El Valle Beach

The Samaná Peninsula offers many classic excursions: the Limón Waterfalls, the humpback whales (only during the winter season), the National Park of Los Haitises, Cayo Levantado… These are the options you’ll find in all the flyers or information guides about the region. But if you have time, curiosity, and enthusiasm... there are many more places to visit, beginning with their paradisiacal beaches.

One of them is El Valle, a marvelous beach, still uncontaminated and almost deserted that will enthuse all those who prefer to be away from the most frequented places. The excursion is recommended not only because of the beauty of the beach, but also for the beautiful journey, very panoramic and less adventurous.

The dirt road begins near Santa Barbara of Samaná, upon leaving behind the city heading towards Las Galeras, and is signaled with the classic Brugal sign. The road, although wide, is not always in good condition –we recommend 4x4, quad or all terrain motorcycle–. Approximately six miles (10 kms) of trail that ascends and descends crossing small rural villages (La Casualidad, La Cruz...), where all the children will come out and greet you. It crosses the San Juan River twice and provides pretty views of the hills and the local vegetation, until arriving to the beach. In the scarce “chiringuitos” (refreshment stands) installed there, you’ll be able to taste a flavorsome typical Dominican dish, fresh fish of the day, cooked on a hot coal grill.

The beach is long and a walk to stretch your legs, after the trip, is worthwhile. You’ll discover, to the left, the estuary of the San Juan River, and to the right, behind the pretty rocks, will be able to bathe in the small natural freshwater pool that is formed by the filtration of the rocks.

If you decide to take this excursion, when you return to Santa Barbara de Samaná, make a stop at the Lulu Waterfall, as called by the locals. Instead of taking a right on the same road of the departure, continue straight to the end of town, where you will be able to park your vehicle. After a brief 6-7 minute walk, on a trail flanking the river, brimming with banana, coffee, and spectacular bamboo trees... you’ll arrive to the waterfall. The place, an almost unknown corner, is really precious and, in the holidays, is usually full of children from the town. A comforting bath in the waterfall to remove the salt from the body is a delight before starting the return trip.