Dominican Republic 365
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Photo: Victor Rosario · Manual import
Samana PeninsulaBeach
Cayo Levantado Beach
The legendary "Bacardi Island" — white sand and palm trees in Samana Bay
WaterCrystal Clear
SandWhite
VibeResort Paradise
Water temp81°F
Sand color
White
Water color
Turquoise
Water temp
81°F / 27°C
Current
Calm
Best time
Morning to arrive before tour groups
Best months
December - April
Entry fee
Boat transfer RD$500-800 per person (beach is free)
Length
500m
Lifeguards
No
Access
Boat only
Parking
N/A — boat access from Samana port
Shade
Abundant palm shade and thatched palapas
Nearest town
Santa Bárbara de Samaná
Nearest airport
AZS - Samaná El Catey International
Heads upOnly accessible by boatVery crowded when cruise ships are in portPart of island is private resort
Marine lifeTropical fishStarfishHumpback whales (January-March, from shore)
WaterCrystal ClearCurrentCalmSandWhiteVibeResort Paradise
The overview
Cayo Levantado, often called "Bacardi Island," is a small island in Samana Bay with stunning white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise water. The island has a public beach and an exclusive resort. During whale season (January-March), whale-watching trips often include a stop here.
Time it right
Seasonal guide
How Cayo Levantado Beach shifts through the year. Each bar's height is the sea temperature, and the teal bars mark the best months for a beach day. Water temperature shows in °F by default; switch to °C with the toggle.
Best time to visit
Shoulder season
Bar height = sea temperature
79°0.3-0.5mJan
79°0.3-0.5mFeb
79°0.3-0.5mMar
81°0.3-0.5mApr
82°0.5-1mMay
82°0.5-1mJun
84°NOWJul
84°0.5-1mAug
84°0.5-1mSep
82°0.5-1mOct
81°0.3-0.5mNov
81°0.3-0.5mDec
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec. The sea stays warm year-round; these months pair calm water with the lightest crowds and lowest sargassum risk.
| Month | Waves | Crowds | Sargassum | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 0.3-0.5m | High | None | Excellent |
| Feb | 0.3-0.5m | High | None | Excellent |
| Mar | 0.3-0.5m | Moderate | None | Excellent |
| Apr | 0.3-0.5m | Moderate | None | Very Good |
| May | 0.5-1m | Low | Low | Good |
| Jun | 0.5-1m | Low | Low | Fair |
| Jul | 0.3-0.5m | Moderate | Low | Good |
| Aug | 0.5-1m | Moderate | None | Fair |
| Sep | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Fair |
| Oct | 0.5-1m | Low | None | Good |
| Nov | 0.3-0.5m | Moderate | None | Very Good |
| Dec | 0.3-0.5m | High | None | Excellent |
In the water
Calm waters protected within Samana Bay. Minimal waves, shallow sandy swimming area safe for all ages. Good snorkeling around rocky edges. Visibility 10-15 meters. Bay water temperature 28-30 degrees Celsius.
Getting there
Boat-only access from Samana waterfront. Public boats depart regularly for RD$400-600 per person round-trip. Private taxis RD$2,000-3,000. Whale-watching combos USD $55-85 per person.
Pack for it
- Waterproof bag: For the boat ride
- Cash: For food, drinks, and chair rentals
- Snorkeling gear
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Time it right
Year-round; best during whale season (January-March). Avoid cruise ship days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays least crowded. Earliest boats (9 AM) best.
Local knowledge
- Walk the shoreline trail around the island for quieter coves
- Negotiate with boat captains at Samana dock for best rates
- The iconic photo spot is at the eastern tip where a palm leans over the water
In pictures
Photo gallery
Good to know
Cayo Levantado Beach questions
Is Cayo Levantado the Bacardi Island?
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Yes, Cayo Levantado is famously known as Bacardi Island because it was featured in a 1970s Bacardi rum advertisement. The iconic image of a palm-fringed island with white sand and turquoise water brought global attention to this small island in the Bay of Samaná. Today it remains one of the most photographed spots in the Dominican Republic.
How do I visit Cayo Levantado?
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Public boat tours depart from the town of Samaná and from the Samaná port, taking about 15-20 minutes. The public beach area is on the western side of the island and is accessible through various tour operators. A luxury resort occupies most of the island, but the public beach area offers white sand, clear water, and basic food and drink service.
Can I see whales from Cayo Levantado?
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During humpback whale season from January to March, whales can sometimes be seen from Cayo Levantado as they pass through the Bay of Samaná. Many visitors combine a whale-watching excursion with a visit to the island. Dedicated whale-watching boats depart from Samaná town and offer a much better chance of close encounters.
Is the public beach at Cayo Levantado worth visiting?
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The public beach area is beautiful but can become very crowded when multiple tour boats arrive simultaneously, especially during cruise ship days. The sand is white, the water is clear, and vendors sell food and drinks. For a better experience, visit on days when no cruise ships are in port and arrive early to secure a good spot.
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