Samana Dominican Republic
.......A unique place for whale watching
Samana Province
Samana province is a truly unique place. Its capital is Santa Barbara de Samana [known to many as Samana City]which is located 245 km northeast of Santo Domingo. It has a glorious peninsula reaching out into the sea and a world renown bay which attracts thousands of humpback whales every year.[cont left].
There are tropical forests, coconut groves, hundreds of beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters, waterfalls, protected national parks, as well as the protected bay and peninsula.
The province is located in north east Dominican Republic on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. As well as being known for the whale watching it is also known for its splendid mountains.
There is no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful areas of the Dominican Republic, yet the tourist industry has not yet exploited the full potential of its location.
[cont right].
Below: Humpback whales in Samana Bay
Samana Bay
Between Jan and March about 5,000 humpback whales migrate to Samana Bay [Bahia de Samana] to congregate, mate and rear their calves.
The humback whales are renoun for breaching [jumping from] the water.
They swim close to the coast and the best way to see them is via a whale watching cruise from Samana.
I took the photo right on a boat trip in the bay. It was one of numerous sightings. An excellent read on this great creature is the Phil Clapham book Humpback Whales (World Life Library)
More on Samana humpback whales
Samana harbour
The shallow marine floor of Samana (the greatest depth of the bay is barely 45 meters) represents a danger for ocean-going vessels with a deep draft; but, on the other hand, conditions are favorable for a largescale fishing industry.
Left:The below video gives a good feel for Samana.
Samana Dominican Republic
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