Whale Watching in Dominican Republic 2024-2025

Every year, between mid-December and late March, thousands of humpback whales gather in the warm waters off the coast of the Dominican Republic. These gorgeous mammals gather in the Caribbean to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. It’s one of nature’s most breathtaking annual phenomena in the Dominican Republic.

Best places for whale watching

Located in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, The Sanctuary of the Humpback Whales in Samaná is considered one of the best whale-watching experiences in the world. This is where humpbacks are treated with great respect. The waters of Samana are restricted for private boats and available only for licensed whale-watching operators. During Dominican Republic whale watching season here, you’ll see adult humpbacks and newborn calves swimming next to their mothers. You’ll also witness plenty of male humpbacks battling for the attention of their potential mates. Finally, you will see them leaping out of the water into the air and slapping their tails and fins to make a clap. The same whale activity can be observed on Punta Cana's and Cabarete's coast.

Whale-watching tours

Samana Bay

Whale Samana by Kim Beddall presents a once-of-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed. This tour is a unique opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural mating and calving grounds here in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic. You will be charmed by the male humpback’s solitary courting song and incredible displays of tail lobbing, flippering, and breaching by the most active whale species in the Atlantic. Onboard, you will meet Kim Beddall, a Marine Mammal Specialist, narrating and answering your questions.

Whale-watching tours in Samana Bay depart at 10 am, January 15th to February 2, and at 9 am and 1:30 pm, February 03 to March 16. During the rest of March, there's one daily trip at 10:00 am. The boat departs from the main town dock, across the street from the Whale Samana office. Tours last 3-4 hours and cost $65 for adults and $35 for children under 12.

Punta Cana

Popular whale-watching tours in Punta Cana include the visit to the beautiful Cayo Levantado island, known as “Bacardi Island.” After the whale watching, you’ll move directly to Cayo Levantado for lunch and some free time at the beautiful beach. This tour may or may not include a visit to a Limon Waterfall. If you prefer a shorter adventure to enjoy this incredible experience, there is also an option to enjoy the whale-watching activity departing from the port of Miches. This tour doesn't include visiting Cayo Levantado island or waterfall El Limon. However, you will have the chance to try some snorkeling and visit the natural pool of Miches, which is the home of many starfishes. Punta Cana tours cost from $159 to $190, depending on the program. Lunch is included in the price.

Cabarete Bay

During the whale watching season in Dominicana, it is not uncommon to see Humpback whales from the beach in Cabarete Bay migrating to their breeding grounds in Samana. If you will spend a lot of time on the beach armed with a pair of binoculars, you definitely will succeed in seeing some of those magnificent mammals. If water sports are your jam, try to keep your eyes fixed on the horizon while surfing or kiteboarding. It might be a good chance to see an impressive display of tail slapping and breaching as well.

Whale-watching tours from Cabarete to Samana Bay take the whole day and cost from $130 to $140. Many tours offer a stop at Cayo Levantado on the way back for some beach time and lunch. You can also take a regular bus from Puerto Plata to Samana or travel there by car. It takes about 3 hours.

Whale watching season

General whale watching season in the Dominican Republic lasts from mid-December to mid-April. However, the peak period for witnessing those giant creatures is set between mid-January and March for all the popular whale-watching destinations.

Humpback whale facts

Humpbacks are larger whale species. They reach 55 feet (16 m) in length. These gorgeous cetaceans are recognized due to black and white patterns on their belly. Humpback whales are known for playfulness and highly social behavior. They are easy to spot because they often perform amazing flips and dives. Humpbacks communicate through melodious calls that can be called "whale songs."