Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado worth booking?
Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado is a 7-hour experience in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from $179 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 44 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (5)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $179 per person
Samaná Bay- one of the largest and best humpback whale breeding sanctuaries in the world. Explore the Samana Peninsula in a single day. With all transportation provided, this multi-stop tour is easy; you just sit back and relax, enjoying the scenery and your guide's commentary as you travel. 1. take a bus heading to one side of the peninsula of Samaná then a specially prepared boat will cruise. 2. crossing the bay we find ourselves to the Samaná peninsula. To see the lush region of Samana, you’ll be taken by safari truck to a typical farm. 3. on horseback towards the El Limon Waterfall (one of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean). As well as a typical Dominican buffet lunch at a ranch, surrounded by tropical vegetation, after a small trek. 4. take you to the luxuriant Bacardi Beach on Cayo Levantado. Here, you can relax in the sea or recline in a hammock on this idyllic islet.
What you get
About this experience
Samaná Bay- one of the largest and best humpback whale breeding sanctuaries in the world. Explore the Samana Peninsula in a single day. With all transportation provided, this multi-stop tour is easy; you just sit back and relax, enjoying the scenery and your guide's commentary as you travel. 1. take a bus heading to one side of the peninsula of Samaná then a specially prepared boat will cruise. 2. crossing the bay we find ourselves to the Samaná peninsula. To see the lush region of Samana, you’ll be taken by safari truck to a typical farm. 3. on horseback towards the El Limon Waterfall (one of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean). As well as a typical Dominican buffet lunch at a ranch, surrounded by tropical vegetation, after a small trek. 4. take you to the luxuriant Bacardi Beach on Cayo Levantado. Here, you can relax in the sea or recline in a hammock on this idyllic islet.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Life jacket on the board
Not included
- Private transportation from Hotels of Bavaro, 20$
- Private transportation from Hoteles of Arena Gorda or Cabeza De Toro, 30$
- Private transportation from Hotels of Macao or Punta Cana Beach, 35$
- Private transportation from Hoteles of Cap Cana or Uvero Alto, 45$
- Photos and video
What you'll see and do
To begin this beautiful trip, you will be transferred from Bavaro to the Miches Pier, where you will board a catamaran to sail through the bay of Samaná.We hope you become part of the thousands of visitors who have expressed that their Safari Adventure was the highlight of their vacation. Enjoy rural roads where you can appreciate the flora and fauna of the country. Interact with typical Dominicans in an ambience outside hotels. Experience spectacular views and photo opportunities at every turn! When you arrive in Samana, you will have a beautiful ride in a safari truck until you reach a typical house where you will be shown the process of making coffee and cacao among other things. City tour by safari truck through the city of Samana, discovered by the navigator Christopher Columbus in 1493, here the first hostile meeting between Europeans and natives took place.
180 minutes here
El Salto del Limon
You will continue your journey until you reach the hacienda where a beautiful horse will wait for you, in which you will make an incredible journey on horseback in the jungle until you reach the magnificent waterfall of Salto el Limon the 196.85 feet high. Hiking on horseback towards the majestic El Limon waterfall, a spectacular jump that measures 50 meters high, with a beautiful natural pool underneath in a lush tropical forest. This waterfall is one of the highest and most beautiful ones in the Dominican Republic. Arriving at the ranch where we leave the horses we have an incredible view of the fall below. After a refreshing dip in the natural pool in front of the waterfall and free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the midst of the tropical forest, we head back to Rancho.For your return it will be waiting for you a delicious buffet for your Buffet lunch at the forest.
120 minutes here
Finally, you will visit one of the most beautiful islands in the Dominican Republic, Cayo Levantado, where you will enjoy a delicious piña colada and magical crystal clear waters, which have served as a stage for various commercials and films, and now it will be part of your memories. With its pearly white beaches, crystal clear ocean, lush forests and rich culture, our tour is the perfect experience for your holiday in the Dominican Republic.
90 minutes here
Bavaro
Then will pick you up in comfortable buses in the areas of Punta Cana, Bávaro, where we will finish a wonderful adventure full of new experiences.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Punta Cana
Starting point: Plaza Turquesa, Bavaro. Pickup starts: 10 minutes before departure. We meet in Bavaro at 6:40 AM on the day of our event. We will be waiting for you in a blue T-shirt, at the entrance to the store from the side of the main road.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Starting point: Plaza Turquesa, Bavaro. Pickup starts: 10 minutes before departure. We meet in Bavaro at 6:40 AM on the day of our event. We will be waiting for you in a blue T-shirt, at the entrance to the store from the side of the main road.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GAVA travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is highly recommended to use sunscreen and insect repellent spray.
- Bring your sweater on the air-conditioned bus.
- Always use hiking sandals or watershoes on those types of tours and it makes everything so much easier.
- Take with you swimsuit, towel and hat.
