Las Galeras

Las Galeras is a Municipal district of the provincial capital Santa Bárbara de Samaná, Samaná province on the northeast coast of Dominican Republic. It is located at the eastern end of the Samaná Peninsula, on the Rincón Bay that is found between Cabrón and Samaná capes.

Las Galeras, in English The Galleys (a galley was a war ship where prisoners and slaves were used to move the ship), because two galleys stayed here during the 16th century.

Population
In the last national census (2002), the population of Las Galeras is included with that of Santa Bárbara de Samaná.

There are approximately 6,000 people living in the area of Las Galeras.

The population of Las Galeras is mostly Dominican, although like most of Dominican towns and cities in the country there is a big percentage of Haitian citizens. Most of the remaining population is French, Italian, North-American, Canadian, English, Argentinian, Belgian, Swiss, some Bulgarians and other minorities. Most foreigners (excluding Haitians) live near the coast, the wealthier part of town.

Economy
The most important economic activities of the province are agriculture, fishing and tourism.

Tourism


The region is famous for its beautiful palm beaches. There is a beach at the seafront of Las Galeras itself called Playa Grande, as well as a white sand beach called Javo Beach La Playita which is the main destination for local foreigners, and it is within walking distance from town. Boat tours to Rincon Beach, Fronton Beach and Madama Beach are available from the Las Galeras main beach Playa Grande with Madama Beach and Fronton Beach also being big hiking destinations.

In recent years Las Galeras has been a popular destination for backpackers and travelers in general due to its remote beaches, the possibility of camping and hiking and the fact that it is literally on the end of the road of the peninsula. Humpback whales season is the high season with most tourists visiting from the month of January until mid April. The small town of Las Galeras on the Samana peninsula has a variety of big and small hotels. There is also a wide variety of vacation lodgings for rent ranging from simple rooms to upscale sea front villas.