Cayo Levantado — "Bacardi Island" Day Trip.
Samaná Bay, Samaná, Dominican Republic
Cayo Levantado is a tiny 1 km² island off the south coast of the Samaná peninsula. Picture-perfect — pale sand, swaying palms, calm turquoise shallows — it's the cay famous from old Bacardi rum ads, which is why most Dominicans still call it "Isla Bacardí".
The eastern half of the island is private (Bahía Príncipe Cayo Levantado resort, day-pass only). The western beach is open to the public and is what day-trip boats from Samaná town and Las Terrenas land at. Mornings are quiet; cruise tenders arrive around 11:00, so early starts win.
Cayo Levantado day trips
4.7· 25Day Tours from Las Galeras
4.7· 117Zipline Canopy Tour over Samaná Bay
5.0· 12ATV & Quad Rental — Las Galeras
4.4· 59ATV & Quad Rental — Las Terrenas
4.8· 108Boat Trips & Beach Excursions — Las Galeras
5.0· 51Sunset Photo Session — Las Terrenas
4.9· 15Car, Quad & Scooter Rental — Samaná
4.8· 81Car, Quad & Scooter Rental — Las Terrenas
5.0· 14Taxi & Airport Transfers — Samaná
4.9· 203Los Haitises National Park & Bay Excursions
5.0· 53Taxi & Airport Transfers — Samaná
4.6· 101Car Rental — Las Terrenas
How to get to Cayo Levantado
From Samaná town: the easiest option. Public ferries leave from the main pier roughly every 30 minutes; the crossing is about 20 minutes. Round-trip ferry tickets are around USD $10–$15.
From Las Terrenas or Las Galeras: book a full-day boat excursion that includes the transfer to Samaná town, the crossing, lunch and snorkelling stops.
Combo trips: popular combinations include Cayo Levantado + Los Haitises National Park (a half-day mangrove and cave tour) and, in season, Cayo Levantado + whale watching.
What to do on the island
Swim in the calm shallows on the public beach, snorkel along the rocky points, eat fresh grilled fish from one of the beach shacks, and walk the short loop to the eastern viewpoint. The island is small enough to explore on foot in 30 minutes.
If you want a quieter, more upmarket day, buy a Bahía Príncipe day pass — you get loungers, a buffet lunch and access to the calmer resort beach.
Best time to go
Best months: December to April (dry season, calm water).
Best time of day: arrive on the 9:00 or 9:30 ferry. By late morning, the cruise tenders from cruise ships docked at Samaná unload up to 1,500 day visitors. The crowd thins again after 14:00.
Avoid: Sundays in high season can be busy with local visitors too. After heavy rain the water visibility drops briefly.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Cayo Levantado from Samaná?
The simplest way is the public ferry from Samaná town pier, which runs roughly every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes one way. Round-trip tickets are typically USD $10–$15. From Las Terrenas or Las Galeras, book a full-day excursion that includes ground transfer to Samaná town and the boat.
Is Cayo Levantado the same as Bacardi Island?
Yes. Cayo Levantado is the same island many people call "Isla Bacardí" or "Bacardi Island" because it appeared in classic Bacardi rum advertising. Locally and on maps it is Cayo Levantado.
Is Cayo Levantado worth visiting?
Yes — for the beach scenery and turquoise water it is one of the most photogenic spots in the Dominican Republic. Go on a morning ferry, before the cruise tenders arrive, to enjoy it without the crowds.
How much does a Cayo Levantado day trip cost?
A self-organised ferry from Samaná town is about USD $10–$15 round trip plus lunch. A full-day organised excursion from Las Terrenas, including transfer, boat, lunch and a snorkel stop, is typically USD $80–$130 per adult.
Can you stay on Cayo Levantado?
Yes — the eastern half of the island is home to the Bahía Príncipe Cayo Levantado resort, an adults-mostly all-inclusive. Day-pass access is available for non-guests.
More Samaná guides.
From the Samaná travel blog.
Fishing Charters in Samaná 2026: What to Expect & How to Book
Everything you need to know about booking a Samaná fishing charter in 2026 — from deep sea fishing spots to costs, seasons, and insider tips.
Read more: Fishing Charters in Samaná 2026: What to Expect & How to Book
Samaná Private Driver & Day Tours: Custom Itineraries 2026
Hire a Samaná private driver for custom day tours across the peninsula. Costs, itineraries, and insider tips for 2026.
Read more: Samaná Private Driver & Day Tours: Custom Itineraries 2026
Horseback Riding on the Beach in Las Terrenas: Tours & Prices 2026
Discover the best horseback riding in Las Terrenas in 2026. From sunset beach rides to countryside trails, find tours, prices, and insider tips for an unforgettable Samaná experience.
Read more: Horseback Riding on the Beach in Las Terrenas: Tours & Prices 2026