Humpback Whales, Morning Only — Sanctuary Fee Included
Highlights
- Humpback whales in Samaná Bay
- The sanctuary entrance fee is in the price
- 15% off for Dominicans and residents ($48)
- The cheaper of the two whale trips
- Out at 9:30, back at 12:30
- Daily from 10 January to 15 April
Description
The short version: out at 9:30 for the humpback whales in Samaná Bay — about two and a half hours of it — and back at 12:30. No lunch on this one. $56 per person; Dominicans and residents get 15% off, which brings it to $48. The price covers the sanctuary entrance fee, a specialist guide, and soda, water and pieces of coconut on board. The sanctuary fee is worth noting when you compare prices, because on some trips it is charged separately. Moto Marina’s rate sheet lists free time on Cayo Levantado as optional on this trip — ask whether it is on the day you go. It runs daily from 10 January to 15 April, the humpback season in Samaná. If you would rather make a day of it, the same boat runs a full day that adds the afternoon on Cayo Levantado — Bacardi Island — with a buffet lunch and time on the beach, for $68.
What's Included
What's NOT Included
What to Bring
Meeting Point
Moto Marina’s own dock, Av. La Marina 3, Samaná. Boarding from 9:20, sailing at 9:30. Round-trip pickup from hotels in Samaná is available for $10 per person — ask for it when you book.
Accessibility & Requirements
Out at 9:30 and back at 12:30, a morning on the water. It runs daily from 10 January to 15 April. The boat takes up to eighty people and Moto Marina does not fill it to the limit. Customer service is mainly in English. $56 per person, $48 for Dominicans and residents; 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.
Google reviews of Moto Marina Boat Tours
4.6 · 473Reviews from Google
Tyler Powell5 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 Legend5 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
