Dominican Republic
When
Jan to March
Price
From 2 000€ excl. flights
(based on 2 people sharing)
How long
5 nights
Ideal length
Samaná Bay, in the north-east of the Dominican Republic, welcomes over twenty thousand humpback whales every year between January and March, arriving from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to breed and calve, making the region one of the main observation zones for this species in the entire western hemisphere. The neighbouring peninsula, still largely covered in rainforest, is also home to El Limon waterfall, accessible only on horseback or on foot through lush vegetation.
Samaná Bay, designated a national marine sanctuary as early as 1986, welcomes over twenty thousand humpback whales every winter, which travel nearly six thousand kilometres from the cold waters of Greenland and Iceland to breed in warmer, shallower waters. Males perform complex songs that can last over twenty minutes, while females give birth to calves that will stay in the bay for several weeks before starting the long journey back north.
El Limon waterfall, which falls over forty metres in the heart of the Samaná peninsula, remains accessible only on horseback or on foot through dense rainforest, a roughly one-hour journey crossing cacao plantations and small family farms. The natural pool at the foot of the falls, deep enough for swimming, offers a refreshing reward after a hike that remains one of the region's most popular excursions.
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A Lodge Overlooking Samaná Bay
A lodge overlooking Samaná Bay, rooms with ocean views, a convenient base for humpback whale watching outings.
Samaná Peninsula Cabañas
Simple cabañas at the heart of the Samaná peninsula, surrounded by tropical vegetation, a short horseback ride from El Limon waterfall.
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