Cayo Levantado

Island Small Caribbean island with popular sandy beaches

In Samaná Bay, Cayo Levantado offers sandy beaches, resort facilities and snorkeling in warm Caribbean waters-popular for day trips from Samaná town.

Cayo Levantado is a small island in Samaná Bay in the Samaná Province of the Dominican Republic, widely known to tourists as Bacardi Island.

The island is noted for a single main white-sand beach and sheltered swimming areas; it is a frequent day-trip destination from Samaná and nearby resort towns and is used for beach visits, swimming and short snorkeling excursions. Local operators run regular boat transfers and short cruises from Samaná and other points around the bay.

Historically and administratively the islet sits inside Samaná Bay and is part of Samaná Province; the island is small, largely developed for tourism around its main beachfront, and surrounded by shallow, clear water typical of the bay.

Also known as Bacardi Island: Often referred to as "Bacardi Island," the islet is a common day-trip destination from Samaná and nearby resorts, with regular boat transfers available during tourist season.

What to See #

Playa Bacardi: Playa Bacardi is the island's main beach - a palm-fringed, white-sand shoreline popular with day-trippers and hotel guests for swimming and sunbathing.

How to Get to Cayo Levantado #

Regular boat transfers run from Samaná town and nearby hotels; private charters and catamaran day trips are common. Boat crossings are short (typically 15-30 minutes) depending on the embarkation point.

Tips for Visiting Cayo Levantado #

Take a land tour early in the morning to see the island before day-trippers arrive from larger resorts.
Arrange a boat transfer from Samaná port or a local hotel - schedules depend on weather and can be adjusted day-to-day.
Try local seafood shacks on the island for simple fried fish and coconut rice; they often offer fresher fare than the tourist restaurants.