Cayo Levantado Bacardí Island
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Cayo Levantado Bacardí Island

4.7
·2k reviews·Samaná, Dominican Republic

Experience the iconic Bacardí Island: pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a tropical paradise setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, best sunbeds

CrowdLow
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Cayo Levantado Bacardí Island

Cayo Levantado Bacardí Island

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, best sunbeds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the iconic Bacardí Island: pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a tropical paradise setting.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Amazing beach to spend the day. Warm clear waters. We had a drone take this and many other great videos and pictures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before 9:30 AM

Secure prime sunbeds and enjoy the tranquility before the main crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:

💰 Sunbed Rental

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 200 pesos for the day. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 2,213 reviews

Type

Beach

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bacardí Rum Ad Beach

Bacardí Rum Ad Beach

Main beach area

Relive the iconic Bacardí rum commercials on this stunning, postcard-perfect beach. Pure tropical bliss!

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Shoreline

Immerse yourself in warm, inviting waters with breathtaking turquoise hues. Perfect for a refreshing dip.

Pristine Sands

Pristine Sands

Beachfront

Enjoy soft, clean sand with no visible litter. The beach is meticulously maintained for a perfect day out.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Paradise

Arrive early, ideally before 9:30 AM, to snag the best sunbeds and enjoy the pristine beach before tour groups arrive. Booking an excursion can streamline your visit, but be prepared for potential beach traders.

Island Excursion Essentials

While Cayo Levantado is generally safe for excursions, always check current travel advisories. Consider booking with reputable operators like Excursiones Roustand for a smooth boat trip to this beautiful Bacardí Island.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, best sunbeds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Cayo Levantado Resort

Planning on going to Cayo Levantado for our honeymoon this July. Wondering if anyone on here has gone and what their experience was? Looking for any information but specifically - what was included and what wasn’t? - were the pay restaurants worth it? - what excursions were…

🎯 Arrive Before 9:30 AM

Secure prime sunbeds and enjoy the tranquility before the main crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:

💰 Sunbed Rental

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 200 pesos for the day. :moneywithwings:

reddit.com

Honeymoon - Cayo Levantado Resort vs. Hilton La Romana (Adults only) vs. Excellence El Carmen - Honest Thoughts

My husband and I are thinking of going to the Cayo Levantado resort in Samana sometime early this December for our honeymoon. Has anyone been since the ownership changed? What are your honest thoughts? Is it worth paying a bit more than the usual prices for all inclusive?…

reddit.com

Tourism - Los Haities National Park and Cayo Levantado

Hi, I'll be in Punta Cana and want to visit these two locations. I'll have a car. Will it be possible for me to go on day trips to these locations by myself without booking a tour? I read online that you need to find a guide to enter Los Haities but couldn't find more past that…

🍹 Pina Colada Delight

Don't miss trying a refreshing Pina Colada while soaking in the island vibes. 🍹

🚶‍♀️ Beware of Traders

Be prepared for persistent beach traders; a polite 'no thank you' usually suffices. :shopping_bags:

reddit.com

Is Samana Safe?

Hi! I booked an excursion in Samana to el limón and cayo levantado. Recently a travel advisory was updated for the Dominican Republic due to crime and I wanted to know how safe you all think it is to go on this excursion. I have really been looking forward to this but I’m not…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before 9:30 AM

Secure prime sunbeds and enjoy the tranquility before the main crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:

💰 Sunbed Rental

Sunbeds are available for rent, typically around 200 pesos for the day. :moneywithwings:

🍹 Pina Colada Delight

Don't miss trying a refreshing Pina Colada while soaking in the island vibes. 🍹

🚶‍♀️ Beware of Traders

Be prepared for persistent beach traders; a polite 'no thank you' usually suffices. :shopping_bags:

🤿 Snorkeling Potential

While visibility can vary, there are snorkeling opportunities around the island. 🌊

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cayo Levantado's stunningly clear turquoise waters and pristine, clean beaches, often comparing it to a postcard-perfect paradise. The island's association with Bacardí rum commercials adds to its allure. While some find the beach traders a bit bothersome and note a sharp drop-off when wading, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for those who arrive early to avoid crowds.

