Whale watching in Samana Bay late March

[Mcmanus]

Hello All,

Will be in the DR last weekend in March and was wondering if the whales (cetaceans, not your favourite tourist nationality metaphor) will still be around in Samana Bay?

Also, would anyone be able to advise on affordable travel options from Costambar area to Samana? I am hesitant to rent a car...

Thanks for the help,

McManus

[mountainfrog]

Originally Posted by Mcmanus

.... in March ....whales... still be around in Samana Bay?

Late in March would be a bit late...and the males would most likely be somewhat tired and thus not jump much....

Originally Posted by Mcmanus

...affordable travel options from Costambar area to Samana? I am hesitant to rent a car...

A sort of Scottish way of transport would be the 'guaguas'... if you're not in a hurry.

m'frog

[Bob K]

I have talked to Kim recently (large and maybe the best whale watching operation) and it seems that everything this year is a couple of weeks behind schedule. She feels the season will peak the 1st and 2nd week in march. So the end of march may be ok this year.

Bob K

[Mcmanus]

Thank you both for the feedback

[Ken]

The truth is, nobody really knows. The whales are wild creatures and keep their own schedule. Certainly by the last week in March many whales will have started on the migration to the north, and many others that might have spent some time earlier in Samana Bay will be on Silver Bank preparing to migrate.

Your best chance are mothers with new calves as they wait in the calm waters of the Bay until they think the calf is ready to make the long migration.

[thurston]

Hi McManus,
I think you are right about renting a car, not such a good idea if you are a first timer.

You should take the bus, Caribe Tours from Puerto Plata direct to Samana city, it's
the end of the line.
It's very affordable and a reliable service.

Happy Days.

[kbstn]

and freezing cold bring a coat

[Drro]

I'm very interested in seeing the whales. If anyone wants to make the trip (I'm in Sosua) I'll be there the month of March. I've driven to Samana in about 3 1/2 hours, but I think the bus is the best bet according to the postings here. Is there more than one bus a day in each direction? In other words, can you do it in one day round tripping it?

Ro

[mountainfrog]

Originally Posted by thurston

...You should take the bus, Caribe Tours from Puerto Plata direct to Samana city, it's
the end of the line.

No such bus.

m'frog

[mountainfrog]

Originally Posted by Drro

... can you do it in one day round tripping it?

Difficult, not recommended.

m'frog