Private Boat Charter from Samaná — the Whole Boat from $350
Moto Marina charters its boats privately: you take the whole boat rather than a seat.
Also serves Las Terrenas, Las Galeras
After you message: The host confirms price and date on WhatsApp; you pay them directly
Highlights
- The whole boat, from $350
- Four boats, from 38 feet up to eighty passengers
- Cayo Levantado, Los Haitises, whales, Costa Esmeralda
- Private sunset sail with open bar
- Bring your own cooler, drinks and food
- Base rate covers one to fifteen people
Google reviews of Moto Marina Boat Tours
Reviews from Google
Tyler Powell6 months agoI had an absolutely incredible experience with Moto Marina Tours — truly a five-star operation from start to finish. The whale watching tour itself was unforgettable. Seeing the whales up close was breathtaking, and the scenery throughout the entire trip was just stunning. It’s one of those experiences that really stays with you. At one point during the tour, I did get motion sickness and became pretty sick on the yacht. Even with that moment, the staff went above and beyond in a way that genuinely meant a lot to me. Several team members came to check on me, made sure I was okay, and asked if there was anything I needed. Their kindness, attentiveness, and professionalism really stood out. That level of care speaks volumes about Moto Marina Tours. It’s not just about the tour — it’s about how they treat people. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a whale watching experience. Truly five stars all the way.See this review on Google
ASK_ME7 months agoI am a super satisfied customer. I did the short version of the tour, without islands and lunch because I came from La Romana, 3:30 hours by taxi to do this tour. All the staff were well trained. I had a guide who spoke 3 international languages and was full of information about these fascinating mammals. The catamarans they use are superb, clean, equipped with a toilet. We were served coconut strips, coca cola and water throughout the tour. The tour cost 48USD/adult (local) or 56USD (tourist) and lasted from 9:30 to 12:30.See this review on Google
Big Legend6 months agoWe booked the whale watching only tour. Ended up being one of our favorite experiences from our trip to the DR. Really recommend booking with MM, while smaller tour operators do exist, I really appreciated their knowledge, and respect for these beautiful animals. Lots of the smaller operators disregarded rules for distances which was sad as many of the whales showed injuries from boat propellers. The tour guide did a good job of making sure everyone had a view at all times, making sure people who were closest to the whales remained seated so the people on the other side of the boat could still see. Also the coconut and Coca Cola at the end of the trip was a nice touch.See this review on Google
Description
Moto Marina charters its boats privately: you take the whole boat rather than a seat. Four boats, from a 38-foot motor catamaran up to a sailing catamaran that carries eighty. Base rate for one to fifteen people, depending on the boat: • Cayo Levantado — from $350 • Los Haitises — from $1,300 • Whale watching in season — from $1,300 • Costa Esmeralda — from $1,800 • Sailing and snorkelling on the sailing catamaran — $1,500 Each person after the fifteenth is $30 more. The figure shown per person is the Cayo Levantado base divided by fifteen — write to Moto Marina and they will quote you the boat and the date. You can bring your own cooler, drinks and food, and the crew is at your disposal throughout. Snorkel gear is $10 per person and comes included on the sailing catamaran. A guide is optional and not in the price. Departures from Cañitas are $200 more. They also charter private sunset sails — open bar, a mixed picadera and music, usually 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm — and Los Haitises with lunch at Paraíso Caño Hondo, where a zipline run or a kayak can be added for $15 per person.
What's Included
What's NOT Included
What to Bring
Meeting Point
We pick you up, or you meet the host at a set spot
Moto Marina’s own dock, Av. La Marina 3, Samaná. Agree the boat, the destination and the departure time with them when you book. Round-trip pickup from hotels in Samaná is available for $10 per person.
Accessibility & Requirements
A private charter: the boat is yours and only your group goes. The base rate covers one to fifteen people and each person after the fifteenth is $30 more; the four boats take 25, 46, 75 and 80. A guide is optional and not in the price. Park entrance fees are extra — about $2 per adult for Los Haitises and $5 for the whale sanctuary. Customer service is mainly in English. The price does not include the 18% ITBIS, which is only added if you ask for a fiscal invoice. Children from 4 to 10 pay half price and under-3s go free. Cancelling seven days ahead or more is refunded in full, 72 hours ahead is refunded half, and inside 72 hours there is no refund.
Boat trips out of Samaná town for the humpback whales in Samaná Bay, running every day from 10 January to 15 April. Two versions: a morning trip for the whales only, 9:15 to 12:45, and a full day that adds the afternoon on Cayo Levantado — Bacardi Island — with a buffet lunch and time on the beach, 9:15 to 4:30. Both include the sanctuary entrance fee and a specialist guide. Dominicans and residents get 15% off. A long-established local operator with one of the largest review counts on the peninsula.
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