Port information & tips for Cayo Levantado
Cayo Levantado is a true tropical paradise in the picturesque Samaná Bay in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. World-famous as "Bacardi Island," this destination impresses with powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise water, while offering an exclusive, relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include the stunning Playa Cayo Levantado beach, lush hiking trails through the island's interior, and proximity to the impressive Los Haitises National Park. Since the island does not have a deep-water port, cruise ships anchor in the sheltered bay, and passengers reach the Cayo Levantado Tender Pier comfortably by boat. From this central landing point, all the island's amenities are within walking distance, and regular water taxis also provide short connections to the nearby port town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná.
Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic is an idyllic island in Samaná Bay, typically reached by tender boat from cruise ships or via ferry connections from the mainland.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane. The nearest airport is Samaná El Catey International (AZS), approximately 56 to 68 kilometers from the Samaná region. The journey from AZS airport to the pier for Cayo Levantado takes about 55 minutes. Another option is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo, which is around 171 kilometers away and requires a driving time of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Direct flights from Europe to the Dominican Republic usually land in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, from where further transfers are necessary.
Transfer to the Island
After landing, various transfer options lead to the mainland pier for Cayo Levantado. For guests of the Cayo Levantado Resort, a private transfer to the special Simi Báez pier is offered, from which a free ferry provides the approximately 10-minute crossing to the island every 15 minutes. Cruise passengers are often brought directly from their ship to the island by tender boats. Those wishing to visit the public side of the island take a public boat from the main pier in Samaná Town; this crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs about 7 to 10 US dollars for the round trip.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and to ensure a relaxed start to your vacation, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is recommended. Near the ferry piers in Samaná Town, you will find various hotels, including the Bahia Principe Luxury Samana or the Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa, which provide a comfortable base. Guests of the Cayo Levantado Resort enjoy the advantage of staying directly on the island in their luxurious hotel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will typically receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Cayo Levantado in the Dominican Republic is an idyllic island in Samaná Bay, typically reached by tender boat from cruise ships or via ferry connections from the mainland.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is primarily by plane. The nearest airport is Samaná El Catey International (AZS), approximately 56 to 68 kilometers from the Samaná region. The journey from AZS airport to the pier for Cayo Levantado takes about 55 minutes. Another option is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo, which is around 171 kilometers away and requires a driving time of approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes. Direct flights from Europe to the Dominican Republic usually land in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, from where further transfers are necessary.
Transfer to the Island
After landing, various transfer options lead to the mainland pier for Cayo Levantado. For guests of the Cayo Levantado Resort, a private transfer to the special Simi Báez pier is offered, from which a free ferry provides the approximately 10-minute crossing to the island every 15 minutes. Cruise passengers are often brought directly from their ship to the island by tender boats. Those wishing to visit the public side of the island take a public boat from the main pier in Samaná Town; this crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs about 7 to 10 US dollars for the round trip.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and to ensure a relaxed start to your vacation, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel is recommended. Near the ferry piers in Samaná Town, you will find various hotels, including the Bahia Principe Luxury Samana or the Bahia Principe Grand Cayacoa, which provide a comfortable base. Guests of the Cayo Levantado Resort enjoy the advantage of staying directly on the island in their luxurious hotel.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will typically receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The idyllic island of Cayo Levantado in Samaná Bay impresses with its exclusive location and is wonderfully accessible thanks to short distances and a direct boat connection.
On Foot
The entire island is easily explorable on foot, and all picturesque beaches and facilities can be reached within a few minutes. The paved paths lead directly through the tropical vegetation and allow for a relaxed stroll in a paradisiacal setting.
Water Taxis and Tender Boats
Regular connections with tender boats or local water taxis, known as lanchas, take you directly to the mainland in Samaná. The short crossing takes about 10 to 15 minutes and simultaneously offers a magnificent view of the turquoise waters of the bay.
Taxis and Guaguas on the Mainland
Upon arrival by boat at the Samaná pier, official taxis are available for comfortable onward travel. Additionally, you can use the typical guaguas there, as these local minibuses offer an authentic and affordable way to reach the sights of the peninsula.
To make the most of your stay on the idyllic private island of Cayo Levantado, a combination of pure relaxation on the exclusive island beaches and an exploratory tour into the nearby Samaná Bay is recommended.
Cayo Levantado Beach
The island's snow-white sandy beaches, with their crystal-clear turquoise waters, invite you to dream and, thanks to their direct location at the cruise pier, offer the perfect spot for a luxurious swimming experience under palm trees.
Santa Bárbara de Samaná
The charming port town on the mainland impresses with its colorful rows of Victorian-style houses and is also an ideal starting point for a relaxed stroll along the lively Malecón waterfront promenade.
Los Haitises National Park
This impressive nature reserve fascinates with its mystical mangrove forests as well as prehistoric caves of the indigenous people and can be perfectly explored during a short boat trip through the picturesque Samaná Bay.
Playa Grande on Cayo Levantado
The paradisiacal Playa Grande is located directly on the island of Cayo Levantado and is easily accessible after a short ride on a tender boat. This spot captivates with its fine, white sand as well as crystal-clear, turquoise water and offers the perfect Caribbean experience thanks to an excellent infrastructure with comfortable beach loungers, shaded spots under palms, and inviting beach bars. The relaxed atmosphere is further complemented by the range of fresh cocktails and regional delicacies, making the stay particularly pleasant. Ideally, take one of the first tender boats in the morning to secure a prime spot on the shore, and plan your return trip to the ship about ninety minutes before the last departure to let the day come to a relaxed end.
The journey back to your ship or the private island is very relaxed thanks to the well-organized boat transfers and the manageable distances on the island.
Water Taxis and Tender Boats
From the mainland in Samaná, the boats depart from the central Muelle de Samaná on Avenida Marina and take you directly back to the island or the ship. Plan an additional fifteen minutes in the afternoon for the security check at the pier so that you can reach the last crossing comfortably.
On Foot on the Island
On Cayo Levantado itself, you can reach the harbor pier from the beaches such as Playa Grande in just a few minutes on foot via the paved paths. The paths lead through the well-maintained park areas and are easy to find thanks to the signage and the friendly staff on site.
Taxi to the Departure Point in Samaná
If you have explored the hinterland of the Samaná Peninsula, you will find taxis at central locations such as the Malecon or in front of larger hotels like the Bannister Yacht Club. The drivers will take you quickly to the harbor area and know the departure times of the tender boats exactly, so that you arrive at the meeting point on time.
