Exclusive Samana Orientation

Escape the mobbed cruise line tours on this exclusive small-group Samana orientation with no more than 16 guests per guide. Get a real feel for the island through a local's perspective.

After meeting your friendly local guide, you will ride to a typical village in an open-air safari vehicle. Enjoy a presentation of local items that you can sample, including local fruits, nuts, moonshine and some locally-grown and processed hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is unique and tasty - it's like tapping a chocolate tree! Bring along a little spending money, as you will have time in the community co-op/gift shop to purchase cocoa or other local products to take home.

Next, you will pass through a very small town that houses a hand-rolled cigar factory. A stop will be made at the cigar factory if it is open on the day of your tour.

Next, head down a bumpy dirt road to reach a semi-secluded natural beach, where you can take in stunning views of the mountains diving into the ocean. Although the beach is not safe for swimming, the views of its natural beauty are not to be missed.

From there, take a 10-minute walk from the parking area along a fairly moderate trail to the Lulu Waterfalls. Local kids will be on-hand to assist those guests needing help navigating the trail or crossing the river via 6-8 sandbags. If you accept their help, a dollar tip is suggested for services rendered. They do not beg for handouts. Enjoy approximately 20 minutes of free time at Lulu Watefalls to take a quick swim, jump from the rocks above into the water, or just sit and enjoy the setting.

Please Note: Most of the roads traveled during the tour are not paved and bumps are to be expected. If heavy rains make the waterfall or beach inaccessible, alternative sites will be substituted.

San Juan Old and New Tour

Escape the crowded cruise line tours and take our Old and New San Juan City Tour with an experienced guide. An old walled city with more than 400 years of history, in contrast to a modern resort city, is the backdrop for your orientation of this thriving and interesting city.

In the new part of town, you will travel through the Condado area. Here you will see the luxury hotels, casinos, nightclubs and many restaurants that make this the most popular place in town after dark.

San Juan's Old Town tells hundreds of years of history in its restored and renovated buildings, homes and fortifications. It is divided by narrow streets, many still paved with cobblestones. Photo opportunities abound as you pass the Governor's Palace, San Juan Cathedral, Capilla de Cristo, Fort San Cristobal and travel along the coast road to El Morro, where you will have a photo stop from the street.

As you drive along, look down every street for hidden plazas and the beautiful 17th-century Spanish ironwork on the restored old homes, and blue-black glazed cobblestones lining the narrow streets of the Old City. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the port.