Things To Do In Las Terrenas On Vacation

With so many things to do in Las Terrenas, it’s no wonder it is one of my favorite locations in the Dominican Republic and for that matter the Caribbean. Located on the Samaná Peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, this piece of Caribbean paradise has a lot to offer. Las Terrenas can be best described as an international destination that has top-notch French and Italian restaurants to name a few, world-class beaches, resorts, incredible views and unique nature found only on the Samana peninsula, all within Dominican culture.

Las Terrenas is home to some of the most inviting beaches in the Caribbean. These beaches have gentle winds and arch their way along the northern shore. They seem to never end and I have yet to talk to anyone who said they came to the end of the beach and had to turn around. In fact, most times I talk with travelers they tell me the opposite. Each day they would walk a little further than the day before and see what was just on the other side of the next crescent in the beach. The beaches will allow you to forget about your worries, lose track of time and just enjoy the moment you are in. An art that seems harder to practice in our modern world. No matter where you are staying, simply walk to the beach, turn right or left and just enjoy the simple beauty these beaches represent.

Las Terrenas has many fine restaurants from French, Italian, Sushi to classic Dominican. These restaurants are grouped in several locations.

On the corner of Calle 27 de Febrero and Calle Duarte is a group of several restaurants. While I haven’t been fortunate to try every restaurant, I have grown very fond of La Yuca Caliente. Not only have I never had a bad meal at this restaurant, I have never even had a marginal meal here. From appetizers, to the main course, and then dessert, the chefs know what they are doing. Many of these restaurants are located on the beach and what can go better with your fabulous meal than an equally fabulous view. Because of the north-eastern exposure you will not see a sunset from the restaurants on the beach, but many nights you will see a spectacular moon rising.

The final location of restaurants is grouped on Calle Duarte. These restaurants are not on the water but many of them have excellent meals at very reasonable prices. While nothing can equal the experience of enjoying a meal with an ocean view, if you need a break from the “Ocean View Pricing”, this is the spot for you. While I have only visited one of these restaurants, Tu Casa, a small, quaint restaurant with budget-friendly prices and both Tex-Mex and local dishes on its menu, there are several here that many visitors have enjoyed.

There are several excursions in Las Terrenas, but to me there are 3 that are far and above the rest: watching the whales, going up the side of the mountain to the waterfall El Limon and a trip by boat to the National Park Los Haitises.

By far the #1 thing to see and do in Las Terrenas is to observe the magnificent humpback whales flipping and breaching in the water as they come to the Samana Bay to mate. These magnificent animals can be spotted from shore or for the best experience can be seen and heard from a boat. Many of the boats are equipped with microphones put into the water so you can hear the sounds of the humpback whales. Whale-watching excursions in Samaná Bay generally run from mid-January through March. Check the current season and availability with your operator. Seeing humpback whales in their natural breeding grounds is a memorable experience.

This national park is best observed by boat and has tropical species of plants and trees that can only be found on the Samana peninsula. Alongside those unique species you will see mangroves, banyan trees, caverns, sinkholes and many, many birds that call this park home. I am not an expert on ecological things so in my layman terms I can only tell you this is very beautiful to visit and since you must arrive at this national park by boat, you will have a scenic boat ride as well.

El Limón Waterfall is on the Samaná Peninsula. After a short drive from Las Terrenas, you can reach the waterfall by hiking or on horseback, with a final section of steps on foot. Once there, the waterfall is beautiful and you can even swim in the natural pool below the waterfall.  Please remember, as with most waterfalls there are rocks in the pool of water below. Water shoes can help with the rocky footing; follow your guide’s advice about current conditions and swimming. The trail can be steep, muddy or slippery, and a horseback ride can be uneven. Discuss any mobility concerns with the operator before booking. You will also have to walk up some dirt stairs and navigate the rocks if you want to enter the pool. This activity requires a little physical exertion and being comfortable with walking, climbing and descending a natural path with stairs carved into it at spots.

With so much open beach and road once you are on either side of Las Terrenas’ downtown, you will find many roadside or beachside stands scattered about serving anything from fresh fish and plantains to rum drinks. The last one I visited was on Playa Portillo (Portillo Beach) and I sat at a nice sturdy plastic table with a fantastic ocean view and ate a whole fried fish with fried plantains for 400 pesos (about $10 USD). What says paradise more than a priceless view, a freshly caught fish and local beer all for an affordable price. Everyone has their own ideal vacation in mind, but one of the best attributes to Las Terrenas is the ability it offers you to let go of your daily routine and stress so that you can leisurely walk the beaches, play in the ocean as if you were 8 years old again, and have a meal with a fantastic view. Come see what Las Terrenas has to offer you.