Whale Season Guide
The Dominican Republic whale season is one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular wildlife events. Thousands of North Atlantic humpbacks arrive in the warm, protected waters of Samaná Bay to mate, give birth, and care for newborn calves every year.
If you are planning a trip and wondering when to visit, this guide outlines the official season dates, peak months, migration patterns, and insider tips for choosing the perfect whale watching tour.
Official window
January 15 – March 31
Early arrivals
Late December
Late departures
Early April (rare)
Official tours operate from January 15 to March 31, with the peak migration running through February. Some whales arrive a few weeks earlier, while mothers with calves occasionally stay until early April before migrating north.
When travelers talk about whale season in the Dominican Republic, they almost always mean Samaná Bay. It’s a natural amphitheater for the whales and the easiest place to board a licensed tour.
Silver Bank lies north of the Dominican Republic and forms part of the same migration corridor. Only a handful of liveaboard vessels receive permits here each season.
Although tours run from mid-January, February is widely considered the sweet spot thanks to massive whale counts, calm seas, and excellent visibility.
Late January to early March also delivers very reliable sightings, with mothers lingering near the surface while males put on their most dramatic shows.
The season overlaps with Dominican dry season, meaning comfortable temperatures and bright conditions for spotting distant blows and breaches.
The Dominican Republic hosts whales for roughly three to four months, depending on migration speed.
Pregnant females sometimes reach Samaná in December so they can calve before the main crowds arrive.
Mothers may linger into early April, giving calves extra time to grow strong before swimming north thousands of miles.
Licensed operators depart from several points across the peninsula so you can match your itinerary with the most convenient launch spot.
Samaná Port & Cayo Levantado
Central hub for the sanctuary. Perfect if you’re already on the peninsula or arriving via cruise tender.
Las Galeras & Las Terrenas
Smaller coastal towns offer boutique operators and quick transfers to Samaná port.
Transportation from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo
Many licensed companies bundle round-trip highway transfers with your boat ticket for a seamless day trip.
Always book with certified operators who follow Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules—ask to see their permit, life jackets, and safety briefing before departure.
Strengthen your plan with these expert resources:
For a trusted option, look for licensed, eco-friendly operators such as WhaleWatchingSamana.tours that combine certified captains with bilingual naturalist guides.
Most operators begin official tours around January 15, although a few early arrivals can be spotted in late December.
February delivers the highest concentration of whales, closely followed by late January and early March.
North Atlantic humpback whales migrate more than 3,000 miles to give birth, mate, and rest in the warm Dominican waters.
Yes. Whales remain in Samaná Bay, but most Punta Cana tour companies include transportation to the port during the season.
Most stay two to three months, depending on whether they’re breeding or caring for newborn calves before heading north again.