The majestic humpback whales are gigantic warm-blooded marine mammals that breathe air and reach up to 50 feet in length. These incredible creatures, described by science as “New England large-finned whales,” have the longest pectoral fins in the world, measuring up to a third of their body length!
Every winter, humpback whales from the western North Atlantic migrate to the warm Caribbean. Some seek to mate, while others come to breed.
The waters of the Silver and Navidad Banks Marine Mammal Sanctuary are the birthplace of 85% of these whales in the North Atlantic.
From January 16 to March 31, you have the opportunity to see them in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic.
During their stay in the Caribbean,
adult whales do not feed. However, nursing calves are fed about 50 gallons of milk daily, allowing them to gain around 100 lbs each day. Humpback whales do not have teeth; instead, they have baleen plates that filter water, trapping food.
The music of the oceans
Only males sing, creating complex songs as mating calls to attract females. The melody changes every year, and all the males in a given pod sing the same song, each with his own unique style.
Fascinating behavior
Prepare to be amazed! While whale watching, you will most likely see:
- Tails slapping the water
- Splashing dives
- Blowholes shooting water into the air
- Head butts
- Breaching
Protection and regulation
Whale watching in Samaná Bay is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MIMARENA) to protect this invaluable sanctuary. These regulations make sure the experience is safe and sustainable for both the whales and the visitors.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience with humpback whales in Samaná Bay!
Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience with humpback whales in Samaná Bay! The aforementioned regulations cover the observation time, number of boats allowed, visitor behavior, and many other aspects.
Samaná Bay,
in the Dominican Republic, is one of the world's most renowned destinations for humpback whale watching. Every year, between January and March, thousands of tourists and marine biologists visit the region to witness the impressive natural spectacle of these giants of the sea during their mating and breeding rituals. In order to protect both the whales and the environment, we have implemented a series of strict rules for whale watching in Samaná. These measures are in line with the regulations of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, which is the governing body in charge of running the Silver and Navidad Banks Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
1. Limits on Number of Boats:
Only three boats will be allowed at a time for whale watching.
2. Whale Watching Distance:
Boats waiting their turn must maintain a distance of 250 meters behind the stern of the boats currently watching the whales.
The distance between the boats and the whales will be 80 meters for mothers with calves and 50 meters for other groups of whales.
Turning off engines in the viewing area is forbidden.
3. Duration of Viewing:
Boats are not allowed to remain in the viewing area for more than 30 minutes with a pod of whales if there are other boats waiting their turn.
4. Rules of Conduct:
Under no circumstances will any boat allow its passengers to enter the water with the whales or throw food, waste, or objects into the water. Swimming and/or diving with whales is prohibited, as are water sports and fishing. The use of drones is prohibited without written authorization from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
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