Whale Watching in Samaná Bay.

Season: mid-January to late March.

Peak: mid-February to mid-March, when sightings are essentially guaranteed and you regularly see mothers with calves, courtship groups of males, and breaching.

Trip length: about 3 to 4 hours from Samaná town, including 30–60 minutes of cruising each way and roughly 1–2 hours on the whale grounds.

What you will see: humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, mothers with newborn calves, and — if you're lucky — heat runs where multiple males chase a female. A hydrophone on the boat lets you hear the males singing.

Look for a licensed operator (DR Ministry of Environment permit), a small or mid-size boat (under 100 passengers), and a marine biologist or trained naturalist on board. Boats with an onboard hydrophone and a "money-back if no whales" policy during peak season are a good sign.

Boats leave from the main Samaná town pier. Most tours include the marine sanctuary fee, but always check. Bring a windbreaker — even on a sunny day the bay can be breezy.

A light windbreaker or fleece, sunscreen and a hat, binoculars if you have them, a camera with a zoom lens, and motion-sickness tablets if you're prone (a calm bay morning is easier than a windy afternoon). Photographers should bring a 70–200 mm or longer lens.