- Just in case If you have problems with seasickness, we recommend using water-based nausea tablets.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful intense day
The excursion was amazing! It's an intense day, full of experiences You will take boats, local transportation, see the whales, ride a horse and visit a paradisiac island. The only thing I'm concerned about and I want you to let know is about the lunch. No options for vegetarians, take care of this aspect, many people needs something vegetarian. There was: fruit, cabbage and rice for that. I would have preferred some beans, or fish too
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing and adventure-filled day, and that you enjoyed the variety of experiences—from the boat rides to whale watching and visiting the island. We truly appreciate you bringing up your concern regarding the lunch options. Your feedback is very important to us, and we understand how essential it is to provide suitable meals for all dietary preferences, including vegetarian options. We will certainly share your suggestion with our team to improve and expand the menu offerings—adding items like beans or other protein-rich alternatives is a great idea. Thank you again for your valuable feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience!
via Tripadvisor
Excursions to hell with shabby equipment
One company book the tour then outsource to tour providers. My excursions started with 1.5 hour drive with tour guide only to be told later the tour was whale watching. The tour said lunch at Dominican farmhouse, it was more a shack on the beach with trek pass homeless people. The rain was occurring and tour guide cancelled horseback ride to Limon waterfalls. The way back the boat motor broke down for over one hour. I asked twice for life jacket and your guide said no it will scare other passengers who were already sick from crazy ride. This was terrible experience never will choose company again
Response from the operator: Our company makes a tour providing more than stated in the announcement, and you saw the natural phenomenon of humpback whales, for which they come specially to our country and this is really a very rare moment and it was provided to you for free, and you are so unhappy! As for the weather, this is a natural phenomenon and for safety reasons, the tour was carried out in accordance with the safety rules, the jets were provided to you, and the level of lunch was consistent with the quality of the products provided. In fact, your review is related to a bad mood due to the weather and you absolutely hate everything and rate us one star, which is very unfair, but we do not give up and continue to delight people with wonderful excursions at GAVA Travel
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip! Fantastic location, great value, well organised
Really great tour, superbly organised, wonderful places to see - highly recommend! Easy transfer to Samana peninsula, with snacks on the way. Horse rise to the waterfall is just amazing, El Limon has the cleanest water, very beautiful. The island at the very end is a good place to chill. This is a day well spent and totally worth it!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much and your wonderful feedback on our experience! We are infinitely grateful to you for your mood was at its best, and for us it is really very important!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Samana Tour
Beautiful day tour, really enjoyed the horse ride to to arrive to the amazing el limón waterfall. Following a perfect beach day in Island Bacardi. Thanks GAVA Tours for such a great experience! Really recommend you booking with GAVA.
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful experience!
We stayed and booked the trip at GAVA in Bavaro, which is far from the waterfall and that made it a whole day, one to remember excursion. We were picked up at 6:45 AM with a little bus, and after more people got on from other resorts, we travelled at least about one hour and half 'till we were transferred on a speed boat were we met our English speaking guide Valentina. The crossing of the bay on the speedboat was around 40 minutes and then we arrived to Santa Barbara in Samana and got into a truck safari we were then taken to the location were we would get on the horses and go to the waterfall called 'El Salto Del Limon' What an experience! In order to get to the waterfall you need to take a horse ride for about 30 minutes and the rest of the trail you walk. Every horse has a trainer that stays with you all the time they even looked after our belongings these are humble simple honest people they treated with such respect and kindness that you don't see very often. If you do decide to go please given them a tip they live off their tips. They help you down and back up on the several stairs to get to the waterfall, take pictures for you and all this for the tips they get from the travellers. Only your horse ride is paid in your trip!! Even though I was terrified because I don't do well with horses the experience was amazing. I loved it. The waterfall itself is beautiful, is like a jungle, it was a little crowded and everybody wants to take pictures, water is a little cold, but if you do, there are two changing cabins were you could put your swimsuit on. We stayed about 30-40 minutes at the waterfall then retuned to our horses and back to the village, were we hade lunch. Returning to the bay, we stopped on Cayo Levantando island for about an hour and half, were we enjoyed the free drinks at the bar and the nice beach. The speedboat took us across the bay, then the bus back, were we arrived around 7 PM. Thank you to our guide Valentina and GAVA Travel for such a great experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a great review!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 44
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Punta Cana.
How much does Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado cost?
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Prices start at $179 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Punta Cana usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Punta Cana is not rushed.
Is Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Punta Cana, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Punta Cana can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Punta Cana and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Punta Cana within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Punta Cana?
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On Outty we rank every Punta Cana experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Punta Cana Zipline - 8 lines and a suspenseful hanging bridge, Buggy Excursion to Macau Beach and Natural Cave, Small Group Buggy Tour to Water Cave and Macao Beach. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Punta Cana?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Punta Cana?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; In-vehicle air conditioning; Lunch; and Life jacket on the board. Not included: Private transportation from Hotels of Bavaro, 20$; Private transportation from Hoteles of Arena Gorda or Cabeza De Toro, 30$; Private transportation from Hotels of Macao or Punta Cana Beach, 35$; and Private transportation from Hoteles of Cap Cana or Uvero Alto, 45$. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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Starting point: Plaza Turquesa, Bavaro. Pickup starts: 10 minutes before departure. We meet in Bavaro at 6:40 AM on the day of our event. We will be waiting for you in a blue T-shirt. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado offered in?
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It is offered in English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Samaná: waterfall El Limine & island Cayo Levantado?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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