Highlights
- Taíno pictographs on the rock inside the Cueva de la Línea
- Limestone hills rising thirty to forty metres out of the mangroves
- The Cueva de la Arena, the cave everybody photographs
- Frigatebirds and pelicans nesting on the islets in the bay
- White sand and shallow, clear water on Cayo Levantado
Description
Haitises is a Taíno word meaning high land, or land of mountains, and once you are inside the park the name makes sense: six hundred square kilometres of limestone hills rising thirty to forty metres straight out of the mangroves in Samaná Bay, with channels running between them. The boat leaves the Samaná pier at 9:30 am. Inside the park it puts in at two caves. The first is the Cueva de la Línea, where Andrés talks through the Taíno history and shows you the pictographs on the rock — drawings left by the people who named this place. The second is the Cueva de la Arena, which is the one everybody photographs. Then the boat crosses to Cayo Levantado, the small island in the mouth of the bay, for white sand, clear shallow water, and lunch cooked there: typical Dominican food with water and a soft drink. Back at the pier by 4:00 pm. The boat belongs to a local boat owner Andrés works alongside; Andrés guides the day. He has worked this coast for fifteen years, is certified by the Ministry of Tourism and belongs to AGTUGE, the local guides' association.
What's Included
What's NOT Included
What to Bring
Meeting Point
Samaná town pier (Muelle de Samaná), on the malecón in front of the town centre. The boat leaves at 9:30 am — be at the pier by 9:15 am. Andrés confirms the exact boarding spot by WhatsApp the day before.
Accessibility & Requirements
Suitable for most fitness levels. Most of the day is spent seated on the boat, with short walks on wooden walkways and sand at the caves. There are steps and uneven rock at the cave entrances, so the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Children are welcome with an adult and life jackets are on board. Please tell Andrés in advance if anyone is pregnant, has back or heart problems, or cannot swim.
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
