Exclusive Samana Orientation

special offer banner Exclusive Samana Orientation Tour (Lulu Waterfalls)
Price: $97.00   Sale Price: $92.00   Save: $5.00
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, cultural, water/beach
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours 30 minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not included
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing a bathing suit under comfortable clothing and sensible walking shoes. A beach towel, sun glasses and sunscreen (biodegradable preferred) are also suggested.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk over paved, gravel and packed dirt surfaces, some with inclines. Due to the condition of many of the roads traveled, guests with advanced neck, back or hip ailments should not take this tour.

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 cigarfactory 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. Enjoy a typical Dominican buffet, consisting of fresh fish and chicken, served on the beach with as much local beer, soda and water as you can drink (and maybe even some local rum!).

After lunch, 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.

4.5 Stars4.5 / 5  |  2 ReviewsReview This Tour
Excellent
January 12, 2015
We found this to be an excellent excursion, primarily due to the personability of the guides. We also found them informative and found this to be a relaxed, enjoyable, non-rushed tour.
Reviewer: Canadian Cruiser
5 Stars
Very nice sightseeing experience
January 14, 2014
I would have given it a 5 stars, but the only complaint that I have is that we were supposed to start the excursion at a certain time but it was like an hour later because they kept waiting for some people that were extremely late so that was a waste of time. other than that the excursion itself was great, nice views of the Samana rainforest and everyday living. They took us to a cigar shop and showed us step by step how they process the cigar. Also went to a little farm where they show us different exotic fruits and gave us hot chocolate tasting. We also went down a small hill which was kind of slippery because it was raining off and on and arrived at a small waterfall. It was a nice place to take pictures. We had lunch in front of the beach. The food was tasty, fried fish, rice and beans, plantains, salad and of course Presidente beer and rum was available during the whole excursion. Overall I had a great time.
Reviewer: Jen
4 Stars