Beach and Waterfall loving in the Dominican Republic

The following morning Paulo arranged for us to take a road trip to Semana to enjoy another area in the Dominican Republic.

On our way to Semana, Paulo took us through his hometown (Limon) and it was such a vast difference from where we were staying in Las Terrenas. It was at this time that we were able to see that there is no in between ... you’re either wealthy or you’re not. But the one thing that really caught my eye was the community. The popular mode of transportation are motor bikes and someone would be riding one and see another person walking and would pull over and tell the person to hop on. Another popular mode of transportation was by horse which was pretty neat to see as well.



We drove through an amazing food market driving to Samana and I wish that we could have stopped.

When we arrived to Semana, I learned that we would be taking a small boat to our final destination. Let’s just say, that I’m not a fan of small boats at all. I felt myself start to panic and everyone could see my fear because they all began to reassure me that it was just fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes when you’re afraid feels like a lifetime. But we had come this far so I got on the shaky boat with an orange life vest (lol) and prayed that this tiny boat would support all our weight and wouldn’t topple over into the ocean. The entire time I squeezed my eyes and hands so tight. The thing is that before this experience, I didn’t even know how much small boats freaked me out. It also didn’t help that the waves were crashing hard against the boat which meant that we had to speed to basically push against the waves. I’ve never been so happy to reach a destination in my life. I was good for the time being and refused to think about the fact that I would have to get back on that small boat to get back to Las Terrenas.

The boat with the gentlemen in red was our boat.
Not sure how that small boat supported seven adults.

The boat ride was worth it when we reached Luxury Bahia Principle Cavo Levantado. It’s a gorgeous all adult hotel in Samana. We enjoyed a beautiful beach, delicious drinks (Coco Locos and Pina Coladas) and Caribbean music. We were so relaxed but then all too quickly (at least it felt that way) it was time to leave. Luckily, the boat ride back was so much more pleasant that I was actually able to snap a few pictures and video of the boat ride. I didn't use my actual camera as I did not trust that I wouldn't drop it in the ocean. I still was the only one with the orange life vest but I was able to smile for a picture, ha. I won’t lie, my heart was still beating hard but I wasn’t nearly as afraid. I guess when you know you did something before and came out OK it’s easier to trust that the process will result in the same way.

Time to leave!









Paulo then took us to a local restaurant that didn’t even have a name. But man was the food SO good.
We ate to our hearts content.

Our adventure of the day was not over as we were hiking to the Waterfall of Cascada El Limon to see the waterfalls! I rented proper footwear (the ground was muddy, slippery and mixed with horse shit) to ensure that I did not slip and fall. You have the option to do horseback or hike and we opted to hike as I believe it gives you the full experience. Or better yet, hike to the waterfall and then ride a horse back which is what Tonya did.

If it wasn’t so muddy I think it would have been a relatively simple hike but because of the mud you had to be more careful which equates to slowing down a bit. But in the end it’s always best to be safe than sorry. And the hike was completely worth it! It was absolutely beautiful. When we reached the waterfall we were all so hot and wanting to swim but woah, was the water COLD. I ended up just putting my feet in the water but Sean and Tom certainly swam their little hearts out :).

By the time we were done we were all so exhausted and passed out on the ride back to Las Terranas. Since Paulo was with us we told him that we wanted him to go home and rest and that we would prepare our dinner that night. We were surprised when we found that amazing Maria actually had dinner (chicken stew with rice & beans, yum!) waiting for us when we returned. I showered, ate and passed out as soon as my head hit the pillow.