Is Samana Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Samanа is a city in the Samanа Peninsula, Dominican Republic.

It’s a famous tourist destination with whale watching and the national park Los Haitises.

Humpback whale watching is the main attraction in this region.

The season for it is from January until March. At peak season, there are usually about a hundred whales in the bay at any given time.

The city also attracts numerous secluded beaches, where tourists can enjoy a pleasant vacation away from civilization.

There are also horse riding or motorbike tours in Samana.

You can visit the Los Haitises National Park for a few hours.

Warnings & Dangers in Samana

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In Saman, the average level of security and the risk of getting into trouble are if you do not follow the usual precautions. Watch your surroundings, never leave personal items unattended. Beware of pickpockets; don't be on the beaches after sunset.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You can use public transport but watch your pockets. Pickpockets often operate on buses. Taxis are safer to travel, especially if you need to return late at night to the hotel. Make sure that the driver uses a taximeter and call only licensed taxi services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpockets are found, but not very common. It is enough to monitor your pockets and bags, not to leave valuables unattended, and carry a minimum of cash with you so as not to be exposed to this risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The Dominican Republic is considered a hotspot for natural disasters. The country is exposed to droughts, earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, temperature extremes (heat waves), tropical storms, and tsunamis. Explore the situation in the region before your visit to Samana.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies and attacks occur in Samana, although not so often. However, even kidnappings with the aim of theft and ransom demand are common in the region. Therefore, you must be extremely careful. Get around in groups, do not shine with jewelry and expensive things, avoid walking around the city at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in the Dominican Republic, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. Avoid any political or religious demonstrations and study the situation in the region before your visit to Samana.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Credit card cloning and identity theft are a big problem in the region. Using ATMs in banks is safer than those that are freely available on the street. Petty fraud with overpriced prices for goods and services is also common, especially if you are recognized as a tourist.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women traveling alone may experience some form of harassment and verbal abuse. There have been cases of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners. It is recommended not to walk alone, move in groups and stay at the hotel at night.

So... How Safe Is Samana Really?

Samana is considered a reasonably safe place, although the usual precautions will not be excessive.

Due to the popularity of the region among tourists, the city is well guarded by the police, and it tries to respond reasonably quickly to all cases of crime.

However, you should not be completely relaxed in Samana.

Theft, petty fraud, pickpockets, and drug problems are the main crimes in the region.

Keep in mind that illegal drugs in the Dominican Republic and for any contact with drug dealers for tourists can be followed by severe punishment.

Take your usual precautions, as everywhere else, without dark alleys at night, and everything will be all right.

Locals are quite agreeable and are always ready to help tourists.

If you are traveling by car, always close it and leave it in a guarded parking lot.

Be careful on the roads while driving – traffic can be very chaotic, and local drivers do not always follow road rules.

Do not get drunk in the bars and watch your drink – there are times when ill-wishers pour intoxicants into the victim’s drink in order to rob you.

In Samana, it’s quite stuffy throughout the year, so it is vital to apply sunscreen and have water with you.

How Does Samana Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to the Dominican Republic must obtain a visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Nationals of the 108 countries and passport-issuing jurisdictions do not require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic for 90 days A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The Dominican peso is the currency of the Dominican Republic. Its symbol is "$," with "RD$" used when distinction from other pesos. Each peso is divided into 100 centavos ("cents"), for which the ¢ symbol is used.

Weather

The best months for good weather in Samana are January to April, June, July, October, and December. Average temperatures in Samana vary very little, and the weather feels hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year.

Airports

Samanа El Catey International Airport is an international airport, serving the province of Samaná in the Dominican Republic. The airport located 46 km from the city center.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Samana Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Dominican Republic - Safety by City