Cayo Laventado
CAYO LEVANTADO-BAY OF SAMANA
At the mouth of Samana Bay (north side) is the island of Lavantado which is a favorite visiting stop for cruise ships and has all the ingredients of an exotic Caribbean island.
Bleached white sandy beaches, lush green grass and palm tree shade are all here. There are three jetties suitable for a dinghy the most easterly is private to the hotel Gran Bahia but you may use either of the other two which are in constant use by tourist boats. In order to cater for cruise ship guests there are plenty of gift shops and a round tropical cocktail bar on the beach. There are two restaurants open to the general public. One is a large covered area serving lobster and fish in cafeteria style and the other is ‘Ballena Blanca’ on the beach. Here you may sample truly traditional Dominican cuisine. All washed down with the local Presidente beer. Unfortunately they both close by four pm, although if you talk to the proprietor at the Belena he will willingly stay open
later.
19°09.92N 69°16.67W
12.2 nm from Los Haitis (Bahia de San Lorenzo)
The most eastern half of the island is dominated by the Gran Bahia hotel whose restaurant is solely available to guests. However, at the western end of the island, you can find many facilties that will happily sell you a fresh fish lunch or for that matter, virtually any lunch you may desire. However, the fresh fish, lobster and other local catches, is the right choice for lunch.
While you may anchor during the day in the lee of the island off the sandy beach you are required to up anchor by late afternoon. This is due to Coast Guard (Marina Guerra) requirements. Illegal emigration to Puerto Rico from the DR is of concern, and any boat anchored out at the island at night is suspect. As the sun goes down, you can return to Santa Barbara, just a few miles westward to anchor for the night.
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