playa Rincón, a map-marked beach that’s all powdery sand and turquoise water. Swim, chill, or hunt for shells. Back to the guesthouse for dinner and maybe some dominoes with locals.
Day 3: Merengue Festival Madness
Today’s the big one: a merengue festival in a nearby fishing village (we keep the name quiet to keep it real). It’s a street party with blasting horns, dancers in bright skirts, and merengue rhythms you can’t resist. You’ll join the dance—don’t worry if your hips don’t lie, locals will teach you. The feast is epic: sancocho stew, rice, and rum punch. The map points to a hidden mangrove trail nearby; we’ll walk it for a post-festival breather, spotting crabs and herons. Sleep in the Las Galeras guesthouse, probably still humming merengue.
Day 4: Kayaking to Hidden Caves
Time to paddle. We grab kayaks and follow the map to a secluded cove with limestone caves, where waves carved tunnels you can paddle into. It’s a bit of a workout, but the stalactites and turquoise pools inside are unreal. Stop at a hidden beach for a swim and picnic—think empanadas and mango. Afternoon’s free to chill in Las Galeras or visit a map-marked mangrove lagoon for more kayaking. Dinner’s at a beachside shack: lobster if you’re lucky, with coconut rice. Back to the guesthouse for a laid-back night.
Day 5: Farewell & Back to Samaná
Last day’s chill. After breakfast, we kayak to one final map spot—a secret cove with crystal water, perfect for a final swim or photos. Then we’re back to Samaná by noon via shared van. Grab souvenirs (coconut oil or a straw hat?) or sip coffee in a plaza before your flight. We’ll drop you at the airport or a hotel if you’re staying longer.
