Need help--how to get to Cayo Levantado w/o using ships tender

[ageorge]

we are sailing on NCL in Oct. and would like to go to Cayo Levantado. Ship excursion is $50 pp but that only includes tender to and from. We have a group of 10 so we'd love to book something ourselves. No one speaks Spanish so just approaching someone in Samana and trying to communicate what we want is a little shakey. Can anyone recommend someone we could pre-book with to take us to and from Cayo Levantado from Samana. Hate thought of paying NCl $500 for a tender ride!
Thanks!
Anne

[toursamanawithterry]

You can only go to Cayo on an NCL tender. NCL has a deal with the Dom. Rep. government to not allow anyone on Cayo if they are from the cruise ship unless it is through the ship. In fact I went to Cayo on a cruiseship day once and there was a policeman guarding the dock and he wanted proof that I was not on the cruise ship. So they take it pretty seriously if you try to make it over on your own. For $50 a person you can get some awesome excursions to some other beautiful places on the mainland and have food and drinks included. I have some suggestions if you are interested. But if you are dead set on Cayo, believe me you can only do it through NCL, they have made sure of that.

[pennstate94]

Terry,
My husband and I will be in Samana the week of Nov. 14 on the NCL Pearl and would be interested in hearing your suggestions for how to spend the day. We're not really interested in visiting Cayo Levantado and are looking for more unique experiences. Let me know what your prices are and whether you have a minimum group size for a tour.

[Cdncpl]

Originally Posted by pennstate94

Terry,
My husband and I will be in Samana the week of Nov. 14 on the NCL Pearl and would be interested in hearing your suggestions for how to spend the day. We're not really interested in visiting Cayo Levantado and are looking for more unique experiences. Let me know what your prices are and whether you have a minimum group size for a tour.

There are several options available for a day trip from the cruise ships in Samana. If you get a group, or arrange a taxi and head to Las Galeras... you can get a small boat to Playa Rincon or Playa Fronton. Or simply enjoy lunch and drinks on an undeveloped beach in Las Galeras....Go horse back riding etc.... I would suggest staying away from tour operaters, unless you have deep pockets. There are plenty of things to do in and around Samana and you will enjoy them MUCH more without being gouged by a tour operator, as long as you have some guidance. PM me if you would like any more info...would be glad to help.

[Renate]

Originally Posted by ageorge

we are sailing on NCL in Oct. and would like to go to Cayo Levantado. Ship excursion is $50 pp but that only includes tender to and from. We have a group of 10 so we'd love to book something ourselves. No one speaks Spanish so just approaching someone in Samana and trying to communicate what we want is a little shakey. Can anyone recommend someone we could pre-book with to take us to and from Cayo Levantado from Samana. Hate thought of paying NCl $500 for a tender ride!
Thanks!
Anne

Hi Anne,

suggest that you contact manfred@ozeanic-caribbean.com (from Tauchschule Ozeanic - Willkommen in der Karibik ) , this is a family coming from Germany who has settled in Samana some years ago. I do not know them personally, I saw them in a German TV soap about emigrants leaving Germany. They have boats for rent in Samana, for sure they can tell you if they can take you to Cayo Levantado, or if it's impossible.

Good luck!
Renate (Austria)

[CatherineD]

I am from Casa Dorado Excursions. We offer a lot of Samana cruise ship visitors alternative excursions from Las Galeras. We have snorkeling and beach trips, as well as sport fishing.

There is more info on our website:

Cruise Ship Excursions in Samana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean.

or you can email me at: info@casadorado.com

Catherine