Samana (Dominican Republic)

Samana (Santa Barbara de Samana) is a port city in northeastern Dominican Republic. It is located on Samana Bay's northern coast. Samana is a major Caribbean tourism travel destination and very popular for whale-watching. City's population is around 110,000.

Most of the province's territory is occupied by Sierra de Samana - mountain range with steep slopes. The highest elevation (Monte Mesa) is 605 m (1980 ft).

The town Santa Barbara was first mentioned in 1493 when Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) made the last stop of his first cruise to the New World here. He landed on what is today Rincon Beach (Playa Rincon).

Municipality's main economic activities are agriculture, fishing and tourism. The boost to local economy happens in January-March each year with the migration of thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales. The marine mammals come to Samana Bay to give birth.