Getting to La Rancheta

La Rancheta is located 2.5 km's (20 minute walk) from the crossroad in Las Galeras. Close enough to walk to the village but far away from the disco and traffic noise.

Coming from Samana town you take a right at the crossroads in Las Galeras where the "Tourist Services" building is located. (if you miss the turn and end up on the beach, turn around and take your first left)

After you pass the entrance to the all inclusive resort (Grand Paradise) the pavement ends and La Rancheta is located just a short distance down this dirt road on the right hand side - there is a sign out front. If you come to a t junction, you have come slightly too far.

You can take a motor concho from the crossroads for about 30 peso's. If there is a language problem, just say Casa Marine and they will take you in the right direction - than you just have to point them a bit further along the road. Most motor concho's will know where it is. Ronald and Karin do not pay a commission and some motor concho's will try to take you where they do get a commission, be persistent. La Rancheta is open year round.

If you have a problem go to the Tourist Service building and call Karin on her cell phone or go to Coconut Roy's restaurant on the crossroads and ask the staff how to get to Ronald and Karin's.

You will be happy you made the effort.

International Flights to the DR:

See Links below for some airlines that serve the DR out of Europe and North America. The closest airport is Samana (El Catey). Puerto Plata, Santiago, Santa Domingo and Punta Cana are also possible airports to arrive at.

A taxi to Las Galeras from any airport will cost between 60 to 200 US dollars, depending on how far away the airport is.

By Car

From Santa Domingo - The Carretera De Samana opened in 2008. This two lane highway starts at km 15 of the Autopista de Las Americas (highway number 3, on the South Coast, East of Santo Domingo and West of Boca Chica) and ends in Samana Province. About 2 hrs.   highway.

From Puerto Plata – Follow the coastal highway (Route 5) all the way to Samana. At Nagua ensure you stick to Route 5 and do not start heading for Santa Domingo! About 4 hours.

From Santiago – The recommended route is to head south on Route 1 for La Vega. South of La Vega head for San Francisco de Macoris than take Route 132 heading to Nagua. From Nagua take Route 5 for Sanchez and Samana. About 4 hours.

Punta Cana – driving from Punta Cana is not really practical as you have to find your way pretty much from Santa Domingo. There is no road direct from Punta Cana and the boat at Sabana del la Mar does not carry cars. (only people and motorbikes).

By Public Transport

Check with www.LonelyPlanet.com or www.DR1.com for current bus information, things change quickly in the DR.

From Sosua/Puerto Plata – stand in front of the police station in Sosua at 6 am and get the private bus to Samana. About 200 pesos, subject to change. You can do this trip with gua gua (around 5 changes), a bit more expensive and less convenient but possible.

From Santa Domingo and Santiago– check with Caribe Tours for the schedule to Samana. From Santiago you can also try Linea Santiaguera.

From Punta Cana – take gua gua (5 in total) from Bavaro to Sabana de la Mar for the passenger boat across Samana Bay to Samana town. About 5 hours.

Internal Flights

check current information at www. DR1.com or call Aerodomca, the airlines that does the flights.

From Punta Cana and Puerto Plata – regular scheduled flights arrive at El Portillo near Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula. From there you can get a gua gua or private taxi (recommended if after dark) to Las Galeras.

From Santa Domingo – regular flights land in Arroyo Barril about a 1/2 hour drive from Samana town.

If you are short on time, it can be an affordable option.

Las Galeras is on the eastern edge of the Samana Peninsula. Follow the road from Samana town until you hit the beach….you have reached the end of the road.

By far the most convenient airport to fly into is the Samana or El Catey Airport opened in 2006. There are no hotels or services near this airport and it is about an hour drive from Samana town.

Arriving at this airport you will have to take a taxi, rent a car, or arrange for pick up. (Ron can sometimes pick up guests if pre arranged.)

Since getting to Las Galeras can be an effort it is best to plan to stay a minimum of three nights. As Karin says “ you can see nothing in one day and you can leave with the wrong impression; it is a place to visit when you have time.”

From the Malecon in Samana town you can get a gua gua (local public transportation that looks like a mini bus that has fallen off a cliff) for about 2 US dollars. ( subject to increases).

You can also get a private taxi from Samana town, and the cost will depend on your negotiation skills, but about 500 pesos would not be too unreasonable.

In Las Galeras private taxis gather at the all inclusive resort. (called Grand Paradise now, but locally known as Casa Marina.)

Rental Vehicles – it is possible to rent a vehicle in the DR, a jeep or four wheel drive is advised for the Samana Peninsula if you intend to explore the area fully. It is possible to rent a vehicle for a few days in Las Galeras. Driving in the DR can be a bit of a challenge.

Buses - Caribe Tours is the national bus line and has a fairly good service from Santa Domingo to Samana.

Gua Gua – privately owned mini vans that go from town to town throughout the DR. Generally very crowded and inexpensive. A common way to get from Samana to Las Galeras

Motorconcho – motorcycle taxi. A common way to get around Las Galeras if you do not feel like walking.

Private Taxi – You can arrange a private taxi from any of the major entry points. ( Santa Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana Airport (El Catey)) It will cost you in the region of 100 – 200 US dollars depending on the distance from the airport to Las Galeras.

Note: if you are coming from Punta Cana you will be dropped at the wharf in Sabana del la Mar where you will get a boat to Samana town.

Ron can sometimes arrange to pick up his guests at the airport – please ask about this when you book your accommodation to see if this is possible.

There is no bank in Las Galeras. The nearest bank is in Samana town, about a one hour bus ride from Las Galeras. There you can use your bank card at the ATM and get a cash advance on your credit card.

It is possible to cash traveler’s cheques and exchange money in Las Galeras.

Karin and Ronald accept traveler’s cheques, euro, US dollars, pesos. Like most places in Las Galeras, they do not accept credit cards.

Euro is accepted in the DR but in some places the exchange rate is less than it should be.

Cuts and scrapes may happen in the normal course of events, especially if you are traveling with children. It is advisable to carry a small first aid kit. (salt pills, disinfectant, band aids, anti itch cream and so on)

Las Galeras has a Verison office where you can make phone calls and use the internet if the computer is functioning. This public office is located in Plaza Lusithania at the crossroads.

You can also make phone calls, use the internet and send mail at the privately run Tourist Services Building, also at the crossroads.

There is currently no public WYFI in Las Galeras.

It may be possible to use your cell phone in the Las Galeras. (Serviced by Orange only.)

Electricity– Las Galeras is one of the few places in the DR with a reliable electrical supply. The standard is 110 voltage.

We suggest the following;

Books to read, reef shoes and snorkel gear, batteries needed other than AAA and AA, any gear needed for digital cameras, an alarm clock, flashlight, binoculars, small package of hand wipes, suntan lotion, small first aid kit, comfortable walking shoes, light weight long pants and long sleeved shirt, light rain gear.

There are about four shops in Las Galeras selling a variety of items that normally appeal to visitors, including places to purchase the typical Dominican paintings.

There are three shops where basic food and supplies can be purchased.

Las Galeras has one pharmacy and a French Deli selling nice wine, bread, cheese and sliced meats.