Is Samana Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Samana, Dominican Republic
Safety Index:
78
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
80
* Rated 80 / 100 based on 2 user reviews.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

CitySafety Index
Samana78
Punta Cana64
Santo Domingo31
Sosua77
Playa Rincon64
Jarabacoa54
Las Terrenas52
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)43
Sofia (Bulgaria)73
Siem Reap (Cambodia)63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)61
Niagara Falls (Canada)87
Calgary (Canada)82

Useful Information

Visas

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

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

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

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

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.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Samana Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 23° C
Feb 24° C
Mar 24° C
Apr 25° C
May 26° C
Jun 27° C
Jul 27° C
Aug 27° C
Sep 27° C
Oct 26° C
Nov 25° C
Dec 24° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
282929303131323232313029
Low
°C
181819202122222222212019
High
°F
828484868888909090888684
Low
°F
646466687072727272706866

Dominican Republic - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Bayahibe52
Cabarete53
Jarabacoa54
Las Terrenas52
Playa Rincon64
Punta Cana64
Samana78
Santo Domingo31
Sosua77

Where to Next?

2 Reviews on Samana

  1. J
    Jasmine Hewitt says:

    I have friends who travel here often

  2. S
    Serenity says:

    Fantastic whale watching and all around views

    Never have I experienced humpback whale watching like I have here! There were at least 40 whales when I was there and it was terrific. The Los Haitises National Park is also a great destination for some hours of just relaxing and seeing some of the beauties of this world.

Samana Rated 4 / 5 based on 2 user reviews.

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