Zipline, ATV and Buggy: Samaná's Land Adventures
The zipline: what the circuit involves
The zipline runs as a circuit of cables strung between platforms in the hills, so you cross a series of spans rather than doing one long line and finishing. Between runs there is walking on uneven ground and some climbing to the next platform, which is worth knowing if that is a factor for anyone in your group. Guides clip and unclip you at each stage and give a short briefing before the first cable. The views are the reason to do it: you are above the canopy, looking out over green hills towards the coast, in a landscape you cannot see any other way.
ATVs and buggies: expect mud
The quad and buggy routes follow dirt tracks through farmland and villages behind the coast, and the surface depends entirely on recent weather. In dry spells it is dust; after rain it is deep mud, and you will finish the day wearing a good deal of it. That is part of the appeal for most people, but it does mean you should wear clothes and shoes you do not care about, and leave anything you would hate to see splattered at your accommodation. Buggies seat two and suit people who would rather not handle a quad themselves; quads are more direct and more fun if you like riding.
Which one suits you
Choose the zipline if you want views and a set-piece experience, and you are comfortable with heights and a bit of walking between platforms. Choose the quads or buggy if you would rather be in control of something, do not mind mess, and want to see the villages and farmland that most visitors never pass through. Families often split the difference: the buggy carries a passenger, so a child too young to ride can still come along with an adult driving. If you have a single free day and cannot decide, the zipline is the one people describe afterwards; the ATV is the one they laugh about.
Safety, clothing and what to bring
Wear closed shoes for both, and long shorts or trousers for the quads — bare legs and mud spray are a poor combination. Helmets are provided for the ATVs and harnesses and helmets for the zipline; use them as instructed and speak up if something does not feel secure. Bring sunglasses or eye protection for the dust, sunscreen, and water. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket or a strapped case: phones get dropped from platforms and splattered on tracks with some regularity. If you have back or neck problems, the ATV tracks are rough enough to be worth mentioning before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is the zipline suitable for beginners?
Yes. Guides clip and unclip you at every platform and brief you before the first run. The main requirements are a head for heights and being able to walk on uneven ground between platforms.
Do I need a driving licence for an ATV tour?
Tell us your situation when you book and we will advise. Buggies carry a passenger, so someone who would rather not drive can still join the trip.
What should I wear for an ATV tour?
Clothes and closed shoes you do not mind ruining, and long shorts or trousers. After rain the tracks are deep mud and you will finish covered in it.
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