Whale Watching Samaná – Whale Watching Tour
Experience the humpback whale migration in Samaná Bay, one of the most important marine mammal sanctuaries in the Caribbean.
Whale Watching from Samaná
Whale watching only tour departing from Samaná. Navigation in the Marine Mammal Sanctuary with naturalist guide. Duration 3-4 hours.
From US$65 per person
Subject to availability. Direct payment to provider.
Whale Watching + Cayo Levantado
Whale watching + visit to Cayo Levantado with buffet lunch and free time on the beach. Ideal for families.
From US$85 per person
Subject to availability. Direct payment to provider.
Full Day from Punta Cana / Bávaro
Complete tour from hotels in Punta Cana or Bávaro. Includes round trip transfers, whale watching and Cayo Levantado.
From US$125 per person
Subject to availability. Direct payment to provider.
Whale Watching VIP
Boat with small groups for a more personalized experience. Includes whale watching and Cayo Levantado with premium service.
From US$145 per person
Subject to availability. Direct payment to provider.
Description
Experience an unforgettable moment observing majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat in Samaná Bay. Each year, between January and March, thousands of humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to the warm Caribbean waters to mate and give birth.
Our tour includes a boat ride through Samaná Bay, where you can observe these incredible marine mammals up close jumping, slapping the water with their fins, and showing their natural behaviors. Expert naturalist guides will explain everything about whales and their behavior.
After the whale watching, we will visit beautiful Cayo Levantado (also known as Bacardí Island), a small paradise island with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Here you will have time to relax, swim, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
**Responsible Tourism:** We only work with operators authorized by the Ministry of Environment. Minimum distances and maximum time with each whale group are respected. Swimming, diving, or using drones within the sanctuary is not allowed. Your reservation helps fund conservation programs in Samaná Bay.
Quick Summary
Destination
Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic
Type of experience
Nature – Wildlife – Boat Tour
Duration
3-4 hours (from Samaná) / 10-12 hours (full day from Punta Cana / Bayahibe)
Languages
Spanish / English
Season
Mid-January to late March
Recommended for
Families, couples, nature lovers
What's Included
- Round trip transfer from your hotel by bus or minivan with air conditioning (depending on option)
- Boarding on certified boat for whale watching
- Bilingual naturalist guide (Spanish / English)
- Navigation in the Samaná Marine Mammal Sanctuary
- Responsible whale watching of humpback whales (complying with regulatory distances and times)
- Visit to Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island)
- Free beach time on Cayo Levantado
- Dominican buffet lunch
- Water and soft drinks during the tour
What's NOT Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Environmental fee or port tax (if applicable)
- Towel rental
- Professional photos
- Tips and personal expenses
What to Bring
- Light clothing and windbreaker jacket
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera or GoPro
- Motion sickness medicine (if prone)
- Cash for port fees, snacks or souvenirs
- Towel (optional, can be rented)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the service. Cancellations with less than 48 hours are subject to a 50% charge. No-show will be charged 100%. Note: This tour is only available from mid-January to late March.
⚠️ Intermediation Notice: Billetaxo Travel acts as a digital intermediary connecting customers with certified providers. We do not process online payments nor execute services directly. Payment is agreed directly with the provider after confirming availability. Read our complete Usage Policy .
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is whale season? +
How likely is it to see whales? +
Is the boat ride safe? +
What if I get seasick? +
Can I swim with the whales? +
What does the visit to Cayo Levantado include? +
Where is the meeting point? +
Are premium options available? +
What is responsible whale watching? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
What should I bring or know before the tour? +
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2. 1) Pick-up at your hotel (between 5:30 and 7:00 AM depending on location)
3. 2) Transfer by bus/minivan to the dock (Cañitas or Samaná)
4. 3) Boarding and explanation of sanctuary rules
5. 4) Navigation to whale area
6. 5) Humpback whale watching (approx. 2-3 hours):
7. • Possible jumps, tail and fin slaps
8. • Females with their calves
9. • Guide comments about whale behavior
10. 6) Transfer to Cayo Levantado
11. 7) Buffet lunch and free time on the beach (1.5-2 hours)
12. 8) Return to dock and bus transfer to your hotel
13. 9) Approximate arrival between 6:00 and 8:00 PM
14.
15. From Samaná (3-4 hours):
16. 1) Check-in at Samaná dock
17. 2) Boarding and departure to sanctuary
18. 3) 2-3 hours of whale watching with naturalist guide
19. 4) Return to dock / optional extension to Cayo Levantado
Hotels in Samaná
Discover the best accommodations in Samaná, the perfect complement to your adventure.
