Discover Samson

In the area around Samson, mangrove landscapes, the river, and regional history come together. The municipality of Caracol is home to one of the island’s largest mangrove reserves. The Trou-du-Nord River flows about 35 km north and empties into Caracol Bay. Sea turtles nest in the bay; it is also home to the historic wreck site of the Santa Maria, which sank in 1492.

Taíno Rock Carvings near Sainte-Suzanne

Near Sainte-Suzanne, the river leads into a centuries-old cultural history: its riverbed contains Taíno rock carvings that are more than 1,000 years old. From the village of Sainte-Suzanne, you can reach the petroglyphs via an easy path in about a 15-minute walk. Allow about an hour on site for the carvings and the river surroundings. The walking time and time on site are separate: the short walk leads from the village to the viewing area, while the hour is intended for the petroglyphs and the river surroundings.

Fort-Liberté and Routes on the Water

Nearby, Fort-Liberté preserves a historic defensive system that bears witness to colonial conflicts between Spain and France. You can allow about one to two hours for Fort-Liberté and its monuments. Add another two to three hours for a boat trip on the sea at Fort-Liberté. This makes it possible to distinguish the time needed for a visit to the town and its monuments from that for an additional boat trip. The historical focus differs from that of Sainte-Suzanne: there, it is the Taíno carvings, more than 1,000 years old, in the riverbed; here, it is a defensive system that bears witness to colonial conflicts between Spain and France.

Another possible excursion starts at the customs quay: from there, a canoe trip with a fisherman can take you to Fort La Bouque. Along the way, you can discover other historic fortifications, including St Frédérique, Batterie de l’Anse, Fort St Charles, and Fort St Joseph. If you plan to take this excursion, check in advance whether it is available on your preferred date. The options described also differ in focus: the boat trip goes out to sea, while the possible canoe trip links the route with Fort La Bouque and other fortifications.

The Wider Travel Area

The Three Bays protected area is part of the wider travel area. It is accessible via paved National Highway No. 6 (RN6), which runs from Cap-Haïtien in the west to the border with the Dominican Republic in the east. Paved roads lead to the main villages; various other coastal areas are accessible via gravel roads. Thus, the road connections described vary depending on the destination within the wider area.

The approximate walking, visiting, and boat-trip times help you plan the excursions according to the time each one requires.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Nord-Est Department.