Santa Bárbara de Samaná

Whale-Watching and Marine Excursions

Humpback whales come to Samaná Bay to mate and give birth each year for a relatively limited period, from approximately January 15 through March 30. Samaná Bay is considered one of the top 10 destinations in the world to watch humpbacks. If you're here during the brief season, this can be the experience of a lifetime. You can listen to the male humpback's solitary courting song and witness incredible displays as the whales flip their tails and breach (humpbacks are the most active species of whales in the Atlantic).

Whale Samaná. Whale Samaná is owned by Kim Beddall, a Canadian who is incredibly knowledgeable about whales and Samaná at large, having lived here for decades. Her operation is far and away the region's best, most professional, and environmentally sensitive. On board a 55-foot motor vessel, a marine mammal specialist narrates and answers questions in several languages. Kim herself conducts almost all the English-speaking trips. The $50 price does not include the RD$100 Marine Mammal Sanctuary entrance fee (price is subject to change). Kim also welcomes cruise passengers, but requires advance reservations. Normal departure times are 9 am for the morning trip and 1:30 pm for the afternoon trip, but she is flexible whenever possible for cruisers. Kim also conducts trips to Los Haitises National Park on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday on the Mistral, a 45-foot catamaran. These tours, which cost $55 per person, include a terrific lunch and the $3 park entrance fee and last four to five hours. The boat has a dozen kayaks in which teams of two can explore the shoreline. Across street from town dock, beside park, Calle Sra. Morellia Kelly, Samaná. 809/538-2042. kim.beddallwhalesamana.com. www.whaleSamana.com.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Boating and Fishing
• Spas

• Whale-Watching and Marine Excursions