Samaná Tour: Whale Watching + Cayo Levantado
- 12-14h
Description
An exclusive experience designed for those seeking comfort and a personalized touch. We travel from Punta Cana to Samaná Bay to witness the majestic spectacle of humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Samaná Tour: Whale Watching + Cayo Levantado: Your adventure begins
We begin our adventure taking in the tropical scenery on the way to the port, where we'll board a comfortable motor catamaran to set out in search of the incredible whales. Then we'll sail to the famous Bacardi Island (Cayo Levantado). There we'll have time to enjoy its beaches and crystal-clear waters, plus a delicious traditional Dominican lunch. After lunch, we'll board our motor catamaran and head back to port while enjoying our final stretch of sailing across the unrivaled Samaná Bay.
ITINERARY
- Pickup: Transfer from your hotel in Punta Cana in air-conditioned transportation.
- Arrival at the pier: Light welcome breakfast before boarding.
- Whale watching: Cruise across Samaná Bay to see humpback whales.
- Cayo Levantado: Time to relax and swim on the beaches of the famous ‘Bacardi Island.’
- Lunch: Traditional Dominican buffet on the island, drinks included.
- Return: Departure from the island to the pier and return to your hotel.
Details
- 12-14h
- Tour duration may vary depending on your hotel's location and daily operations
- Transportation from your hotel
- Travel insurance
- Sea transportation by speedboat or catamaran (limited capacity)
- Certified professional guide
- Admission to the Marine Mammal Sanctuary (fees included)
- Light breakfast and buffet lunch
- Local drinks (Water, soft drinks, rum)
- Tips (optional)
- 30min of permitted active whale watching close to the whale
- 1h30-2h of sailing and whale watching time, depending on how easily the whales are found
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Biodegradable sunscreen and hat/cap
- Camera or phone with enough battery
- Comfortable beach shoes
- Not wheelchair accessible
Frequently asked questions
When should I book?
We recommend booking this tour in advance, since it's in very high demand, spots are limited, and they're assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Simply complete the booking process with the required information, including your preferred date and the number of participants.
Where is the pickup for the humpback whale tour in Samaná?
Pickup is from Punta Cana hotels in air-conditioned ground transportation, included in the tour.
How long is the humpback whale watching tour from Punta Cana?
It's a full-day tour that includes the transfer from Punta Cana, sailing in Samaná Bay, a visit to Cayo Levantado, lunch and the return to your hotel.
When is humpback whale season in Samaná, and on what dates can I book the tour?
Humpback whale season in Samaná runs from approximately January 15 to March 30, the period during which you can book this tour.
Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance, since sea transportation has limited capacity.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
While sailing in Samaná Bay, the crew searches for and watches humpback whales in their natural habitat.
What kind of boat is used for whale watching?
Whale watching takes place on board a motor catamaran, included in the tour.
What clothes and items should I bring on this tour?
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, a hat or cap, a camera or phone with enough battery, and comfortable beach shoes.
Which services are not included in the tour?
Personal expenses and any service not listed under “What's included?” are not included.
How can I pay for tours with Xplora Riviera?
At Xplora Riviera, you can book your tour using credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and Maestro. We also accept payments via PayPal or bank transfer.
Which operator will run this tour?
Your provider's name will appear directly on the confirmation voucher after you book. We work hand in hand with local partners for shared experiences, while at Xplora Riviera we operate our private tours directly. Either way, we are your main point of contact: message us on WhatsApp when you arrive at your destination and we'll take care of anything you need.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, it's a family-friendly tour. It includes comfortable transportation, a motor catamaran ride and time to enjoy the beach at Cayo Levantado.
What does lunch at Cayo Levantado include?
It includes a typical Dominican buffet lunch with drinks.
Is this tour safe?
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a certified professional guide and boats authorized to sail in Samaná Bay.
Can I swim at Cayo Levantado?
Yes, at Cayo Levantado you'll have free time to enjoy the beach and its crystal-clear waters.
Cancellation
- Free! Cancel at no cost up to 72 hours before the activity. If you cancel later:
- Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance: a 30% penalty of the total amount applies.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance: a 100% penalty of the total amount applies.
- No-shows: 100% penalty, except in case of an accident or a justified medical reason.
- If you need to reschedule your tour, we'll do everything we can to move your booking to the new date you choose, as long as there is real availability on the date you want.