Discovering Paradise
Discovering Paradise
Witness thousands of humpback whales in their Caribbean breeding grounds
Type
Wildlife Experience
Location
Samaná Bay
Entrance Fee
$50-75 USD for boat tour
Hours
Morning departures (8:00-9:00 AM)
Duration
3-4 hours
Best Time
Mid-January to mid-March (peak season)
Difficulty
Easy
Guided Tours
Available
Parking
Available
Accessibility
Boat-based; may not be suitable for those with severe motion sickness
Every year from January to March, Samaná Bay transforms into one of the world's premier whale watching destinations. Thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales migrate over 5,000 kilometers from the North Atlantic to the warm, shallow waters of the Silver Bank and Samaná Bay to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
This annual spectacle draws visitors from around the world who come to witness these magnificent 40-ton creatures breaching (launching themselves out of the water), tail-slapping, and singing their haunting songs. The Dominican Republic has designated the area as the Sanctuary for Marine Mammals, ensuring the whales are protected.
Humpback whale season runs from approximately January 15 to March 30, with peak activity in February. Outside this window, there are no whales to see.
Most tours depart from Samaná town harbor. Tours are also available from Las Terrenas and Las Galeras. Some operators offer pickup from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo.
Sighting rates during peak season (February) are very high — over 95%. While no wildlife experience is 100% guaranteed, the concentration of whales in Samaná Bay makes sightings almost certain.