Discovering Paradise
Playa Las Ballenas
Whale-watching beach with golden sand and peaceful Caribbean vibes
💧Good Water🌊Mild Current🏖️Golden Sand✨Family-Friendly
Quick Facts
🏝️
Sand Color
White
💧
Water Color
Turquoise
🌡️
Water Temp
27°C / 81°F
🌊
Current
Mild
⏰
Best Time
Morning for swimming, winter mornings for whale spotting
📅
Best Months
December - April
💰
Entry Fee
Free
📏
Beach Length
1000m
🛟
Lifeguards
No
🚶
Access
Easy
🅿️
Parking
Street parking along the coastal road, free
🌴
Shade
Good coconut palm shade
🏘️
Nearest Town
Las Terrenas
✈️
Nearest Airport
AZS - Samaná El Catey International
⚠️ Warnings:Named after whale-shaped rocks, not whale sightings on beachSome rocky sections
🐠 Marine Life:Tropical fishHumpback whales (January-March, offshore)
Playa Las Ballenas ("Whale Beach") is a serene stretch of sand just east of Las Terrenas, named for the humpback whales visible from January to March. Lined with boutique hotels and intimate restaurants, it is a quieter alternative to the main town beach.
Low
Moderate
High
Very High
| Month | Temp | Waves | Crowds | Sargassum | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| FebNOW | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Excellent | ||
| Mar | 26° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Apr | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| May | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Jun | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Jul | 29° | 0.3-0.5m | Good | ||
| Aug | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Sep | 29° | 0.5-1m | Fair | ||
| Oct | 28° | 0.5-1m | Good | ||
| Nov | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good | ||
| Dec | 27° | 0.3-0.5m | Very Good |
Water temperature in °C
Gentle to moderate waves similar to the main Las Terrenas beach. Warm water, safe for swimming. Some seagrass patches. Swimming best at the eastern end where conditions are calmer.
A 10-minute walk or motoconcho ride (RD$50-100) east of Las Terrenas center. Follow the beach east and you will transition naturally into Las Ballenas.
- Binoculars: For whale watching (January-March)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Cash: For beachfront restaurants
- A good book: This is a relaxation beach
Best from February to May. During whale season, bring binoculars for possible sightings. Late afternoon offers the best light.
- Boutique hotels offer day-use rates (RD$500-1,000)
- Walk east for increasingly quiet stretches
- Restaurants here are more intimate and upscale than in town center
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually see whales from Playa Las Ballenas?
Yes, from January to March during the humpback whale migration season, you can sometimes spot whales from Playa Las Ballenas. The beach gets its name, which translates to "Beach of the Whales," from this phenomenon. Whale-watching boat tours also depart from nearby Samaná town for closer encounters.
Where is Playa Las Ballenas?
Playa Las Ballenas is located in Las Terrenas, stretching east from the main town beach. It is within walking distance of the center of Las Terrenas and is lined with small hotels and restaurants. The beach is easy to access and is one of the more popular stretches for visitors staying in Las Terrenas.
Is Playa Las Ballenas good for swimming?
The water conditions at Playa Las Ballenas are generally moderate and suitable for swimming. Waves can be present but are usually manageable. The sandy bottom and gradual depth make it comfortable for most swimmers. As with all open Atlantic beaches, conditions can change, so observe the water before entering.
Nearby Beaches
More beaches to explore near Playa Las Ballenas
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