Imagine an underwater ship cemetery, resting below the waters just south of the Samaná Peninsula, where centuries- old sunken boats lie off the DR’s northeastern coast. The peninsula’s surrounding coral reefs and Atlantic waves have been treacherous to many over the years, causing them to lose their plunder along the way.

Pirate Roberto Cofresí actually sunk his own ship at Punta Gorda, when approaching Spanish patrols intercepted him as he transported countless treasures. He made good his escape, but to this day, neither the ship nor its treasures have been found. In 1724, the Spaniards lost two galleons in the reefs near Miches, south of the Samaná Bay: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and Conde de Tolosa. The ships were carrying mercury for the Central and South American gold mines. Some of their remains are still scattered at the entrance to the bay.

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Other attractions in Samaná

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Creole Reef

Reached from Las Terrenas’ shores, Creole Reef is a kilometer-long (0.6 miles) coralline chain covered with a variety of gorgonian sea fans, and frequently visited by large Atlantic stingrays.

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Dolphin Wreck

Originally used for marine research, the Dolphin was sunk in 2000 off the coast of Las Terrenas, in Portillo, to create an artificial reef. Advanced divers can explore its remains lying at a whopping 28 meters of depth (92 feet).

Las Terrenas, Samaná

El Frontón

Those who explore El Frontón, at just 17 meters (56 feet) deep, will also benefit from a visit to the gorgeous, unspoiled beach of Frontón. The reef facing it protects the beach–bring fins to spare your feet from sea urchins, and view the area’s abundant marine life and corals.

Las Galeras, Samaná

Las Ballenas

Off the coast of Las Terrenas, beginner divers and snorkelers will spot large schools of sergeant majors, surgeonfish, and colorful corals thriving amid the rocks at Las Ballenas.

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Las Cuevitas

Known for its abundant coral reef formations, and rocks with swim-through openings at beginner-level depths, Las Cuevitas is one of the most popular dive sites from Las Terrenas.

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Piedra Bonita

Piedra Bonita is one of the most spectacular and unusual diving spots in the entire northeast region, available to advanced divers. Also known as La Torre, the dive begins at 60 meters (197 feet), after an initial free fall of 30 meters (98 feet).

Las Galeras, Samaná

Piedra Marcel

Located off the shores of Las Terrenas, a series of rocky mounds stretched along a sand floor are home to a great variety of corals and marine life at depths ranging between 12-18 meters (39-59 feet).

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita is as pretty as its name suggests–a crescent-shaped, cozy white sand beach lined with a variety of boutique hotels, villas, and restaurants. The western edge of the beach is as still as a swimming pool, while the eastern side offers active waves for the adventurous.

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Playa Cosón

Among the top three most stunning beaches on the Samaná Peninsula, this golden, soft-sand stretch is ideal for long walks, popular for kitesurfing–with on-site classes–and body surfing, and there are a handful of boutique hotels flanking its western and eastern sides.

Las Terrenas, Samaná

Playa Las Galeras

Las Galeras is a beautiful white sand stretch that holds its own, good for swims and cold drinks, as well as surfing on its western side. The atmosphere gets livelier at sunset, when the fishermen and the tour boats return at the end of the day, and everyone gathers for dominoes at sunset.

Las Galeras, Samaná

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