Whale watching in Samaná: season, price and tips
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales arrive in Samaná Bay to mate and give birth. Watching them leap from a boat is one of the most impressive nature experiences in the Dominican Republic. Here is what you should know.
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In this guide
Whale season in Samaná
North Atlantic humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the Caribbean to breed. In Samaná Bay they can be seen roughly from mid-January to mid-March, with the best sightings around February.
Outside that window, the whale-watching excursion does not run. If you travel at another time, you can replace it with a visit to Los Haitises o a Cayo Levantado.
What the excursion from Punta Cana is like
Samaná is in the northeast of the country; the drive from Punta Cana takes several hours, so it is a full-day excursion with an early departure.
- Early departure and road transfer to Samaná.
- Boarding an authorized whale-watching boat.
- Sailing around the bay until the whales are located.
- Observation respecting the distances set by the rules.
- Return to port and transfer back to Punta Cana.
What is included and how much it costs
The Caribexus whale-watching excursion costs from $115 USD per person and usually lasts a full day. Location: Samaná (departing from Punta Cana).
Includes: transfer, guide, boat and life vests.
Prices and services may change depending on the date, the number of people and the season. If you prefer to receive the quote by email, use the quote button at the end of this page.
Responsible whale watching
Boats must keep a prudent distance, limit observation time and slow down near the animals. Always choose authorized operators, do not ask to get closer and do not throw objects into the water.
What to expect and what not to
Nature cannot be scheduled: even though the season is very good, no operator can guarantee how many whales will be seen or how they will behave. It is common to see blows, fins and, with luck, breaches.
Tips before you go
- Book between mid-January and mid-March.
- Bring a light jacket, a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- If you get seasick, take a pill before boarding and look at the horizon.
- Bring a camera with a good zoom and a charged battery.
Combine Whale Watching with other activities
- Cayo Levantado, Samaná: One-day excursion to Samaná: Cayo Levantado, Salto del Limón and the bay. What to see, cost, best time and tip…
- Salto del Limón waterfall, Samaná: Guide to Salto del Limón: a waterfall over 40 meters high in Samaná. How to get there on horseback or on foot, price, what to bring and mo…
- Los Haitises National Park, Dominican Republic: Excursion to Los Haitises National Park: mangroves, caves with Taíno pictographs, birds, price, what to bring and best…
Getting there: private transfer to your hotel
Book your private transfer from the airport and arrive rested at your hotel. Book without a card and pay on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to see whales in Samaná from Punta Cana?
With Caribexus it costs from $115 USD per person. The final price may vary depending on the date and the number of people.
How long is the whale excursion?
It usually lasts a full day, including transfers and activity time. Confirm the exact schedule when booking.
What does the whale excursion include?
Includes: transfer, guide, boat and life vests. For anything not on the list, ask when booking.
When is whale season?
Roughly from mid-January to mid-March. Outside those dates whale watching does not take place.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
It cannot be guaranteed, because they are wild animals. In peak season the chances are very high.
Whale watching in Samaná: quick guide
Humpback whales visit Samaná Bay from about mid-January to mid-March. The excursion from Punta Cana is a full-day trip with early departure. Sightings cannot be guaranteed. Book with Caribexus from $115 USD per person.
Book this activity: Whale Watching
From $115 USD per person
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