Cayo Levantado/ Bacardi Beach

[cruiseecuree]

Hello Fellow Cruisers,

 

I'm going to be visiting Samana this coming March with RCI. I've been to the island of DR but never the Samana region. I have started doing some research and am wondering if Cayo Levantado is still a privately accessible beach. RCI is asking for $57 pp for a day excursion there and that is just too much for DH and I. Is there a cheaper way of getting onto that island?

 

Also for clarification is Bacardi Beach the same thing?

 

As of right now I am considering spending the day in Las Galeras.

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Wentworth88]

I could be wrong, but I believe the only way to get to the island is via the ship's tender. I agree that is crazy that the cruise lines charge so much for a 5 minute boat ride to the island.

 

And yes, it is also known as Bacardi Island.

[cruiseecuree]

Thank you for the response.

 

I may have to make other plans for this stop.

[saltwaterrat]

I could be wrong, but I believe the only way to get to the island is via the ship's tender. I agree that is crazy that the cruise lines charge so much for a 5 minute boat ride to the island.

 

And yes, it is also known as Bacardi Island.

That's very greedy of Royal- ncl has two excursions to that beach one is $14, and the other is $44. I think the more expensive one includes more stuff like kayak rentals or something.

[mpapa85]

I was just about to ask what the $44 one was for in NCL. But yea, RCC seems to rip you off with Cayo while NCL has it for as cheap as $14.

 

Anyone recommend that beach?

[runner15km]

I was just about to ask what the $44 one was for in NCL. But yea, RCC seems to rip you off with Cayo while NCL has it for as cheap as $14.

 

Anyone recommend that beach?

 

 

Cayo is gorgeous ! :) Plenty of chairs, food and drinks reasonable.

[jlev4588]

I highly recommend this beach!

We are heading back there at the end if this month for the second time and I am looking forward to this beach day so much!

We are cruising NCL and get the $14 excursion same as we did last year! I can't believe Royal charges so much!

 

 

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[sunsetter425]

Maybe you can help me out. I was able to figure out the difference in NCL's excursions. The no frills one was just transportation back and forth from the Island for $14. The other included equipment (snorkle equipment, kyacks, etc). But I am getting conflicting information on using money on the Island. Do we need cash for the beach food, etc or do they take credit cards? And do they take US dollars or do we have to exchange money? Appreciate any info you can give based on your experience.

[jlev4588]

Maybe you can help me out. I was able to figure out the difference in NCL's excursions. The no frills one was just transportation back and forth from the Island for $14. The other included equipment (snorkle equipment, kyacks, etc). But I am getting conflicting information on using money on the Island. Do we need cash for the beach food, etc or do they take credit cards? And do they take US dollars or do we have to exchange money? Appreciate any info you can give based on your experience.

I would say bring cash!

The food on the beach is more like a BBQ run by locals. The food is very good however it's almost as if you are at a picnic. They charge you by the plate. I do not believe they had access to credit card machines. The shopping there is more local home made items. My boys ages 5 & 6 at the time bought hand painted parrots. Do not be afraid to talk them down. The birds my kids wanted were $20 each. We walked away paying $20 for two. Again I do not believe they had credit card machines available either.

They do take US dollars so no need to exchange money!