Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas, Samaná, Dominican Republic
Sports: Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling, Windsurfing, Surfing
Best time to go: January–August
Las Terrenas is a beach town on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. Kiters and windsurfers use Punta Popy and Playa Portillo on the east side of town, while surfers head west to Playa Bonita and Playa Cosón.
The north-east and east trade winds, helped by afternoon thermal heating, are most reliable from about January to August, with the summer months often the steadiest; autumn and early winter are lighter. At Punta Popy the wind is cross-onshore, the water is choppy with small waves over a reef, and there are rocks and coral patches close in, so it suits intermediate and advanced riders; schools often use the shallower Portillo for lessons. For surfing, north swells arrive mainly from November to March. Playa Bonita has gentle waves over a shallow sand shelf, while Cosón is more powerful, with a reef at its western end. Mornings are cleanest before the trades turn onshore. Expect a relaxed crowd, and check local rules about riding zones near swimmers. The water is warm all year.
Spots near Las Terrenas
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