Whales of Samana
Ecological Tourism for all
The Whales
Every year around the 15th of January, like clockwork, the famous Humpback whales of Samana arrive, having traveled all the way from the North Atlantic to relax and frolic in the warm waters of the Caribbean, a bit like you and me!
Of course it’s not just vacation time for them, they are also here to mate and give birth to their 1.5 ton calves which can often be seen next to their mothers, consuming up to 50 gallons of rich milk (50-60% fat) daily. Calves born here were likely conceived here the year before, as the gestation period is 11.5 months.
Humpbacks feed almost exclusively in the summer months when they can be found in the northernmost and southernmost cold arctic waters, rich in krill, plankton and small fish. Krill, tiny crustaceans found in abundance in the world’s cold waters, and plankton are filtered through an array of balene plates found in the whale’s upper mouth. Humpbacks are ‘Balene’ whales, which feed by taking in huge gulps of sea water and pushing the water back out through the balene filter system in a process called ‘filter feeding’. The krill and other food is trapped by the filtration system consisting of bristles between the plates. Balene was once more commonly called ‘whalebone’, famously used in corset stays and petticoats when these were fashionable. Humpback whales rarely feed at all during the winter months, generally surviving on their fat reserves during the time they can be found in the Bay of Samana.
GROUP OPTION 1
Whales Group Tour by Aircraft from Punta Cana
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This excursion includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in the Punta Cana area. You will be taken to Punta Cana airport where planes depart for the 40 minute flight to Samana Airport (ABA) at 07:30 am. From the airport to the Samana whale watching pier is a quick 20 minute drive. The whale watching portion of the excursion takes between 2.5 and 3 hours, including the boat ride to the most likely area where whales can be seen on any given day. You will pass by gorgeous Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island on your way back to the pier, where the vehicles will be waiting to take you to La Familia Ranch.
After a typically Dominican buffet lunch at the ranch, you will ride on horseback over the hills through the tropical rain forest to spectacular Limon Waterfalls. You will have time for a swim in the cool sweet waters before riding back to the ranch where the vehicles will be waiting for your quick trip back to the airport. No riding experience is required, as each horse is individually guided along the path. Your flight back to Punta Cana departs at 04:30 pm, and the bus will be waiting to bring you back to your hotel after this truly memorable day.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be choppy at times.
GROUP OPTION 1
The price for this full day tour is:
U$ 295.00 per adult.
U$ 225.00 for kids 11 and under.
Included are all land and sea transportation, professional multilingual guides, National Park fees, as well as lunch and beverages.
BOOK NOWPLEASE CALL US FOR AVAILABLE DATES AND PICK-UP TIMES
GROUP OPTION 2
Whales Group Tour by Ground Transportation from Punta Cana
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This excursion includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in the Punta Cana area. The bus will pick you up at your hotel and begin an enjoyable drive through the Dominican countryside to the town of Miches, located on the Bay of Samana, beyond which the actual whale watching portion of the excursion begins at the private pier. First, however, we will enjoy a tropical breakfast before boarding the fast covered boats which will speed you to the best locations in the bay where whales can be found on any given day.
After enjoying the unforgettable experience of seeing the hunchback whales up close, and maybe even being lucky enough to catch one breaching, your boat will moor at spectacular Cayo Levantado, better known as Bacardi Island for a delicious barbecue lunch on the pristine beach. There will be enough time for a relaxing dip in the turquoise waters amidst this paradise of sea, sand and green hills in the distance, before boarding again for your fast ride back to the pier where the bus will be waiting for your trip directly back to your hotel.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which you don’t mind getting wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be a bit choppy at times.
GROUP OPTION 2
The price for this full day tour is:
U$ 129.00 per adult.
U$ 79.00 for kids 12 and under.
Included are all land and sea transportation, professional multilingual guides, National Park fees, as well as lunch and beverages.
BOOK NOWPLEASE CALL US FOR AVAILABLE DATES AND PICK-UP TIMES
Our Promotional packages
Alternatives to enjoy to the fullest
Whales Private Tour by Aircraft from Punta Cana
The most exclusive of the Whale Excursions we offer, these are fully private luxury trips. A private vehicle will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Punta Cana airport from where a private small aircraft will fly you directly to Arroyo Barril Airport (ABA) for a quick private transfer to the Samana pier from where the whale-watching boats depart. We have aircraft from 3 to 19 seats at our disposal, depending on the size of your party or family.
