Best beach vacations with family: where to go and what to do

Here comes the summer, and August: time to plan your 2021 family vacation. We’ll help you find the dream destination you’re looking for. A place on the beach where parents and children can have fun and relax, away from the crowds but with the buzz and the energy that really makes you feel you’re on vacation.

Discover Samaná, the best-kept secret in the Dominican Republic. An ideal spot for a family vacation in the idyllic Caribbean. Here’s everything you need to know about Samaná.

Where is Samaná?

Samaná is the unspoilt jewel of the Dominican Atlantic, a peninsula to the north of the country, and beloved for its intense blue sea and the natural beauty of its lush mangrove forests. Hospitality is the heart of this area, which is one of the most welcoming destinations in the Dominican Republic.

Things to do on a family vacation on the beach at Samaná

Visit Los Haitises National Park.

Los Haitises National Park is shared by the provinces of Monte Plata and Samaná. Haitises means highlands or mountainous lands, although the hills here are only 30 to 40 metres high. It’s one of the rainiest places in the country, creating an amazingly lush and beautiful natural setting. Excursions to the park

are by motorboat via the cays, Los Cayos del Parque. You’ll see the Naranjito area, where you can spend time with local fishermen and enjoy a swim in an underground river. It’ll be an unforgettable day!

Quad Bike Adventure

Get behind the wheel of a two-person 4×4 motorbike while you explore the Dominican countryside. From Samaná you’ll drive to Playa de Valle and its beautiful white sand beaches framed by dense forest, to the picturesque Lulú waterfall. The adventure ends at the estuary of the river San Juan, where the clear waters of the Caribbean meet the water coming down from the mountains.

Fun in the Treetops: Zip-Line

The bravest among you can fly through the treetops and enjoy the island’s sights and sounds. Up there you can see wonderful views of the lovely island of Cayo Levantado, Samaná Bay, and above the treetops, the Juan Vicenta mountains.

El Limón Waterfall

This sight is between the town of Las Terrenas and Samaná town. A waterfall over 40 metres tall pours into a natural pool. You can climb to the falls on foot or on horseback. It’s a delightful walk, taking around 30-40 minutes through a wide variety of tropical plants and along the river leading to the waterfall. At the top, you can swim under the falls.

Spectacular Humpback Whales

From January to March, Samaná is the favourite destination of humpback whales.

They come back here every year to mate in the warm waters of the bay. One of the most exciting excursions you can take in the Dominican Atlantic is to the natural haven of the humpback whales in Samaná Bay and Banco de Plata.

The Charming Village of Las Terrenas

On Paseo de la Costanera, a picturesque shopping street, you’ll find local products like rum, coffee, cocoa, lots of different Dominican sweets, and local Dominican artworks carved in wood and stone. The street is notable for its ethnic design and is an authentic example of Caribbean culture, with lively conversation everywhere, and plenty of places to try the local dishes at an affordable price.

Be sure to visit Plaza Colonial, an area which has certain similarities with the historic quarter of the capital. In this area of little houses and shops, you can find all sorts of souvenirs.

One of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean: Playa Rincón

Considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, stunning Playa Rincón is surrounded by unspoilt nature and its transparent blue and green waters reveal a sea floor dotted with impressive coral reefs and rocky formations. The beach stretches along 3 km of white sand and tall coconut palms. Next to the beach are little coves surrounded by lush tropical vegetation where you can swim more privately. Enjoy the secluded atmosphere and wild nature of the area.

Where to Stay in Samaná?

The hotel for children in Samaná is Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo. On the beach itself, it’s very close to the picturesque village of Terrenas. And it has just been renovated: swimming pools, a la carte restaurants, bars, and much more.

You can enjoy wonderful facilities, with all-inclusive service and entertainment for all the family: a water park with slides for the kids, the teens club, water sports, entertainment, and a spa for the grown-ups. Ideal for a family beach vacation. Enjoy the best beach vacations with your family! Do you want to know more about the hotel? Watch the video below and find out all about it!