Puerto Bahia, Samana Bay DR

Diane MacDonald-Mackenzie spoke with Ana Bancalari, family owner of Puerto Bahia

How did your family get started in the marina business and Puerto Bahia?

Puerto Bahia is a family project that began in 2006. The Bancalari family owned land in Samaná, Dominican Republic, and it had always been Juan Bancalari’s dream to transform this land into a village reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This vision was not only a tribute to his heritage but also a commitment to the development of the Samaná Peninsula. Given its strategic location in a protected bay and the myriad of nautical destinations nearby, establishing a marina here was a natural choice.

Who in your family is involved in the business? 

Our entire family is involved in one way or another. Juan Bancalari oversees everything as founder and president. Juan Jose manages the financial aspects, Manuel oversees operations, and Ana handles all marketing aspects. Our mother, although not directly involved, closely supports every event held at the marina.

What are the most challenging pieces of owning a marina?

The biggest challenge of running a marina, especially in its first years of operation, is establishing a name and gaining international recognition. It takes time to identify the right target groups and to integrate into their travel itineraries, which often follow traditional routes. Another significant challenge, like any hospitality business, is seasonality.

What are the most enjoyable parts of owning the marina? 

Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of owning a marina is the opportunity to meet fascinating people from around the world. Whether it's walking along the docks or attending international boat shows, everyone we encounter has a compelling life story to share. What’s truly special is reconnecting with them over the years and developing lasting friendships.

What makes Puerto Bahia special? 

All our visitors highlight the strong sense of community that develops at Puerto Bahia. Being situated in a sort of mini village ensures that people inevitably cross paths in their daily routines, whether it’s along the docks, at the mini market for supplies, in one of our restaurants, at the pool club, or in the gym. We’ve also made a conscious effort to further enhance this sense of community. We love organizing cocktail parties and events that allow cruisers to connect with one another and interact with the marina staff.

Tell us a bit about the area where you are located.

Marina Puerto Bahia is located in the beautiful Samaná Peninsula in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. Samaná is a paradise, surrounded by vast coconut plantations, rolling mountains, valleys, and lush rainforests. Just 4.5 nautical miles away is Cayo Levantado, an idyllic island with crystal-clear beaches. Seven nautical miles from us lies Los Haitises, a national park known for its exotic birds, stunning karst formations, and mangroves. Additionally, there are countless pristine beaches, each offering its own unique views. Let’s not forget the humpback whales that visit each year to breed. We may be biased, but we dare say Samaná is the most beautiful corner of the Dominican Republic, easily rivaling any island in the Caribbean.

Contact Marina Puerto Bahia at https://www.puertobahia.do/