Los Haitises & Bacardí Island Day Trip from Santo Domingo

4.50

(16 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Salt in the air, a little breeze on my face—our boat left Samaná’s dock just after breakfast. The water looked like it couldn’t decide what color to be; I counted at least five shades between turquoise and deep blue. Our guide, José, pointed out the mangroves as we skimmed past them—he said they’re home to tiny crabs you’ll only spot if you look close. We slowed down near a limestone cave where the walls are covered with old Taíno symbols. The smell inside was damp and earthy, almost like wet clay. José explained how these drawings have survived hurricanes for centuries.

After exploring the caves, we headed toward Cayo Levantado—locals call it Bacardí Island because of that famous ad filmed here ages ago. Lunch was ready when we arrived: grilled fish, rice with coconut, and fresh pineapple juice that tasted way better than anything back home. I found a quiet patch of sand under a palm tree and just listened to the waves for a while. Some folks went swimming right away; others wandered off taking photos of the pelicans perched on fishing boats nearby. There’s plenty of time to swim or just do nothing at all before heading back.