5-Star Hotels in Sabana de la Mar

For many travelers, Sabana de la Mar is the quiet gateway to the wild heart of the Dominican Republic. This small coastal town on Samaná Bay is your launch point for exploring Los Haitises National Park, a vast expanse of mangrove forests, ancient caves with Taino petroglyphs, and dramatic limestone karsts rising from the water. Days here are spent on boat tours spotting manatees and frigate birds, or simply relaxing on the town's main beach, Playa El Coco, with views of the bay. It's a place that feels removed from the resort circuits, offering a genuine slice of Dominican coastal life.

The town itself is compact and walkable, with most services and the ferry dock to Samaná clustered around the Malecón. This area is ideal for independent travelers and nature enthusiasts who want easy access to tour operators. Sabana de la Mar suits eco-tourists and couples looking for a quiet, authentic base more than those seeking nightlife or luxury. You'll arrive via the scenic road from Hato Mayor or by the regular passenger ferry from Santa Bárbara de Samaná, which provides a beautiful crossing of the bay.

Accommodation here is mostly made up of small, locally-owned guesthouses and a few straightforward hotels that prioritize practicality and proximity to the park tours. On HOTEVI, you can find options like the Hotel Paraíso de la Bahía, a reliable choice with bay views. Expect simple, clean rooms and friendly hosts who can arrange your excursion to Los Haitises, which is really what a stay here is all about.