The 8 Best Whale Watching Tours in Samana

1.Whale Watching and Cayo Levantado Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 159 reviews · 7 hours · from $77Our pick

Join Moto Marina Tours for a 7-hour catamaran and speedboat outing from Samaná. Scan the marine sanctuary for humpback whales with English- or Spanish-speaking guides such as Ileana, then enjoy buffet lunch and 2.5 hours on Cayo Levantado, with drinks, coconut, and snacks included.

“Was an amazing experience, we want to particularly thank Alfonso, captain (Nobel), robertico and the whole team that made this possible. Don’t miss this opportunity and join the adventure!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Bay of Samana Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 97 reviews · 3 hours · from $65

Set out from Moto Marina in Samaná for a guided whale-watching trip through the bay and Marine Mammal Sanctuary. You will spend about two and a half hours searching for humpback whales, with coconut, water, and soft drinks provided. Guides speak English, Spanish, French, and German.

“The trip was great. The guide was informative and helpful. We saw many whales very close to our boat. We all had a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Samana Bay Private Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 21 reviews · 20 minutes - 10 hours · from $2Best value

Leave your Punta Cana hotel by private transport for a Samana Bay cruise with a captain and guide in English, French, or Spanish. Watch for humpback whales, then eat a Dominican buffet at Cayo Levantado, also called Bacardi Island, and swim before choosing your return time.

“Barbara was so professional organising today as our original trip was cancelled due to adverse weather. We had moved resorts and she put it all together in a short time . It was brilliant and we were so lucky to see the whales . The team was amazing and customer service is spot on”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Whale Watching and Cayo Levantado Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 21 reviews · 1 - 7 hours · from $6

Meet at Samaná’s Malecón at 9:30 AM for a guided boat trip into Samaná Bay, where you watch whales in their natural habitat. Then spend free time on Cayo Levantado, also called Bacardi Island, with beach access, lunch, volleyball, and a return to Samaná around 4:30 PM.

“Really kind guides. We saw two whales and it was unforgettable experience. After watching the whales, we went on Cayo Levantado, where we had good lunch (at extra cost 10$). Then we had free time to spend on the island and beach. After that we came back at 15:30. Really good tour on whole day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Whale Watching and Cayo Levantado Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 21 reviews · 1 - 10 hours · from $6

Meet at Samaná’s Malecón at 8:30 AM for a boat trip with whale watching, coastal views, and a typical Dominican lunch on Cayo Levantado. Guides may include Pablo Pima Colada and Captain Mario. Expect a full day, shared-boat conditions, and no swimming with the whales.

“The whale watching tour was well-organized and the boat was fine but I found two parts to be disappointing. The first is that the date scheduled was before most of the whales arrive. There can be up to 300 whales in the bay but at this point there were only three. Does it make sense to schedule a tour when there are so few whales? Second, the majority of the time is spent on Cayo Levantado, which has a nice enough beach but is much less interesting than seeing whales. Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic. Regardless, the guides were professional, friendly, and helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Whale Watching Tour with Snacks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · 20 minutes - 7 hours · from $2Top rated

Join a Spanish, English, or French-speaking guide at Samaná’s private dock for a morning boat trip to the Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Look for humpback whales, enjoy coconut, water, and soda, and consider adding Cayo Levantado if your selected option includes it.

“Fantastic whale watching experience in Samaná. The tour was well organized, the crew was friendly and professional, and the boat was comfortable. We saw whales up close, which was truly unforgettable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Half Day Whale Watching Humpback Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 15 reviews · 1 - 5 hours · from $6

Meet at the Samaná dock for a guided catamaran trip into the Marine Mammal Sanctuary. You may see humpback whales during winter mating season, with English, Spanish, or French guidance and simple snacks on board. Confirm the departure time and meeting point before booking.

“Die 42 Euro Tour mit Cayo Levantado und Mittagessen ist die selbe Tour wie die 55 Euro Tour. Man hat bei beiden Touren mit Beginn erst 10 Uhr nur 45 Minuten Beobachtungszeit, zurück ging es 11:30 Uhr. 55 Euro für 45 Min Wale Watching, 42 Euro für 45 Min Wale Watching mit Cajo Levantado und Essen. Alle sitzen im selben Boot und für die die mehr zahlen geht's sogar direkt heim. KEINE 3,5 h Tour. Max. erlaubter Aufenthalt im Marinepark sind auch nur 45 min. Verarsche! Bucht also die günstigere Tour, die 55 Euro Tour ist NICHT länger.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 12 reviews · 12 hours · from $163

Travel from Puerto Plata, Sosua, or Cabarete to Samaná Bay for seasonal humpback whale watching, then take a boat to Cayo Levantado for Dominican lunch and beach time. A live English or Spanish guide leads the day, with breakfast, transport, and boat ride included.

“Na dzień dobry problemy z autobusem: nie wiedział po kogo przyjechał, dobrze że moja przytomność umysłu i dostęp do internetu pozwoliły rozwiązać problem. Śniadanie po drodze ok. Na miejscu władowali 2 autobusy na jedną łódkę. Na szczęście dopisały wieloryby. Lunch OK, tylko pan od napojów zapomina o reszcie, trzeba się upomnieć. Przewodnik super.”

Check availability →Read our full review