El Catey International Airport
The eco-tourism gateway to the Samaná Peninsula
El Catey International Airport
El Catey International Airport (IATA: AZS, ICAO: MDCY), officially named Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport, serves the Samaná Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Located near the town of El Catey in the Samaná province, the airport provides direct access to one of the country’s most beautiful and unspoiled regions.
Opened in 2006, the airport was built to boost tourism to the Samaná peninsula, which is known for its lush tropical landscapes, whale watching (January through March), stunning beaches like Playa Rincón, and the popular Los Haitises National Park. Prior to the airport’s construction, reaching Samaná required a 3+ hour drive from Santo Domingo or a ferry crossing.
AZS handles a modest but growing number of passengers, primarily from Canadian and European charter flights during the winter season. The airport’s traffic is highly seasonal, peaking during whale-watching season and the winter tourist months.
El Catey has a single, modern terminal building with a design capacity that exceeds its current traffic. The terminal is spacious and uncrowded, making for a relaxed airport experience.
- Check-in and departures: The upper level features check-in counters, a small departure lounge, and gates.
- Arrivals: Immigration, a baggage carousel, customs, and a small arrivals hall with ground transportation options.
The airport was designed with expansion in mind and can accommodate growth as the Samaná region develops. Currently, the facility feels uncrowded even during peak periods, which is part of its charm.
AZS is positioned at the western end of the Samaná peninsula, requiring a drive to reach the main tourist towns.
Distances & Travel Times
- Las Terrenas: 25 km, approximately 25–30 minutes
- Santa Bárbara de Samaná (town): 45 km, approximately 45 minutes
- Las Galeras: 75 km, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- Sánchez: 15 km, approximately 15 minutes
- Santo Domingo: 185 km, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Transportation Options
- Pre-arranged transfers: Strongly recommended, as public transportation from the airport is very limited. Hotels and guesthouses in Las Terrenas and Samaná can arrange pickup.
- Taxis: Available at the airport but limited in number. Fares should be negotiated or confirmed in advance.
- Car rental: Available at the airport. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the peninsula’s remote beaches and attractions.
Note: The road from the airport to Las Terrenas crosses through mountain terrain with winding curves. Allow adequate travel time and consider daylight hours for the drive.
AZS offers basic but adequate facilities:
- Food & beverage: A small café or bar in the departure area. Options are very limited, so eat before arriving at the airport.
- Duty-free: A small shop with basic offerings including Dominican rum and souvenirs.
- Wi-Fi: Available but may be unreliable.
- ATMs: At least one ATM in the terminal. Bring cash as a backup.
This is a small, no-frills airport. Plan accordingly by having snacks, entertainment, and fully charged devices before you arrive.
AZS has limited scheduled service with most traffic coming from seasonal charter flights.
Scheduled Service
- Scheduled airline service varies by season and is subject to change. Check current availability when planning your trip.
Charter & Seasonal
- Air Transat / Sunwing — Toronto, Montréal (winter season)
- Air Canada Rouge — Toronto, Montréal (seasonal)
- Condor — Frankfurt (seasonal)
- TUI / Corsair — Paris (seasonal)
For travelers who cannot find direct flights to AZS, the alternatives are Santo Domingo (SDQ, 2.5-hour drive) or Santiago (STI, 2.5-hour drive). Some travelers also use the Cayo Levantado ferry from Sabana de la Mar.
Essential tips for traveling through El Catey Airport:
- Book transfers in advance. This cannot be overstated — there is minimal public transportation from the airport. Coordinate with your hotel or a transfer service before you arrive.
- Consider renting a car. The Samaná peninsula has scattered attractions and remote beaches. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- If AZS has no flights, drive from SDQ or STI. The drive from Santo Domingo to Samaná takes about 2.5 hours via a modern highway and is scenic and straightforward.
- Visit during whale season (January–March). Humpback whale watching in Samaná Bay is a world-class experience. This is also when flight availability is best.
- Pack for adventure. Samaná is an outdoor destination. Bring water shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for beach and jungle excursions.
- Bring enough cash. While ATMs exist in Las Terrenas and Samaná town, the peninsula is less developed than other tourist areas. Having cash ensures you can pay for local services.
Complete your free E-Ticket
Every traveler must submit the Dominican Republic E-Ticket for both arrival and departure. It is free and takes a few minutes. Read the step-by-step E-Ticket & entry requirements guide.
Airlines
Air Canada Rouge
RVAir Transat
TSJetBlue Airways
B6WestJet
WSGetting to & from the airport
private_transfer
$60-90 USD to Las Terrenas, $40-55 USD to Samaná town, $70-100 USD to Las GalerasPre-arranged private vehicle transfer with driver. Highly recommended for the Samaná peninsula due to the distance between the airport and main tourist areas. Available in standard cars, SUVs, and minivans.
rental_car
$40-85 USD per day depending on vehicle typeLimited car rental options are available at El Catey airport. Renting a car is useful for exploring the Samaná peninsula at your own pace, including Las Terrenas, Playa Rincón, and El Limón waterfall.
taxi
$50-70 USD to Las Terrenas, $30-40 USD to Samaná townOfficial taxi service from El Catey International Airport. Taxis provide transfers to Las Terrenas, Santa Bárbara de Samaná, and Las Galeras. The airport is relatively remote, so taxi is the primary transport option.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from El Catey Airport to Las Terrenas or the town of Samaná?
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El Catey Airport is located centrally on the Samaná Peninsula. Las Terrenas is about 25 km (16 miles) to the northeast, a 30-40 minute drive along a winding mountain road. The town of Samaná (Santa Bárbara de Samaná) is about 40 km to the east, roughly a 45-minute drive. Pre-arranged hotel transfers are the most reliable option. Taxis are available at the airport but confirm the price before departing; expect to pay $40-60 USD to Las Terrenas.
What airlines and flights serve El Catey Airport?
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El Catey handles a limited number of seasonal international flights and occasional domestic service. Airlines like JetBlue have operated seasonal routes from New York, and some Canadian and European charters fly here during winter high season. The schedule is much more limited than Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Many visitors to Samaná fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and drive approximately 2.5 hours, or take a domestic connection if available.
Is El Catey Airport a good choice for visiting whale watching in Samaná?
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If direct flights are available during whale watching season (January through March), El Catey is the most convenient airport for reaching Samaná Bay. The airport is much closer than Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, saving you several hours of ground travel. However, flight availability is limited, so many whale-watching visitors fly into SDQ and arrange a transfer or rent a car. Book whale watching tours in advance as this is the peak season.
What facilities does El Catey Airport have?
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El Catey is a small, modern airport with minimal facilities. There is a basic cafe, restrooms, a small duty-free area in departures, and an ATM. There are no currency exchange booths, so bring some Dominican pesos or US dollars for your taxi. Wi-Fi is available but unreliable. The terminal is open-air in parts, reflecting the tropical setting. Come prepared with snacks and entertainment if you expect a wait.
Can I rent a car at El Catey Airport?
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A few car rental agencies have counters at El Catey, though the selection is more limited than at larger airports. Reserving in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. A rental car is particularly useful on the Samaná Peninsula because public transportation is sparse and attractions like El Limón waterfall, Playa Rincón, and Los Haitises National Park are spread across the area. Roads in the region can be winding and narrow, so drive carefully.
