It’s time to head to Samana to watch the humpback whales as they migrate from the North Atlantic to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic’s northeastern coast to mate and give birth.
Their most popular winter rendezvous is Silver Bank, the 3,000-square-kilometer reef system approximately 70 miles north east of Puerto Plata. Whale expert, Ken De Pree explains: “Their most popular winter rendezvous is Silver Bank, the 3,000-square-kilometer reef system approximately 70 miles north east of Puerto Plata.
But from out at sea at the Silver Bank many circulate to other popular areas like humans do at singles bars! One of these gathering places is conveniently accessible Samana Bay. More than 1,500 humpbacks visit the bay, with as many as 300 present at any given time during mating season.”
The World Wildlife Fund considers Samana Bay one of the best places in the world to watch whales. It offers something for everyone – the outer bay is where you might find aggressive males competing for the favors of willing females, and the sheltered inner bay is one of the world’s leading humpback nurseries.
Whale-watching ships depart from Samana piers until the end of March. The popular excursions can be arranged at the Port of Samana or from hotels in the province and travel agencies.