Humpback Whale Watching in Samaná Bay by Catamaran
Between 15 January and 31 March, Samaná Bay is one of the best places on earth to see humpback whales.
After you message: The host confirms price and date on WhatsApp; you pay them directly
Highlights
- Humpback mothers teaching their calves to breach and slap the water
- Between 1,500 and 2,000 whales in Samaná Bay each season
- The Marine Mammal Sanctuary, where the whales set the pace
- A buffet lunch and a swim on Cayo Levantado
- A guide who has worked this bay for fifteen years
Google reviews of Andrés El Andariego de Las Galeras
Reviews from Google
Isabel D'Ma year agoMy friend and I booked the 7 beaches walking tour ans had a great day with Andrés - he is from the area and knows everyone! He even helped us to arrange transport to and from Samana at a good price after we realised going by bus would not work. Andrés knows all about the beaches, advised us on where was best to swim and where was not safe, told us a lot about the plants and trees. He even cracked open an almond to show us - it was tasty! The lunch was good and we had time to go to where the river meets the sea which was beautiful and refreshing to cool off before heading back. Highly recommend! Go direct if you see this, instead of through an agency!See this review on Google
M. Hernandeza year agoI recently joined an excursion to Playa Ermitaño with Andre El Andariego, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The beach itself is stunning—secluded, pristine, and surrounded by lush nature that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden paradise. Andre is an excellent guide. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and very attentive to every detail. Throughout the trip, he shared interesting stories about the area and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The organization was top-notch, from transportation to the boat ride and the time we spent relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a unique adventure off the beaten path, I highly recommend this excursion. Thank you, Andre, for such a wonderful day!See this review on Google
T B2 years agoAndres is an exceptional guide who took us to the most beautiful treck of our Dominican experience. He is knowledgeable, respectful and incredibly friendly and knows Las Galeras inside out. We felt safe as learned so much about the natural wonders of the area. The swim in the caves was of course a highlightsSee this review on Google
Description
Between 15 January and 31 March, Samaná Bay is one of the best places on earth to see humpback whales. Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 of them come down from the North Atlantic to the warm, shallow water of the Marine Mammal Sanctuary to give birth and to teach their calves to swim, breach and slap the surface. They are the largest animals most people will ever see, and in this bay they are doing the two things that make them most active.
The catamaran leaves the Samaná pier at 9:30 am and heads out into the bay. The sanctuary's rules keep the boats at a respectful distance and let the whales set the pace. Mothers with calves, breaching adults and long, slow blows are all normal sightings in season. Nothing is guaranteed with wild animals, but during these ten weeks it is close to it. Whales can also be watched from Las Galeras, but the bay is the better departure point and the one Andrés recommends.
After the whale watching the catamaran crosses to Cayo Levantado, the small island at the mouth of the bay, where there is a buffet lunch and time to swim from the beach before the return.
The catamaran belongs to a local boat owner Andrés works alongside; Andrés guides the day. He has worked this coast for fifteen years, is certified by the Ministry of Tourism and belongs to AGTUGE, the local guides' association.
What's Included
What's NOT Included
What to Bring
Meeting Point
You meet the host at a set spot
Samaná town pier (Muelle de Samaná), on the malecón in front of the town centre. The catamaran leaves at 9:30 am — be at the pier by 9:15 am. Andrés confirms the exact boarding spot by WhatsApp the day before. The tour can also depart from Las Galeras on request, but Samaná Bay is the better departure point.
Accessibility & Requirements
- Suitable for children
Season: 15 January to 31 March only. Suitable for most fitness levels — the day is spent on the catamaran, with a short walk on sand at Cayo Levantado. Boarding is by a step from the pier, so the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Children are welcome with an adult and life jackets are on board. The bay can be choppy, so bring something for seasickness if you are prone to it. Please tell Andrés in advance if anyone is pregnant, has back problems, or cannot swim.
Andrés is a certified local guide (AGTUGE) with 15 years of experience, leading hikes and boat trips out of Las Galeras. His days cover the beaches no road reaches — Playa Frontón, Madama, Rincón and the seven hidden beaches — as well as Cabo Cabrón National Park, the El Limón and El Castaño waterfalls, the Loma Pilón de Azúcar summit, Los Haitises, and whale watching in Samaná Bay from January to March. Most days start in the morning at Playita Las Galeras.
You might also like
Guides to plan your trip
Local guides to what is worth doing nearby, what it costs and when to go.