The actual whale watching boat trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on where our chances are best to encounter whales. We use fast smaller boats for quicker arrival at sites where whales have been sighted on any particular day. Strict environmental laws limit the time we are permitted to stay in their immediate vicinity. Back on land, we offer 3 variations on the continuation of this fabulous excursion.
EXCLUSIVE OPTION 1
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RINCON BEACH
Private transfer from the Samana pier to Rincon Beach, a still largely untouched beach which was deemed by Conde Naste Traveler among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world a few years ago. The vista is indeed spectacular, with its backdrop of lush green hills leading down to the white sands, kissed by the crystal clear lukewarm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
At one end of this perfect beach you will be served a grilled lobster lunch (this can be substituted by fish if you prefer) under the shade of the palm trees softly rustling in the ocean breeze. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the sun and sea before departing.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be choppy at times.
OPTION 1
These prices are valid for up to 6 people
Pricing for this full day private flight excursion:
Whale watching combined with Rincon Beach:
First person: U$ 999.00
Each additional person: U$ 119.00
From La Romana, Casa de Campo, or Bayahibe add U$ 200.00
BOOK NOWThis Private Excursion is available every day of the week from January 15th to March 20th. Please book well in advance in order to secure your aircraft.
Flight departure time is at 07:30 am. We will let you know your pick-up time from the hotel in your confirmation email.
WE PROVIDE A COMPIMENTARY COOLER WITH BEVERAGES OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES WHEN BOOKING.
EXCLUSIVE OPTION 2
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LIMON WATERFALLS
Private transfer from the Samana pier to Limon Ranch, where will begin a stunning ride on horseback into the hills through the local rain forest which suddenly opens up to reveal beautiful Rincon Waterfall.
After a spell at this picturesque site with time to bathe in the cool sweet waters if you like, your mount will bring you safely back to the ranch, where a typical Dominican buffet lunch will be served. For those who are not riders, don’t worry... no prior experience is required, as each horse is individually guided along the path.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be choppy at times.
OPTION 2
These prices are valid for up to 6 people
Pricing for this full day private flight excursion:
Whale watching combined with Limon Waterfall:
First person: U$ 979.00
Each additional person: U$ 99.00
From La Romana, Casa de Campo, or Bayahibe add U$ 200.00
BOOK NOWThis Private Excursion is available every day of the week from January 15th to March 20th. Please book well in advance in order to secure your aircraft.
Flight departure time is at 07:30 am. We will let you know your pick-up time from the hotel in your confirmation email.
WE PROVIDE A COMPIMENTARY COOLER WITH BEVERAGES OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES WHEN BOOKING.
EXCLUSIVE OPTION 3
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CAYO LEVANTADO ISLAND
After the incredible whale-watching part of this excursion, your boat will moor at the tropical paradise island of Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, as this was the location where the famous Bacardi Rum advertising campaign was filmed in the 80’s. You will enjoy a wonderful lunch of your choice of lobster, fish or chicken right on the pristine beach under the softly swaying palm trees.
After lunch there is plenty of time to languish in the shade, catch up on your sun tan or go for a swim in the calm waters that wash this perfect Caribbean island’s shores, before boarding your boat for the short trip to the mainland where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to the airport for your private flight back to Punta Cana.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which you don’t mind getting wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be a bit choppy at times.
OPTION 3
These prices are valid for up to 6 people
Pricing for this full day private flight excursion:
Whale watching combined with Cayo Levantado Island:
First person: U$ 999.00
Each additional person: U$ 119.00
From La Romana, Casa de Campo, or Bayahibe add U$ 200.00
BOOK NOWThis Private Excursion is available every day of the week from January 15th to March 20th. Please book well in advance in order to secure your aircraft.
Flight departure time is at 07:30 am. We will let you know your pick-up time from the hotel in your confirmation email.
WE PROVIDE A COMPIMENTARY COOLER WITH BEVERAGES OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES WHEN BOOKING.
After a memorable day, your private vehicle will be waiting for the drive back to the airport to meet up with your pilot, ready to fly you back to Punta Cana, where your driver will bring you back to your hotel.
