Highlights
- Playa Ermitaño in fifteen minutes by boat instead of two hours on foot
- A Survivor filming location, behind a coral barrier that keeps the water flat
- Three beaches: Ermitaño 1, Ermitaño 2 and Playa Onda
- Playa El Valle at the start, between two forested mountains and a river mouth
- Lunch at a beachfront restaurant on El Valle
- The easy way to see the beach people walk all morning for
Description
Playa Ermitaño without the two-hour walk. Fifteen minutes in a boat instead. The day starts at Playa El Valle, which is worth arriving early for on its own: a beach set between two mountains covered in tropical forest, with a river running out into the sea beside it. There is time for a swim before the boat leaves at 9:30 am. Fifteen minutes along the coast is Ermitaño — white sand, a wall of coconut palms, and water held flat and clear by a coral barrier offshore. It was used as a filming location for the television series Survivor. You get off at Ermitaño 2, walk five minutes over to Playa Onda for a swim, then carry on to Ermitaño 1, where most of the day is spent. At 2:30 pm the boat heads back to Playa El Valle, where lunch is waiting at a typical restaurant facing the sea. Back by 3:00 pm. The boat and its skipper belong 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
Playa El Valle, Samaná. The boat leaves at 9:30 am and the day ends there at 3:00 pm with lunch. Agree the exact spot with Andrés on WhatsApp the day before — transport to Playa El Valle is not included.
Accessibility & Requirements
Fifteen minutes each way in a small boat, boarding from the beach, plus a five-minute walk between Ermitaño 2 and Playa Onda. Easy day overall and fine for children, but you need to be able to climb into a boat from the sand and be comfortable on the water. Swimming ability recommended. Departures depend on sea conditions. None of the three beaches has toilets, shade structures or shops; the restaurant at Playa El Valle has both.
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
