Highlights
- Two beaches with no road to them, reached on foot along the cliff tops
- El soplo de la ballena: a blowhole that throws spray ten metres up
- Playa Frontón and the limestone wall that holds the country's only via ferrata
- The Madama route: 45 minutes through jungle to a cove with a swim-in cave
- Beach picnic with fresh fruit and natural juice
- Ministry of Tourism-certified guide, 15 years on this coast
Description
There is no road to either of these beaches. Boats get there in twenty minutes; walking takes longer and shows you the coast in between, which is the point. The Frontón route starts at the old marble mine on the edge of Las Galeras at 9:30 am. The trail follows the cliff tops to the blowhole locals call el soplo de la ballena — a fissure in the rock where the swell forces spray ten metres into the air — and then on to Playa Frontón, about an hour and a half of walking in all. The limestone wall behind that beach holds the only via ferrata climbing route in the Dominican Republic. Andrés lays out a picnic on the sand: fresh fruit, natural juice, water. Back in Las Galeras by 4:00 pm. The Madama route is the shorter one, and the easier day. It leaves from the sawmill beach at 9:00 am and takes about 45 minutes each way through jungle to a narrow cove with ultra-fine sand and water the colour of green glass, with a cave at one end to swim into. Same picnic, back by 4:00 pm. Andrés Pérez has guided this coast for fifteen years, is certified by the Ministry of Tourism and belongs to AGTUGE, the local guides' association. Tell him on WhatsApp which of the two routes you want, or ask about doing both on separate days.
What's Included
What's NOT Included
What to Bring
Meeting Point
Las Galeras, Samaná. The Frontón route meets at the old marble mine on the edge of town at 9:30 am; the Madama route meets at the sawmill beach (playa del aserradero) at 9:00 am. Both are back in Las Galeras by 4:00 pm. Confirm which route and where on WhatsApp before the day.
Accessibility & Requirements
A walking tour on a coastal trail: about an hour and a half each way to Playa Frontón, or 45 minutes each way to Playa Madama. Uneven ground, rock, tree roots and some exposed sections above the sea. Closed shoes are essential and a moderate level of fitness is needed for the Frontón route; the Madama route suits most people, children included. Neither beach has toilets, shade structures or shops, and there is no shelter on the trail.
Certified local guide (AGTUGE) with 15 years of experience leading hikes and boat tours from Las Galeras — Playa Frontón, Playa El Valle treks, Salto El Limón and boat trips to the hidden beaches.
Google reviews of Andrés El Andariego de Las Galeras
5.0 · 151Reviews from Google
Isabel D'Ma year agoMy friend and I booked the 7 beaches walking tour ans had a great day with Andrés - he is from the area and knows everyone! He even helped us to arrange transport to and from Samana at a good price after we realised going by bus would not work. Andrés knows all about the beaches, advised us on where was best to swim and where was not safe, told us a lot about the plants and trees. He even cracked open an almond to show us - it was tasty! The lunch was good and we had time to go to where the river meets the sea which was beautiful and refreshing to cool off before heading back. Highly recommend! Go direct if you see this, instead of through an agency!See this review on Google
M. Hernandeza year agoI recently joined an excursion to Playa Ermitaño with Andre El Andariego, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The beach itself is stunning—secluded, pristine, and surrounded by lush nature that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden paradise. Andre is an excellent guide. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive to every detail. Throughout the trip, he shared interesting stories about the area and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The organization was top-notch, from transportation to the boat ride and the time we spent relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a unique adventure off the beaten path, I highly recommend this excursion. Thank you, Andre, for such a wonderful day!See this review on Google
T B2 years agoAndres is an exceptional guide who took us to the most beautiful treck of our Dominican experience. He is knowledgeable, respectful and incredibly friendly and knows Las Galeras inside out. We felt safe as learned so much about the natural wonders of the area. The swim in the caves was of course a highlightsSee this review on Google