A complimentary cooler with beverages of your choice will be provided. National Park fees are included, as is all land, air and sea private transportation. Also included is your private guide who will join you upon your arrival at Samana Airport and will accompany you until you board your private plane back to Punta Cana.
We recommend you bring comfortable clothing which can get wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be choppy at times.
EXCLUSIVE OPTION 4
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Private ground transportation - your choice of Rincon Beach, Limon Waterfalls, or Cayo Levantado Island
You will be picked up at your hotel for a private transfer to the town of Samana where the whale watching adventure begins. We use fast boats to ensure you will quickly find a good area for the viewing of this unforgettable spectacle.
The private whale-watching portion of the excursion takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. After the whales, you have 3 different options to continue your Tour:
OPTION A
Rincon Beach, probably the most beautiful beach on the entire island, where you will be treated to a lobster lunch (fish and chicken are also available). After plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and bathe in the crystal clear lukewarm Caribbean waters, or just lounge in the shade it’s time for the trip back to your hotel.
BOOK NOW
OPTION B
Limon Waterfalls, after a buffet lunch at Limon Ranch, you will horseback ride on a trail through lush rain forests up into the hills, to end up at the surprising Limon waterfalls. Bathe in the cool fresh water before riding back to the ranch where your vehicle will be waiting for the trip to your hotel. Don’t worry if you have no riding experience as each horse is individually guided by a local boy.
BOOK NOW
OPTION C
Your whale-watching boat will moor at gorgeous Cayo Levantado Island, also known as Bacardi Island, location for the filming of the famous advertising campaign for the rum brand of that name. After a delicious lobster lunch right on the beach (fish and chicken are also available), enjoy the perfect tropical scenery as you lounge in the shade or bathe in the limpid waters of the Caribbean as you have always imagined in your dreams. After plenty of time to relax and take in the beauty of the island, we’re off by boat to the mainland, and on to your hotel.
BOOK NOWWe recommend you bring comfortable clothing which you don’t mind getting wet, sunscreen, sunglasses, bathing suits and towels, as well as Dramamine against motion sickness, as the bay can be a bit choppy at times.
This Private Excursion is available every day of the week from January 15th to March 20th.
Note that for the best experience, you should embark on the whale-watching part of this private excursion by 09:00 am. We will advise you of your early pick-up time from the hotel in your confirmation email.
PLEASE CALL US FOR AVAILABLE DATES AND PICK-UP TIMES
WE PROVIDE A COMPIMENTARY COOLER WITH BEVERAGES OF YOUR CHOICE. PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES WHEN BOOKING.
Pricing for this private tour is as follows:
From Samana
| 1 person | U$ 360.00 |
| 2 people | U$ 195.00 per person |
| 3 people | U$ 145.00 per person |
| 4 people | U$ 115.00 per person |
| 5 people | U$ 105.00 per person |
| 6 people | U$ 100.00 per person |
| 7 people | U$ 95.00 per person |
From Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete
| 1 person | U$ 650.00 |
| 2 people | U$ 335.00 per person |
| 3 people | U$ 235.00 per person |
| 4 people | U$ 185.00 per person |
| 5 people | U$ 150.00 per person |
| 6 people | U$ 145.00 per person |
| 7 people | U$ 135.00 per person |
From Las Terrenas, Las Galeras or anywhere else in the Samana area:
| 1 person | U$ 530.00 |
| 2 people | U$ 275.00 per person |
| 3 people | U$ 195.00 per person |
| 4 people | U$ 155.00 per person |
| 5 people | U$ 130.000 per person |
| 6 people | U$ 125.00 per person |
| 7 people | U$ 115.00 per person |
From La Romana, Casa de Campo or Bayahibe
| 1 person | U$ 950.00 |
| 2 people | U$ 500.00 per person |
| 3 people | U$ 350.00 per person |
| 4 people | U$ 260.00 per person |
| 5 people | U$ 220.00 per person |
| 6 people | U$ 200.00 per person |
| 7 people | U$ 180.00 per person |
From Santo Domingo or Boca Chica
| 1 person | U$ 750.00 |
| 2 people | U$ 390.00 per person |
| 3 people | U$ 275.00 per person |
| 4 people | U$ 215.00 per person |
| 5 people | U$ 175.00 per person |
| 6 people | U$ 165.00 per person |
| 7 people | U$ 150.00 per person |