04Experiences

Samaná Bay

Humpback whale season

Each winter, humpback whales reach the north-east waters to mate and give birth in seas warmer than the North Atlantic. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources opens the watching season officially from 15 January to 15 March in Samaná Bay and the Silver and Navidad Bank marine mammal sanctuary, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, licensed operators and local bodies. The activity is fairly tightly regulated: boat permits, safety checks and skipper training, because approach distances and time near the animals are limited to protect whales and visitors. Book an operator with a valid permit for that season, wear layers against spray and wind, and expect a morning departure from Santa Bárbara de Samaná or other points announced when the season opens. Sightings are often clearer in February and early March, without a guarantee of numbers on every trip. Outside these dates the bay’s whale season itself is not open, so plan travel around them if whales are your main goal.