Whale Watching from Punta Cana and Bayahibe

A close encounter with the majestic Humpback Whales in the bay of Samana

Eco-Excursion with trained SeavisTours guide

Available from mid January till mid April

This excursion is available for guests of the Punta Cana, Bayahibe, Dominicus and La Romana resorts and hotels.

The humpback whales are regular visitors in the Bay of Samana. Every year from mid-January until mid-April these huge mammals leave the Arctic to mate and give birth in the protected bay along the Dominican Republic's east coast. The first of the "snowbirds" traveling seasonally to the Dominican Republic, the whales have been wintering in this region for centuries. This is evidenced by old Taino cave paintings in the nearby "Los Haitises" National Park which depict blowing whales.

The humpback whale is a water mammal known for their liveliness and their singing. They can attain a length of 15 meters and weight of up to 30 tons. Their huge front flippers (pectoral fins) can reach one-third of their body length for an impressive display. Before diving, humpback whales bend their backs in the form of a hump and lift their tails high out of the water, hence their name.

Humpback Whales

The Sonia - our whale watching boat

There are few things as exciting as watching free-range whales. You can join us on an expedition to trace and observe these animals from close range, however to ensure the whales' survival, we adhere to strict guidelines and directives. Our staff participates yearly in the training programs given by CEBSE (the Center for Conservation and Eco-Development Samana and its Environs).

Lob tailing whale during our excursion

Jumping Whale next to the boat

Fin Tailing Whale - Whale Watching Excursion

It is due to maintaining these guidelines each year that the whales -especially the juveniles- become more bold and accustomed to the boats and their joyful behavior can be seen from our excellent vantage point. We have adopted strict minimum distances to ensure the safety of both the whales and the boat passenger.

Videos:

Itinerary:

Basicila Higuey

Roadside butchery

View bay of Esmeralda

The buses leave early from the hotels to take you safely to Miches. The buses from Punta Cana and Bayahibe meet in Higuey and the journey continues in a larger bus. From Higuey it goes for +- 1h45 through the countryside and we pass the Seibo mountain range. During the road trip the guide will give information about the life and local customs of the Dominicans.

Arrival at whale center Miches

Relax at whale center Miches

Leaving for the whale watching

On arrival in Miches you'll get coffee, a snack and a short briefing before we board the motor catamaran and the adventure begins.

Whale encounter close range

Whale jump close to the boat

Expert guiding during whale watching

Through close contact with the captains of other boats in the area, a reporting system is developed. During the season, an average of 300 whales enters the bay of Samana each day. It is very rare that no sighting is recorded on any one day.

Whale Watching Punta Cana

Humpback whale jumping close to the boat

A great Punta Cana Excursion: whale watching

Especially the males are known for their impressive displays to attract the females...

Swiss lunch at our whale watching excursion, Dominican Republic

View of the countryside on the way back to Punta Cana

Cacao tree - we will pass the cacao production areas around El Seibo

By around 12:30 we are back in Miches where you are invited to lunch and can spend some time on the seaside ranch. On the way back we will visit some land marks and you can do some shopping in local colmados for inland prices. We will be back in the hotel again at around 6:30 pm.

Please bring your swim wear, a towel, dry clothes and a wind jacket. By times we have some wind and splash water in the boat.

Now Available: transfers from the Punta Cana hotels and resorts

For more information or reservations use our secure form, send us an email: or phone us: +(1) 829 714 4947.

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