Whales in Samana bay?

My wife & I will be in the Dominican Republic next week. Does anybody know whether there are still enough whales in Samana bay to make it worth driving there for a whale-watching trip? If it is worthwhile, can anyone recomend someone who offers whale-watching trips? We are thinking of driving from Sosua, as a long day trip. It would therefore also be helpful to know at what time in the morning such trips depart, so that we can leave with enough time in hand to make the journey and find the right place. Thank you

HI Philip, we went on Kim Beddall's whale watch 2 weeks ago and it was excellent. We saw 4-6 whales up close, a few right next to our boat. I think normally the whales come January thru mid-March, but I heard (not from Kim but another local) that they arrived late this year, and that there would be more whales in March than in February this year. That would be good news for you. kim.beddall@usa.net or call her Whale Samana.

The bad news is that Kim's tour leaves at 9 AM from Samana (we arrived at 9:15 and almost missed the boat!), and it can take 3-4 hours to drive from Sosua. The whale watch doesn't finish til mid afternoon, and not until 3:30 if you do the optional stop at Cayo Levantado (included in the price). So that would be a loooong day and would likely involve driving in the dark, which isn't impossible, but we didn't love doing it the few times we did (lots of people and animals in the road; not all cars have working headlights).

I think there are organized tours from Sosua where you get on a bus and go; there were people on our whale watch who came in from Puerto Plata that morning (a group from Occidental hotel). So it can be done. But if there is any way that you can stay at least one night in Samana (or Las Galeras - 30 minutes away; or Las Terrenas; one hour away) you would have a freer and more relaxed time AND see a beautiful part of the country in addition to an enjoyable time in Samana bay.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Thank you JD for your helpful response.

hi philip,

I was in Samana last Thursday. I did not go there for whale watching but I was able to spot a couple while driving around. I left from Rio San Juan which is about 1.5 hrs east of Sosua. The best way to go to Samana is Caribe Tours, a local 5* couch w/ air conditioning and TV (which you don't realy need because the drive is very scenic). Very inexpensive, 7 US$. Any local will be able to tell you where the bus terminal is. I belevive it leaves Sosua around 7.30 am and arives in Samana at 10.30. The bus stop is right across the street from a departure point for whale watchin next to El Gringo restaurant. Some people who where in the bus with me made for the boat. The bus leaves Samana at 4.00 pm so it seems like plenty of time. I hope this information will help.

Regards Michael

hi philip,

I was in Samana last Thursday. I did not go there for whale watching but I was able to spot a couple while driving around. I left from Rio San Juan which is about 1.5 hrs east of Sosua. The best way to go to Samana is Caribe Tours, a local 5* couch w/ air conditioning and TV (which you don't realy need because the drive is very scenic). Very inexpensive, 7 US$. Any local will be able to tell you where the bus terminal is. I belevive it leaves Sosua around 7.30 am and arives in Samana at 10.30. The bus stop is right across the street from a departure point for whale watchin next to El Gringo restaurant. Some people who where in the bus with me made for the boat. The bus leaves Samana at 4.00 pm so it seems like plenty of time. I hope this information will help.

Regards Michael

Thanks Michael