Nothing beats the whale watching experience in Puerto Plata for nature enthusiasts exploring the Dominican Republic. From December to March, daily tours head to the Samana Peninsula, where humpback whales gather for their annual mating season and calf rearing. The full-day excursions include convenient hotel pick-ups, expert guides, and a satisfying Dominican lunch on Cayo Levantado island.
I especially love the catamaran tours to Bacardi Island – they offer the perfect balance of whale watching and comfort, getting you remarkably close to these magnificent creatures while providing stable viewing platforms and plenty of space to move around.
Let’s explore the top whale watching tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- Samana Bay in Puerto Plata offers one of the best whale watching tours, providing the opportunity to witness humpback whales and their calves.
- Full-day tours from Puerto Plata to the Samana Peninsula allow travelers to observe the awe-inspiring spectacle of whales in their natural habitat.
- Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) offers an immersive whale watching experience, with a catamaran cruise and the chance to explore the picturesque island.
- Whale watching tours from Puerto Plata include amenities such as breakfast, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and air-conditioned transportation.
- The tours are accessible to wheelchair users, stroller users, and allow service animals, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Whale Watching in Samana
One of the best whale watching experiences in Puerto Plata can be found in Samana. The full-day tour takes travelers on a boat ride through Samana Bay to witness the mating rituals and calves of humpback whales.
After the whale watching, guests can relax on Cayo Levantado, a private island, and enjoy a Dominican-style buffet lunch.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, the Dominican-style lunch, and a local guide. Drinks with the lunch aren’t included. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems and isn’t wheelchair accessible. The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the exact tour departure time will be communicated. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The whale watching in Samana offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Read our full review: Whale Watching in Samana Review
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Samana and Whales From Puerto Plata
From Puerto Plata, travelers can embark on an unforgettable journey to the Samana Peninsula, where they’ll have the chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales in their natural habitat. This full-day tour provides the perfect opportunity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to explore the stunning landscapes of the Samana region.
Guests will pass by picturesque islands like Cayo Levantado and board a boat to the Samana Island, accessing incredible scenery and unparalleled whale watching opportunities.
The tour includes breakfast, lunch, and bottled water, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. The pickup is at 6 am, with a travel time of 2 hours to the starting point. The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller users, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and the surfaces are wheelchair accessible. With a maximum of 60 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience to discover the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic’s Samana Peninsula.
Read our full review: Samana and Whales From Puerto Plata Review
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Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Whale Watch Catamaran Cruise – Puerto Plata
For those seeking a more immersive whale watching experience from Puerto Plata, the Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Whale Watch Catamaran Cruise is a must-try. This full-day tour, run by Anddy tours aventura company, offers visitors the chance to spot whales in their natural habitat and explore the picturesque Bacardi Island.
The tour includes a range of amenities, such as WiFi, lifejackets, breakfast, air-conditioned transportation, lunch, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water. Pickup is available from hotels and villas in Puerto Plata, Cofresi, and the city center, with an early start time of 5:30 AM.
However, the tour may not be suitable for all travelers, with a maximum capacity of 100 people and potential issues for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions. Plus, some reviewers have noted the small size of the bus and less-than-ideal breakfast and bathroom facilities.
Read our full review: Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Whale Watch Catamaran Cruise – Puerto Plata Review
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The Sum Up
Puerto Plata’s proximity to Samana makes it a prime spot for whale watching. Visitors can take a catamaran cruise to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island, for an up-close experience with these majestic creatures. With the right tour operator, travelers can expect to see humpback whales breaching and playing in the waters off the Dominican Republic’s northern coast.