Río Caño Frío
Samana, Dominican Republic, 32000
On the edge of Playa Rincón—considered one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic—lies the Cano Frío River. This cool stream feeds into a quiet pool that’s perfect for relaxing along the sheltered shores of the Samaná peninsula. Travelers can escape the heat by taking a refreshing dip in this secluded destination away from the tourists at the other end.
The basics
This emerald-colored, mangrove-lined river turned popular natural pool flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the western end of Playa Rincón. Here, visitors will find vendors preparing fresh fish, fried plantains, and rice and serving cold drinks. While the river’s chilly pool is a favorite spot among visitors, the world-class snorkeling at the other end of Playa Rincón is an equally popular stop. Many visitors reach this area via horseback riding and ATV excursions from nearby Las Galeras.
Things to know before you go
Although US dollars are accepted in the Dominican Republic, you can get a better price with the local currency (Dominican pesos).
Playa Rincón is considered safe for swimming, but always exercise caution.
Day trips from Punta Cana to Playa Rincón are available, but be prepared for a lot of travel time; it’s about five hours away by car. You can also travel there by catamaran.
If you’re renting a car, be careful where you park. Rental agreements state that any damage inflicted by a falling coconut will not be covered.
How to get there
Accessible by car or boat, the Cano Frío River is about 21 miles (34 kilometers) from Samaná, about an hour’s drive away. Playa Rincón is roughly a 30-minute drive (or a shorter boat ride) from Las Galeras, a fishing village on the northeastern tip of the Samaná peninsula. Many boat and horseback riding excursions depart from there.
When to get there
The Dominican Republic’s peak season runs from December to April, so expect the biggest crowds then. On the weekends and holidays, locals from Las Galeras and other nearby towns head to Rincón, so visit during the week if possible. Also, between mid-January and late March, humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay, making those months a popular time to visit.
The Samaná Península
Jutting out of the northeast corner of the Dominican Republic into the Atlantic Ocean, the Samaná Península contains many beautiful beaches, including Playa Rincón and Playa Bonita. Because thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay during the winter, whale watching has become a thriving industry here. A narrow channel used to separate the peninsula from the mainland, but sediment eventually glued the two areas together.
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