Snorkeling Report

Cayo Levantado, Samana, Dominican Republic

Ship: Norwegian Spirit (NCL)

Sailing Date: July 12, 2008

Date of Snorkel: Thursday, July 17, 2008

Equipment Availability: We have our own, which we take with us, but snorkeling equipment is available for rental (cost is $10 for mask, snorkel and fins—no vests) from the tent on the beach.  All equipment was brand new and sparkling clean. Tickets and equipment for other water sports (Kayaking and Banana Boat Rides) are also available from the same tent.

Water Access: Beach

Samana, DR was a new port for us and the predominant reason why we selected this itinerary.  It is always fun to try something new, and we were not disappointed in our expectations at all.

All excursions in and around Samana must use tender facilities; there is no pier for ships in the town.  Cayo Levantado is a resort island only a few hundred yards away from the mainland, and, given its beauty, is obviously a major reason why many flock to Samana for vacation.  From the ship, it took about 15 minutes by speed boat to reach the island, and four speed boat tenders ran back and forth to the ship continuously throughout our day.

Once on the island, a long wooden pier leads on to a slightly uneven rocky walkway.  The right branch of the walkway leads up a steep hill to a very nice looking hotel—only four years old, as we were told—with its own beach and another smaller island just off the shore.  This part of the resort was off limits to those of us on the ship’s excursion, which was too bad—the private beach with its own smaller island might have had better snorkeling.  We followed the crowd along the left branch of the main walkway, which was well marked for another branch leading to a shopping area. Don’t miss it—the brightly colored shirts were only $15—the best price we have ever found for them in this part of the world.  Other shops sold native crafts, colorful fabrics and art work.  Sticking to the main walkway for about 100 yards, one comes to an extensive beach.  A central snack bar (with alcoholic drinks for a price) is surrounded with tall palm trees, a volleyball net, and literally hundreds of well-worn beach lounge chairs.  We selected a shady spot and enquired at the information tent about the snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Cayo Levantado is very limited.  There is a small reef, but it is only about 20 square yards in size.  It is well developed with brightly colored corals, and supports a fish population primarily consisting of Dusky Damselfish.  We also saw a few Trumpetfish, some Grunts and a number of large Cushion Starfish—a first for us.  Peg also spotted her first gray-blue crab, but it moved too quickly among the nooks in the corals to get a photograph.  The visibility was excellent and the reef area is shallow enough for good photography.

Although the snorkeling was limited, what made this excursion well worth the $35 per person cost was the beach itself.  It was clean and exceptionally well maintained, without any bugs.  The water was warm and clear, and it was fun just to enjoy much of our time on the island just swimming and enjoying the beach facilities.

Snorkeling Grade: B-