Humpback whale watching
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Overview
In the northern Dominican Republic, in Samaná Bay, humpback whales gather every year for their mating season . This tourist attraction is one of the most famous on the island, occurring annually between January and March , when the Caribbean waters fill with the fins of these cetaceans, so close you can practically touch them.
The tour not only includes the sighting of one of the largest mammals in the world , but you can also visit Cayo Levantado , better known as Bacardi Island , a place where crystal clear water mixes with golden sand in a picture completed by jungle vegetation typical of these latitudes.
Keep reading to learn all the details of this unique experience in the north of the country.
Why should you take this excursion?
It’s not every day you get the chance to see one of the world’s largest mammals . Add to that a visit to two stunning natural sites like Cayo Levantado and Cascada de Limón , and this excursion is a guaranteed success.
The arrival of whales in Samaná is no mere coincidence. As the northern winter approaches in places like Iceland, Canada, and the United States, humpback whales begin their migration.
This journey lasts for months, covering thousands of kilometers . It is right after this journey that the whales enter their mating season . And what better place to conceive life than the waters of Samaná?
There you’ll see humpback whales of all sizes, leaping into breathtaking waters where the splashes become the main attraction. It’s a true natural spectacle that only occurs for a few months of the year in the waters of the Dominican Republic.
The Caribbean not only captivates tourists but also the humpback whale, which finds perfect mating conditions in our country.
The excursion without the visit to El Limón Waterfall is also available
The humpback whale watching excursion in Samaná can also be booked without going to Cascada el Limón.
Enjoy the wonderful natural spectacle offered by the whale sanctuary and then relax with a delicious lunch on the beach , enjoying the charms of Cayo Levantado. Non-alcoholic beverages are included.
After watching the whales and tasting the typical cuisine, we will return to Sabana de la Mar to go back to the hotel, with the memory of having experienced one of the most impressive moments that can be experienced in the middle of the ocean.
Itinerary
6:20 am – Pick-up from your hotel to the meeting point.
7:30 a.m. – Departure from the meeting point towards La Cañita.
9:00 am – Once we arrive at La Cañita, we'll have a light breakfast to start the day with energy. Then, we'll board a catamaran to the Humpback Whale Sanctuary , very close to Bacardi Island.
- Tres Ojos National Park: in its cave you will find one of the most important tourist destinations in the park, the freshwater lake that lies inside .
- Columbus Lighthouse: monument and museum dedicated to the figure of Christopher Columbus , discoverer of the New World.
- Colonial City: historic and leisure center of Santo Domingo.
10:30 am – We've reached the highlight of the excursion: we begin to spot the humpback whales that have chosen our waters for mating. You'll have the opportunity to hear their beautiful songs very close to our boat.
- Alcázar de Colón or Viceroyal Palace of Don Diego Colón.
- Cathedral of Saint Mary.
- Amber Museum.
- Rum Museum.
- Museum of the Royal Houses.
12:00 pm – We head to the port of Samaná Bay, from where we will travel to our ranch in the mountains. We will stop to see a typical Dominican house to observe the production process for coffee, chocolate, mama Juana, and traditional cigars.
Once we arrive at the ranch, we will ride a horse to head to our next destination: Limón Waterfall, a waterfall over 40 meters high, where we can take a refreshing bath for 30 minutes.
After this bath, we head back to the ranch on our horse and board the safari truck to go to the buffet where we will have lunch of typical Dominican food.
After lunch, we'll board our catamaran and head to Cayo Levantado, where we'll spend an hour and a half. You'll have free time to enjoy all the charms of the island and its beach. Explore its jungle , relax under its palm trees , and enjoy its flora and fauna.
4:00 pm – Return to our meeting point to go back to La Cañita where the bus will be waiting to take us back to our hotels.
5:00 pm – End of activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to see humpback whales in Samaná?
These dates run from the second week of January , when the humpback whales arrive in the bay, until the end of March . If you're in Punta Cana during these months, it's a spectacle you can't miss.
Why do humpback whales come to Samaná this season?
It's a journey of thousands of kilometers to reach a privileged ecosystem, where krill, their main food source, predominates. It's the perfect place for them to mate and give birth to their young.
Is it a family-friendly excursion?
It's also perfect to do with friends, because after seeing the whales , you can enjoy the paradisiacal Bacardi Island , where many memorable moments will arise and be etched in your retina forever.
Recommendations and tips for attending this activity
Sunscreen .
Sunglasses , to protect our eyes from the sun's rays.
Cash , in case you want to buy any souvenirs and leave a tip (mandatory) for the guide who will accompany us during the horse ride .
Swimsuit to be able to bathe in Limón Waterfall.
Cap or hat .
Camera , for photographing unique moments.
Is there free cancellation for the activity?
From that date onwards, we will not accept any cancellations or make any refunds, as our team will have the service prepared to guarantee you excellent quality in your booking.
Highlights
- Excursion duration: 10 hours
- Departure time: 6:20 am
- Hotel pickup
- From Monday to Saturday, from mid-January to the end of March
