This is not a Pro Excursions house tour but the service of a 3rd party provider
Samana Whale Watching
Available from 15 January to 15 March
Destination
A close encounter with the majestic Humpback Whales in the bay of Samana. Eco-Tour with trained guide.
Description
The humpback whales are regular visitors in the Bay of Samana. Every year from mid-January until mid-March these huge mammals leave the Arctic to mate and give birth in the protected bay along the Dominican Republic’s east coast. The first of the “snowbirds” traveling seasonally to the Dominican Republic, the whales have been wintering in this region for centuries. This is evidenced by old Taino cave paintings in the nearby "Los Haitises" National Park which depict blowing whales.
The humpback whale is a water mammal known for their liveliness and their singing. They can attain a length of 15 metres and weight of up to 30 tons. Their huge front flippers (pectoral fins) can reach one-third of their body length for an impressive display. Before diving, humpback whales bend their backs in the form of a hump and lift their tails high out of the water, hence their name.
There are few things as exciting as watching free-range whales. You can join us on an expedition to trace and observe these animals from close range, however to ensure the whales’ survival, we adhere to strict guidelines and directives. Our staff participates yearly in the training programs given by CEBSE (the Center for Conservation and Eco-Development Samana and its Environs). It is due to maintaining these guidelines each year that the whales—especially the juveniles—become more bold and accustomed to the boats and their joyful behavior can be seen from our excellent vantage point. We have adopted strict minimum distances to ensure the safety of both the whales and the boat passenger.
Itinerary
The buses leave early from the hotels in Dominicus and Bayahibe to take you safely to Miches, a 2½ hour drive through the Dominican countryside away. On arrival in Miches you will be given coffee, a snack and a short briefing before we board the motor catamaran and the adventure begins. Through close contact with the captains of other boats in the area, a reporting system is developed.
During the season, an average of 300 whales enters the bay of Samana each day. It is very rare that no sighting is recorded on any one day. By around 12:30 we are back in Miches where you are invited to lunch and can spend some time at the seaside ranch. By departing at approximately 2 pm, we will be back in Bayahibe again at around 4:30 pm.
This tour is available for guests of the Bayahibe, Dominicus and La Romana hotels only. On Wednesdays and Sundays.
Internet Price: $145.00 USD or 120.€ for the zone of Bayahibe and surroundings. Children under 12 pay $90.USD or 75.€.
Transport from your Hotel included.
Find us at Destination…
Pro Excursions Bayahibe
Pro Excursions Bayahibe is the only company with a nautical base directly onto the Bayahibe beach for morning arrivals and departures to Saona, Catalinita and Catalina.
Information and service centers
Bayahibe
Service center and departures to the islands of Saona, Catalina and Catalinita. Situated on ‘’La Bahia’’ street by the sea in the village of Bayahibe. Only a walk away from Dreams Hotel.
Dominicus
Service center Situated on 4 ‘’Cayuco’’ street at the corner of Wayne Fuller street in the village of Dominicus. Only a minute walk away from the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Palace Hotels, Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus Hotel, Gran Dominicus Catalonia Hotel and the Be Live Canoa.
