Playa Rincón, Samaná.

By boat from Las Galeras (the popular option). Local fishermen run shuttle boats from the main beach in Las Galeras village. The crossing is 15–20 minutes; round-trips are USD $20–$30 per person and you can agree a pick-up time.

By 4x4 from Las Galeras (about 30 minutes). The dirt track passes through fincas and small streams. Manageable in a regular car in the dry season — uncomfortable to impassable after heavy rain. A pre-booked 4x4 transfer or guided 4x4 excursion is the easiest way.

Full-day catamaran from Las Terrenas or Samaná town. Several operators run catamaran day trips combining Rincón with snorkel stops along the cliffs.

Along the western section of the beach a handful of beach shacks serve fresh fish, lobster, plantains and rice for around USD $15–$25 per person — cash in pesos is best.

The swim is generally calm and shallow, with two main currents to watch for: one near the cliffs at the far end and one where the river meets the sea. The river end is a beautiful spot — you can float in the freshwater and walk a few minutes upstream into the jungle.

Best months: December to April (dry, breezy, less likely to have a muddy track).

Avoid: the day after heavy rain (track and river both flood briefly).

Quietest: weekday mornings. Sunday is the local family day and the most popular shacks fill up.

Bring cash, sunscreen, snorkel gear if you have it, and a hat — the few palms offer shade in the morning but the sun is direct in the afternoon.