Cayo Levantado, in Samaná

Located in the spectacular Bay of Samaná, Cayo Levantado is one of the Dominican Republic’s most recognizable island destinations. With white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, tropical vegetation and swaying palm trees, this small island has become one of the must-see attractions in Samaná.

Known internationally as “Bacardi Island,” Cayo Levantado combines beautiful scenery with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, relaxing on the beach and enjoying Dominican food by the sea. The Dominican Republic’s official tourism website highlights it as a destination for swimming, sunbathing and water activities.

Where Is Cayo Levantado?

Cayo Levantado is a small island situated in the Bay of Samaná, only a few kilometers from the town of Samaná. Its location makes it relatively easy to visit by boat and allows travelers to combine the excursion with other attractions in the region.

The island is small enough to explore comfortably on foot, while its beaches provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day surrounded by Caribbean scenery.

Why Is Cayo Levantado Called Bacardi Island?

One of the most interesting parts of Cayo Levantado’s modern history is its connection with Bacardi.

The island became internationally famous after a Bacardi advertising campaign was filmed there in the 1970s. The spectacular combination of palm trees, white sand and tropical water helped create the image of a Caribbean paradise associated with the advertisements.

Since then, many Dominicans and international visitors have continued to call Cayo Levantado “Isla Bacardí” or “Bacardi Island.” The Dominican Republic Film Commission and official tourism sources both recognize this connection.

The nickname has become so popular that you will often hear both names used interchangeably: Cayo Levantado and Isla Bacardí.

Playa Cayo Levantado

The island’s most famous attraction is undoubtedly its beautiful public beach. Fine, light-colored sand, clear water and palm trees create the classic Caribbean landscape that visitors come to Samaná to experience.

It is an excellent place to simply relax, swim or enjoy the views across the bay.

Tropical Landscape

Although the beaches are the main attraction, the island’s natural surroundings are equally impressive. Palm trees and tropical vegetation contrast beautifully with the blue waters of Samaná Bay.

For photographers, Cayo Levantado offers plenty of opportunities for spectacular vacation photographs.

The Waters of Samaná Bay

The clear Caribbean waters around the island are ideal for enjoying different aquatic activities. Depending on sea conditions and the excursion you choose, visitors can swim, snorkel, kayak or try paddleboarding.

Cayo Levantado Resort

Part of the island is occupied by Cayo Levantado Resort, a luxury resort offering accommodation in an exceptionally scenic setting.

The resort occupies the private portion of the island, while visitors on day trips generally spend their time on the public-access beach.

Things to Do in Cayo Levantado

A visit to Cayo Levantado can be as active or relaxing as you want.

• Popular activities include:
• Swimming in the clear tropical waters
• Snorkeling and exploring the marine environment
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Sunbathing and relaxing on the beach
• Taking photographs of the island’s spectacular scenery
• Enjoying fresh fish and Dominican food
• Taking a boat excursion around Samaná Bay

The official tourism information specifically lists swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and enjoying fresh fish among the activities available to visitors.

How to Get to Cayo Levantado from Las Galeras

• If you are staying in Las Galeras, Cayo Levantado makes an excellent day trip.
• Because the island is separated from the mainland, the final part of the journey must be by boat.

One option is to travel from Las Galeras to Santa Bárbara de Samaná by road and then take a boat from the Samaná waterfront. Boat taxis and excursions operate from the town’s waterfront, with the crossing to Cayo Levantado taking roughly 20 minutes under normal conditions.

Another option, and often the more convenient choice for visitors staying in Las Galeras, is to arrange a boat excursion that includes transportation and the trip to Cayo Levantado.

Local excursion operators in Las Galeras offer boat trips and organized excursions. For example, Joel & Ludi Excursions- Catamaran & Buggy Las Galeras Samana is one of the local tour operators serving visitors in Las Galeras.

Tip: If you are planning your excursion independently, check the boat departure times and current prices before traveling, as schedules and costs can change.

Cayo Levantado and Whale Watching

One of the advantages of visiting Samaná during whale-watching season is that Cayo Levantado can be combined with a whale-watching excursion.

From approximately January through March, humpback whales migrate to the waters around Samaná Bay to mate and give birth. Some organized excursions combine whale watching with a visit to Cayo Levantado.

This makes the destination particularly attractive during the winter months, although Cayo Levantado itself can be visited throughout the year.

How Popular Is Cayo Levantado?

Cayo Levantado is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Samaná and one of the Dominican Republic’s most recognizable island destinations.

Its combination of postcard-like beaches, easy boat access from Samaná and its association with the famous Bacardi advertising campaign has given it an international profile.

It is also particularly popular with cruise passengers visiting Samaná Bay, which means the island can become considerably busier on days when cruise ships are in the area. The official tourism website notes that there may be restrictions or changes in access when large cruise ships are visiting.

For a more peaceful experience, it is worth considering an early departure or visiting outside the busiest periods.

Cayo Levantado Compared With Other Places in Samaná

Samaná is famous for having many spectacular natural attractions, including Playa Rincón, El Salto del Limón, Los Haitises National Park, Playa Frontón and Playa Madama.

Cayo Levantado is different because the attraction is the complete island experience: the boat ride across the bay, tropical scenery, white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear water.

For someone visiting Samaná for the first time, Cayo Levantado is generally considered one of the destinations worth adding to the itinerary, particularly if you enjoy beaches and boat excursions.

Is Cayo Levantado Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

If you are staying in Las Galeras or elsewhere on the Samaná Peninsula, Cayo Levantado is an easy destination to add to your vacation.

• It is especially worthwhile for travelers looking for:
• A beautiful Caribbean beach
• A boat excursion
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Tropical scenery and photography
• A relaxing day by the sea
• A combination of island sightseeing and whale watching during the appropriate season

Its famous “Bacardi Island” history also gives the destination an interesting story beyond its natural beauty.

Plan Your Visit

Cayo Levantado is one of those places where the journey is part of the experience. Leaving the coast of Samaná by boat and approaching the island, with its palms and white sand surrounded by the blue waters of the bay, is an unforgettable part of visiting Samaná.

For travelers staying in Las Galeras, it is a great addition to an itinerary that might also include Playa Rincón, Playa Frontón, Playa Madama and El Salto del Limón.

Cayo Levantado isn’t just a beach, it is one of the iconic experiences that makes Samaná special.