Haitises Caves Plus Island Day

Samaná: Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado Island

★ 4.0 252 verified reviews

6 - 9 hours, hotel pickup listed, lunch included.

from $50 per person

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Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 6 - 9 hours
Meeting point: Samaná Port and Malecón (boat pier)
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Whale Punta Cana

Overview

This day trip from Samaná combines two very different experiences in one outing: a boat journey through Los Haitises National Park with stops at Taíno cave art sites, followed by beach time and a Dominican buffet on Cayo Levantado. The whole thing runs between 6 and 9 hours, and guides work in English, Spanish and French.

The route starts at Samaná port, where the group boards a catamaran or boat to cross Samaná Bay. Inside the park you pass rock islands and mangroves, stop at Linea Cave to see and hear interpretations of the Indigenous Taíno paintings, then continue by boat to a beach and Cueva de la Larena, which ends with a toast. After the cave portion, the boat heads back to Cayo Levantado for a traditional Dominican buffet and time to relax on the sand.

It suits travellers who want scenery, history and beach time in a single day, and who don't mind a full schedule. Reviewers often describe the guides as informative and entertaining. Some would prefer more time at each stop. Park entry and Cayo Levantado entry are included, and lunch and hotel transfer depend on the option booked.

What's Included

Included

Lunch (depending on the option you book)
Tour guide in English, Spanish, and French
Mangroves visit
Caves visit
Entry to Los Haitises National Park
Entry to Cayo Levantado
Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on the option you book)

Itinerary

Meet and boardStart at Samaná port and board a catamaran or boat for the crossing of Samaná Bay. Pickup arrangements depend on the option selected.
Rock islands and Linea CaveVisit the rock islands of Los Haitises National Park and Linea Cave, where the guide explains the Taíno paintings.
Beach and Cueva de la LarenaContinue by boat across the bay to a beach and Cueva de la Larena cave. The cave visit ends with a toast.
Cayo LevantadoReturn by boat to Cayo Levantado for a traditional Dominican buffet and beach time before the day wraps up. Beach loungers are not part of the package, as one reviewer noted they cost extra.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this tour.

What to wear. The listing recommends comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes and a towel. You will be walking into caves and spending time on a beach afterwards, so plan for both.
Languages. Guides work in English, Spanish and French. One couple who were the only non-Spanish speakers on their departure said the guide still took the time to explain everything in English.
Pace. Expect a full day of 6 to 9 hours with several stops packed in. Some travellers say the schedule feels rushed and would like more time at each stop.
Food. A traditional Dominican buffet at Cayo Levantado is part of the tour, depending on the option booked. Reviewers who mentioned the lunch described it as very decent to outstanding.
Beach extras. Beach loungers at Cayo Levantado are not included. One reviewer pointed out you pay extra for them on the island.
Communication. The meeting point and pickup depend on the option you select, according to the listing, so check the details on the booking page before you go. One reviewer also mentioned being contacted the day before the tour with meeting information.

Common issues. The most consistent criticism is pacing: some travellers say the schedule feels rushed and more time at each stop would improve the day. The listing also states the tour is not allowed for pregnant women. Lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you book, so confirm what your chosen option covers before paying.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Entry to Los Haitises National Park and entry to Cayo Levantado are included, along with the mangroves visit, the caves visit and a guide speaking English, Spanish and French. Lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off are included depending on the option you book, so check which option you selected.

Is Food Extra?

The traditional Dominican buffet at Cayo Levantado is included depending on the option you book, so check your selected option on the booking page to confirm.

Is Hotel Pickup Available?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, but only with certain booking options. The meeting point and pickup depend on the option you select, so check the details on the booking page before you go.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

Plan for 6 to 9 hours in total. That covers the bay crossing, the caves and rock islands of Los Haitises, and the buffet and beach time on Cayo Levantado.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Details are shown on the booking page when you select your option.

Is The Tour Suitable For Everyone?

The listing states the tour is not allowed for pregnant women. It involves boat travel, walking into caves and beach time, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a towel. There is also a private option available for groups of up to 20 people.