Full Day Tour to Samana from Punta Cana

Posted By : 727giulian
1) excessively long and poorly organized tour. Very little information provided upon arrival and too many passengers to keep under control
2) drinks with an expired expiry date. Very serious. An hour after returning to the hotel we started feeling sick (vomiting and diarrhea) and the situation lasted two days. We didn't eat anything else after the food offered on the Samana peninsula, so it was obviously spoiled.
3) for the trekking route I recommend you use the horse or at least the boots offered at the entrance. The path is poorly maintained and full of mud and horse excrement, so much so that it sinks knee-deep. Furthermore, although you can go up on foot (we were afraid of going up on horseback honestly) the path is not a real trekking route, but rather occupied entirely by passengers on horseback, at a trot or at a walk, which makes the situation extremely dangerous for the hikers on foot. Having arrived at the splendid and very crowded waterfall at the end of the route, where you can stop for less than an hour and swim, we decided to use the horse to go back in time for lunch (horse included in the however exaggerated price of the excursion ).
We had an appointment after swimming at the waterfall with Raulín, a very kind boy who takes care of the horses, and we told our guide, Luís, that we would reach the bus for lunch as soon as possible as soon as we were reached by Raulìn's horse. The latter was only 10 minutes late to our "appointment" and when we finally arrived at the car park the rest of the group had disappeared and we had to call the organizers to be recovered and taken to lunch in time (which as I was saying was poisoned). Which tour guide doesn't count passengers?
Mr. Luís didn't even apologize for the mix-up and blamed us in front of everyone.
We finally arrive at the next stop, a beautiful little island, where unfortunately the stop is about 1 hour and a half but it is so late that the sun is about to set: obviously we are unable to enjoy the beautiful colors of the advertising photo of this excursion to forget.
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Posted On : 2024-01-07 10:26:59

Posted By : Christine_B
A very long day, started at 7.10am back at 8.20pm, much longer than noted. The guide on the coach gave little information on the day ahead until we reached the boat stop.
Samana Island was beautiful, but we only ended up being there for just under an hour which was disappointing. Beware of being entised to look and touch star fish, it's not allowed.
The waterfalls were good, but really for us not woth the journey. You could not walk the path safely, very rocky and muddy. The horses looked unkempt and some were emancipated, this was not a plesent experience. The guides, not all, tried to make you feel guilty asking for money.
Lunch was delicious and view was stunning. All in all I would not recommend. The combination made for a very long day. If you want to go to the island I would recommend maybe a private tour.
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Posted On : 2024-01-03 05:43:28

Posted By : djenah79
Although the itinerary is a bit misleading, I really loved this tour. I chose this tour to view El Limon waterfall, as I found very few alternatives to getting there. I've found that pick up and transfers are a bit chaotic in the DR, especially if you don't speak Spanish. Very few people speak English here, and most of those who do are very limited (aside from the designated English speaking guides once you finally get to them - they are fluent)

The first stop was to Bacardi island. You have a small snack at the meeting point, which for us was a super basic sandwich and watermelon. Your small group tour has now suddenly turned into a large group tour, but the boat ride wasn't bad. The island is absolutely gorgeous and has plenty of amenities. Unfortunately, as I thought we would be returning, I did not swim the first time around, as I didn't want to be salty or sandy for the jungle. We did not return.

Then we got on the boat to arrive in Samana for a buffet lunch. Food was decent and there were a lot of options. We took a safari bus through the small towns where the locals live, which I love. Definitely has that small Caribbean island vibe that you don't always see when you stay in resorts.

Once we arrive at the waterfall, you travel by horseback to the entrance of the falls. I was hesitant on this, as there is often concern for the welfare of animals used in tourism. These horses seemed healthy and well cared for. My horse was super sweet and handled the rugged, muddy trail with ease. You can choose to hike instead of go horseback, but it is about a half hour each way. Gorgeous trail though either way. When you get to the falls, there are "shops" where you can buy souvenirs or drinks as well as restrooms. From there you have to climb down 200 uneven steps to get to the falls (and subsequently climb those steps up to get back to the horses. Anyone in relatively decent fitness can do this, but it is a workout for sure, and worth noting, as the tour does not simply drive you to the falls as suggested in the itinerary. The waterfall is stunning and well worth the trip. Definitely go for a swim...it's so refreshing! From there, we rode the safari bus back to the boat and then directly back to the meeting point before heading home. No additional stop back at the beach.

Also worth mentioning...be prepared to tip multiple people. You've got your transfer drivers, the bus drivers, the tour guide, the horse guide...

It was a great tour and a wonderful way to spend the day. It makes for a long day - Including transfers, I left my Airbnb at 6am and did not return until after 9. I would still absolutely recommend.
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Posted On : 2023-11-08 06:46:40

Posted By : adrianamJ1271VF
Very good tour, excellent service, transportation was from the hotel in a private van, very good service, we had a spectacular time
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Posted On : 2023-09-04 19:34:14

Posted By : Sunshine52139562317
We really have a lot to thank this company for, they made us spend a lovely day, a personalized service, very punctual when it came to picking us up at our hotel, the excellent driver, very good dialogue, despite the heavy rain, it was a great day, you are the best.
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Posted On : 2023-08-18 15:12:51

Posted By : C8953WDianb
Incredible and unforgettable experience. Without hesitation I would repeat it again. Both the tour, the view, the stops and the guide, everything on the tour was incredibly wonderful. You must give yourself the opportunity to live such a wonderful experience with M&E Tours, 10 out of 10 for them.
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Posted On : 2023-08-11 21:02:01

Posted By : diseld2023
I very much appreciate the good treatment, the good service, the information provided by the guides, the excellent driver, he drives very cautiously, it was the best experience I have had in Punta Cana, it is certain that for my next excursions I will do them with you, The food was also excellent, delighted with Mr. Elvis, thank you very much.
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Posted On : 2023-08-08 20:29:52

Posted By : 826perlas
Best vacation ever, I went with my family and friends we enjoy everything we did, I highly recommended. They are the best.
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Posted On : 2023-08-08 10:49:36

Posted By : Danyeu30
The service provided by the company is excellent with highly trained and attentive staff. Thank you for the experience. I hope to repeat it soon.
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Posted On : 2023-08-08 10:09:24

Posted By : miguelaL3886XW
We traveled with César to Samaná. Drives very well, totally recommended. He treated us great and recommended many things to do around the country. A phenomenal guy
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Posted On : 2023-08-07 13:57:54