"Amazing beach to spend the day. Warm clear waters. We had a drone take this and many other great videos and pictures.
The hotel there is classic, had family stay there and enjoyed it."

Vic Ram

"We went on 11 January. We arrived at around 9.20am. It was fantastic as we were the first ones. We could choose sunbed where we wanted (200 pesos by sunbed for the day). It was not as busy as expected. We had an amazing day. We use Excursiones Roustand to take us there, very easy."

Miss F M V

"Nice beach where they recording comercial the Baccardi rum ad. I recommend seeing it and drinking Pina colada."

Łukasz Hodurek

What People Like

Beautiful clear turquoise waters
Pristine clean beaches
Iconic Bacardí ad setting

What People Dislike

Persistent beach traders
Sharp drop-off in water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Cayo Levantado is by boat excursion from Samaná Peninsula. Many tour operators, like Excursiones Roustand, offer convenient transport. You can also arrange private boat transfers. Reddit

Cayo Levantado itself is a popular tourist destination and generally considered safe for excursions. However, it's always wise to check current travel advisories for the Dominican Republic and travel with reputable tour operators. Reddit

The boat trip is typically pleasant and offers scenic views of the Samaná Bay. Excursions are designed to be comfortable and enjoyable, making the journey part of the experience. Reddit

No, Cayo Levantado is an island and can only be accessed by boat. You will need to arrange transportation to a departure point on the mainland, usually in Samaná.

Public ferry options are limited; most visitors opt for organized boat excursions or private transfers arranged through hotels or tour companies.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It's recommended to book excursions in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Some operators may allow on-the-day bookings if space is available. Reddit

Cayo Levantado is typically accessible during daylight hours, with excursions usually running from morning until late afternoon. Specific hours depend on your chosen tour operator. Reddit

The cost varies depending on the excursion package. Expect to pay for the boat trip, and there's a separate rental fee for sunbeds on the beach (around 200 pesos). Reddit

While there isn't a separate 'entrance fee' for the island, the cost of your boat excursion typically covers access. Sunbed rentals are an additional charge. Reddit

While possible to arrange private boat transfers, most visitors find organized excursions to be the most convenient and cost-effective way to experience Cayo Levantado. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Enjoy swimming in the clear waters, relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, and taking photos. Some areas offer snorkeling opportunities. Reddit

It can get crowded, especially when tour groups arrive. Arriving early in the morning (before 9:30 AM) is the best way to experience it with fewer people. Reddit

Basic facilities are usually available on the island, including restrooms. It's advisable to bring your own towel and essentials.

Yes, beach recliners (sunbeds) are available for rent on the island, typically costing around 200 pesos per day. Reddit

The water is warm, clear, and inviting, with beautiful turquoise colors. There's a gentle drop-off as you wade into the sea. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are usually beachside restaurants and vendors offering local Dominican dishes, seafood, and drinks like the famous Pina Colada. Reddit

While not explicitly prohibited, it's common for visitors to purchase food and drinks on the island to support local businesses. Check with your tour operator if you have specific concerns.

Options may be limited, but you can often find fresh fruit and salads. It's best to inquire at the restaurants upon arrival.

Prices can be higher than on the mainland due to the island location. Expect to pay tourist prices for meals and beverages. Reddit

Yes, trying local cuisine is part of the experience. Enjoying a meal with a view of the ocean is highly recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire beach offers stunning backdrops. Look for areas with clear water, palm trees, and the iconic Bacardí ad signage for memorable shots. Drone photography is also popular. Reddit

Drone photography is popular and has been used for creating great videos and pictures of the island. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations regarding drone usage. Reddit

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. Waterproof camera or phone cases are useful for capturing shots in the water. Reddit

Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and ask permission before taking close-up photos of people.

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