Samana, Dominican Republic

Our first stop was in Samana.  No one in our group knew what to expect with this stop.  We tendered to land and we kind shuffled our way through the crowds.  We were headed to our first excursion called "Mini Speedboat Adventure."  We hopped in a van and met another couple who were going to the same place.  We all felt a little unsure since there were only 6 people doing this excursion...

This place was beautiful!  We fell in love the minute we jumped into that van and started towards our excursion.  Downtown was beautiful, the trees, the heat, the ocean!  Everything was amazing!

Debbie and I as we were getting ready to start the adventure.  So here is the story of the mini speed boats.  It started 30 minutes late (these people don't keep time, and I wouldn't either if  I lived here!)  Debbie and I were the last to be loaded in our boat.  They immediately called us back in because it was having a problem with water in the back near the motor.  They took 10 minutes scooping out the water with buckets.  We headed back out, and immediately ran over a rope that caught in the propeller.  They came out and pulled us back in.  All during this time the Nelson's were just going in circles just waiting.  

We finally got started and headed out.  We felt there was still a problem with our boat.  We kept going but couldn't get the speed that the others were getting.  We ran into huge waves (at one point Debbie lost those glasses and two bracelets).

The sites were gorgeous!  About 45 minutes later we were still struggling with keeping up with everyone!  We couldn't see over the front of the boat because it was sticking straight up in the air.  There was so much water in the back.  Then our boat just died!  Dead in the middle of the ocean!  Our guides came and made us switch boats with them!  That was really an adventure!  Once we switched boats we were flying!  Our experience was way different and much better!

 

Our guides took us to an island called Cayo Levantado where we had the most amazing drinks and ate some very good food.  At this point we were very concerned with our timing to get back to the boat. 

We ate and did some shopping (with no money after the expensive lunch) and jumped back into our boats. 

View of the ocean from Caya Levantado

Since we were short on time we didn't get to do any other site seeing before getting back on the boat.  Jeremy's head was getting fried!  Poor guy!  We would love to come back here and spend a week.  The people were so nice! 

Before leaving Samana!  Even with the boat issues we had, we loved this stop the most!  It was so authentic.  That evening we saw a show at the Stardust Theater called "The Action Comedy of Sharkbait."  They were pretty amazing and we were exhausted!  To see some other pictures click here for Evelyn's post.