Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint

Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint serves up the definitive postcard of El Peñón: the wide-open bay, Cayo Escalante and Cayo Vigía right in front of you, and the Sierra de Bahoruco ridge lining the horizon. The climb is short but steep — take it slow. Once you're up top, the breeze hits different and the view makes you forget what time it is. Bring water, a hat, and your camera — sunset paints the Caribbean gold up here.

This hill commands the entrance to Samaná Bay. Back in the day, it was a natural lookout for spotting privateers and whalers seeking shelter. The cross went up as a maritime landmark and a symbol of faith for El Peñón's fishermen, who still pause here to pray for calm seas and a good catch.