Private Whale Watching Tour from Punta Cana – Samaná, Cayo Levantado, El Limón Waterfall

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Samaná is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of the Dominican Republic. Dramatic coastlines, emerald mountains, and quiet fishing villages define the peninsula, but once a year it becomes the setting for something truly extraordinary. From mid-January through late March, the protected waters of Samana Bay welcome humpback whales that migrate here to mate and give birth.

This private tour was designed for travelers who want to experience this natural phenomenon in a more personal and refined way. Instead of a fixed group schedule, we offer a fully private experience to Samaná, available only during whale season, with the freedom to choose how your day unfolds.

You select the option that best matches your priorities — whether that is focusing entirely on whale watching, adding time on a Caribbean island, or completing the day with a waterfall deep in the rainforest.

What Every Whale Watching Option Includes?

• Private round-trip transportation from Bávaro / Punta Cana
• Private motomaran for whale watching
• Whale sanctuary and park access wristbands
• Buffet lunch
• Drinks: cola, sprite, rum and beer
• Full compliance with national and international whale-protection regulations
• Professional guide assistance

Private Whale Watching Tour Options 2026

Option 1.
Whale Watching Only

A focused experience centered entirely on whales

• Duration: ~ 7 hours
• Price: USD 1620

This option is designed for guests whose primary goal is whale watching, without additional stops or activities. After reaching the port, you head directly into Samaná Bay aboard your private motomaran.

The day is dedicated to observing humpback whales in their natural environment — watching their surfacing patterns, tail movements, and interactions while learning about their migration and behavior from your guide.

Option 2.
Whale Watching + Cayo Levantado

Whale encounters followed by Caribbean relaxation

• Duration: ~ 12 hours
• Price: USD 1980

This option combines whale watching with time on Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island. After completing the whale-watching portion of the tour, you continue by boat to the island.

Cayo Levantado offers white-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. After the excitement of observing whales, this stop allows you to slow down — swim, walk along the shore, or simply enjoy the scenery. It’s an ideal balance between nature and leisure, without making the day feel rushed or overly busy.

Additional inclusions for this option:

• Visit to Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island)
• Free time on the beach

Option 3.
Whale Watching + Cayo Levantado + El Limón Waterfall

The most complete Samaná experience

• Duration: ~ 12 hours
• Price: USD 2430

This is the most immersive option, offering a full-day journey through Samaná’s marine, coastal, and inland landscapes. After whale watching in Samaná Bay and time on Cayo Levantado, the tour continues inland toward the iconic El Limon Waterfall.

The route passes through lush countryside and includes a scenic horseback ride before reaching the waterfall. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, El Limón cascades into a natural pool where guests can swim and relax. This option is ideal for travelers who want to experience the full diversity of Samaná — ocean, island, and rainforest — all in one private day.

Additional inclusions for this option:

• Visit to Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island)
• Horseback ride through tropical trails
• Visit to El Limón Waterfall

The tour duration is approximate and may vary depending on your preferences.

Whale Watching
Notes & Regulations

Whale watching in Samaná takes place within a protected marine sanctuary and follows established regulations that ensure respectful interaction with wildlife. Once whales are located, boats approach in a coordinated order, allowing approximately 15 minutes of observation time per encounter before giving space to others. Throughout the yacht journey, it is common to encounter whales in different areas of the bay, and additional viewing opportunities may naturally occur as the sea trip continues.

Our experienced crew will make every possible effort to locate whales and provide ample opportunities for observation. However, as whales are wild animals and their behavior varies from day to day, sightings and surface activity cannot be guaranteed with absolute certainty.

 

Pick-up and drop-off is included in the price for most hotels and residences in Bavaro-Punta Cana area. Additional charge may be applied for pick-ups from Uvero Alto, Cap Cana, Miches, Veron, Bayahibe and La Romana.

Whale Watching
Tour Details

• Tour prices are based on groups of up to 9 guests
• Available on: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
• Departure at approximately 7:00 AM (the drive from Punta Cana to the port in Samaná takes about 2 hours)
• Duration: 7-12 hours (the timing depends on your preferences)
• Tour languages: English, Spanish

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The price is quoted for a group of up to 9 people, but if you have a larger group, please contact us for a customized tour cost calculation.

We kindly request guests to prepare gratuities in the range of USD 2-5 for the motomaran captain, USD 2-3 for the driver, and an additional $10 for the horse wrangler in advance. Thank you for being kind to our staff – it really means a lot to them!

Note that you are able to see the Humpback Whales in Samana only from the middle of January until the end of March! If you’re vacationing during a different time, we offer you this alternative group program Cayo Levantado & El Limon Waterfall. Or contact us to inquire about pricing for the private program excluding whale watching in Samana.

Dive into the extraordinary with our whale watching tour – book your experience today!

Please note: The details of the tour, including schedules, activities, and conditions, may be adjusted due to weather, seasonal factors, or unforeseen circumstances. We always strive to make your experience enjoyable and memorable.

Tags: Nature & Wildlife Tours Samana Tours Horseback Riding Tours