President Luis Abinader officially launched the redevelopment of Duarte Port in Arroyo Barril, Samaná, marking the beginning of a major new cruise infrastructure project for the region.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the President symbolically marked the start of construction on the new terminal, which is being developed through a public-private partnership with an initial investment of $68 million.
Samaná Arroyo Barril Terminal
The project will transform the existing Duarte Port in Arroyo Barril into a modern cruise terminal and tourist facility.
Plans include adapting the current port infrastructure to receive large Oasis-class cruise ships, building a new maritime terminal, and developing additional tourist facilities inspired by Dominican culture, gastronomy, and traditions.
A $68 Million Public-Private Investment
The development represents an investment of approximately $68 million and is the first infrastructure project in the Dominican Republic to be developed under a public-private partnership contract established under Law 47-20.
Authorities projected around 300,000 cruise passengers in the first year of operation, followed by annual growth of 25–30%, with the terminal eventually expected to receive more than one million visitors per year.
The project is also expected to create more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and support tourism, commerce, and economic activity across the Samaná region.
A New Chapter for Samaná Tourism
The launch of the Arroyo Barril terminal marks another major step in the expansion of Samaná’s tourism infrastructure.
With capacity for some of the world’s largest cruise ships and significant passenger-growth projections, the project is expected to strengthen Samaná’s position within the Caribbean cruise market.