Directions to Bacardí Island from Punta Cana and attractions to explore on the island

The Samaná region, in the north of the Dominican Republic, is one of the most visited areas on the island. Beyond its shores, Samaná is home to some of the most remarkable islands in the country, such as those that are part of Cayo Levantado or Isla Bacardí, as it is popularly known. 

Isla Bacardí is a must-visit if your journey includes the Samaná area. It is possible to travel from Punta Cana to this part of the island and enjoy a paradisiacal area that retains its natural character. 

Next, we will explore the main points of interest on Isla Bacardí and the options available for reaching this small island in Samaná. 

Location of Isla Bacardí

Before exploring the attractions in this area, it is crucial to know its location.

Samaná is a Dominican province, located on the northwest Atlantic coast of the island. This part of the country is positioned on a protrusion that not only offers incredible beaches and natural landscapes on the peninsula itself but also includes some of the most impressive islands in the region. 

Cayo Levantado is one of the islands that belong to the province of Samaná. Its official name is Cayo Levantado; however, it is popularly known as Isla Bacardí. It is an island of white sands located opposite the bay of Samaná. Despite its close proximity to the coast, it is a protected area, thus preserving its natural beauty. 

One interesting fact about the island is that it began to be known as Bacardí after the Cuban rum brand filmed a commercial there in the mid-1980s. The advertisement led to a considerable increase in visitors, but in recent years efforts have been made to maintain the island's conditions by limiting tourist access to the area. 

How to Reach Isla Bacardí from Punta Cana 

Planning a visit from Punta Cana to Isla Bacardí requires time. The road network in the Dominican Republic converges in Santo Domingo, and therefore, some areas do not have direct road connections.

For Samaná and Punta Cana, the journey by car or bus is between 4 and 6 hours, as it is most advisable to reach the capital and then travel north from there. 

If you prefer not to travel by road, you have the option to fly by light aircraft from Punta Cana to Samaná. Both areas have international airports, so private flights can be arranged. Traveling by catamaran and other lightweight boats from coast to coast is also possible. 

Although the road trip can be long, it offers the advantage of visiting Santo Domingo. Many people stay in the capital for a few days before continuing their journey to Samaná and Isla Bacardí. 

Routes by sea and light aircraft are faster, allowing for a day visit to the island and return.  

From Samaná, you can request a boat to the island, which takes less than 20 minutes, given its proximity to the bay.  

What to See on Isla Bacardí

Isla Bacardí boasts some of the world’s finest beaches along just a kilometer of coastline. 

The main tourist attraction of Cayo Levantado is its coast, where you can marvel at starfish, conchs, and astonishing marine species while enjoying activities like snorkeling or kayaking. 

Another draw of Isla Bacardí is the paintings by its indigenous inhabitants. The area was once home to the Taínos, who painted the first Castilian ships on rocks that arrived at the coast in 1493. Following the first expedition, many ships arrived in the ensuing years due to the island's strategic location.  

Hiking is another essential activity. The island's interior harbors pristine natural spaces characteristic of the Los Haitises area.

Los Haitises is a protected natural area located on the coast of Samaná. Although Isla Bacardí is not part of the National Park, it is very close, and its natural spaces are quite similar to those you can visit in Los Haitises. 

Isla Bacardí is an ideal spot for experiencing a paradisiacal place far from conventional tours. The blend of pristine beaches and natural surroundings is what makes Cayo Levantado one of the best-kept secrets of the Dominican Republic.         

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