Don't think a lot of folks have been there, Smitty. Hope someone comes along soon with a first hand report for you. Meanwhile, I found this... The picture is really pretty, anyway, and there is the bit about the whales that you might find of interest -

Samaná is a peaceable town with brightly colored houses nestled in hillsides filled with coconut trees. Nearby Cayo Levantado has thick forests and scenic beaches. Parque Nacional Los Haïtises is perfect for a boat ride, with jungle-covered islands and mangrove forests. Those lucky enough to visit in January and February will witness humpback whales mating and bearing young in the waters off the coast.

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