The Dominican Republic is a lovely place to spend the winter months - for whales as well as people. Over 10,000 North Atlantic Humpbacks make their way there annually.
They come from their summer homes in Canada, the northern United States, and as far away as Greenland to the waters surrounding the Dominican Republic, particularly Samana Bay and the Silver Bank. They mate, breed and nature their young here. Mid-January to Mid-March is whale-watching season in the Dominican Republic and well worth a visit.
The Whales
Humpback whales are warm-blooded, air breathing mammals, known for the black and white markings on their underside as well as their distinctive tail markings. Each of these markings is unique, sort of like a whale fingerprint. An average humpback measures around 40 – 50 feet in length and weighs about 30 – 40 tons. During mating season, male humpbacks serenade their chosen females with a long and complex mating song that lasts up to a half an hour and can be heard underwater hundreds of miles away. The purpose of the song is to attract and entice the female and to ward off any male rivals. A whale's gestation period is around one year, and baby humpbacks are born weighing an average of one ton. Although the humpbacks are the main attraction, sperm whales, pygmy sperm whales, and a variety of dolphins can usually be found hanging around the humpback herd.
La Samana
For centuries the humpback whales have used Samana Bay as a winter breeding ground. In fact, Christopher Columbus’ 1493 journal describes his encounters with the huge mammals, and Aborigine Indian drawings on the cave walls of the nearby Los Haitises National Park depict spouting whales. The sleepy fishing villages of the area come alive in the winter with a parade of frisky whales and human whale sightseers. In the outer bay, you’ll find whales competing for a partner, whereas, the protected inner bay is one of the largest whale nurseries in the world. Samana Bay, itself, is lovely. The turquoise waters of the bay are framed by lush green forests and long, uncrowded white sand beaches. The area is worth a two or three-day stay. In addition to the whale watching, hiking, excellent scuba diving, horseback riding, and a host of beach activities are offered here. Accommodations with all degrees of comfort are available here, particularly in the town of Samana and along Las Galeras Beach. Restaurants are plentiful in the area and very affordable.
The Silver Bank
Located about 60 miles north of the shores of the Dominican Republic, the Silver Bank, a 3000 square kilometer reef system, is one of the many breeding zones for humpback whales. Some sources say that this area is home to the largest winter population of these whales in the world. Approximately 3000 – 5000 humpbacks pass through this slender area during a season. This area has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1986, and human interaction and motorboat traffic is strictly regulated in order to preserve the whales and their calves.
Whale Watching Tours
Although whales can be glimpsed at from the shoreline, the best whale-watching experiences are gained from getting out among the whales on a whale-watching tour. A typical tour departs at or slightly before dawn, around 6am, which allows time to get to the shore. Most tours include three to five hours aboard a whale-watching vessel, usually with an experienced naturalist to narrate. The marine preserves prohibit swimming with the whales, but there are lots of opportunities for up-close viewing. Many tours to La Samana also include a visit to the whale museum there, which features a 40-foot humpback whale skeleton. Expect to pay between $30 for a simple hour and a half cruise to around $100 per person for a full day whale-watching tour. Most operators offer discounts to children and those over 65 years old. In addition to transportation to and from the vessel, the cruise, and the services of the naturalist, most tours include at least one meal and beverages.
If you’re traveling to the Dominican Republic this winter, don’t leave the country without viewing the spectacular herd of humpback and other whales enjoying their winter home. In fact, whale watching is a good reason in itself to venture down to D.R. The country is friendly, affordable, and only a two-hour flight from Miami. Experience what the whales have been enjoying for centuries. Include the Dominican Republic in your winter vacation plans.
