Whales And Cayo, Meal Included

Overview

This full day out with Moto Marina Tours splits the morning between whale watching in the Bay of Samana and the afternoon on Cayo Levantado, the island also called Bacardi Island. The whole thing runs about 7 hours, starting from the dock at Av. La Marina 3 in Samana town. You head out by boat into the Samana Marine Mammal Sanctuary, where humpback whales gather during the winter mating season, then cross to the island for a buffet lunch and free time on the beach.

On the water, the crew scans for humpbacks while a guide explains what the animals are doing. Coconut slices, water and soft drinks are served on board. Once at Cayo Levantado there is a buffet lunch, then hours to swim, sunbathe or snorkel; one traveller describes the water as clear and the beach as beautiful, with roughly three and a half to four hours of free time in one account.

It suits anyone who wants both wildlife and beach time in a single day, and who does not mind a group setting. Guides run the commentary in English and Spanish, and some reviewers mention explanations given in additional languages too. Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to the marina.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Samana marinaMake your own way to Av. La Marina 3, Samana 32000, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
2. Boat out on the bayBoard the boat and head into the Bay of Samana toward the marine mammal sanctuary.
3. Whale watchingTime in the Samana Marine Mammal Sanctuary scanning for humpback whales during mating season, with a guide explaining what you see. Snacks and drinks are served on board.
4. Cross to Cayo LevantadoSail across to Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island.
5. Island time and lunchBuffet lunch on the island, then free time to swim and sunbathe. Some island extras may cost more.
6. Return by boatReboard the boat and return to the dock in Samana.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this particular day out.

• Getting there. There is no hotel transfer. The meeting point is Av. La Marina 3 in Samana, so plan your own transport and allow time to check in, since one reviewer found the departure involved some waiting around.
• Time on the water. A good stretch of the morning is spent on the boat looking for whales. One traveller reported a long stretch of searching before sightings began, so bring patience.
• Food and drink. Coconut slices, water and soft drinks on the boat and a buffet lunch on the island are all included. Views on the buffet differ: several reviewers called the food great or traditional, while one found island buffet food unremarkable and suggested packing a snack.
• Beach afternoon. Reviewers describe a long free-time window on Cayo Levantado after lunch.
• Group setting. This is a group tour. One reviewer noted the buffet line felt crowded at peak time, which is typical of shared excursions, though the same reviewer praised the food itself.
• Language. The tour runs in English and Spanish, and several reviewers mention guides also explaining things in other languages, including German.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the marina at Av. La Marina 3 yourself. Some reviewers would like clearer information about how long is spent on the island and about extra costs there. One traveller complained about a slow, crowded start as boats waited to fill before departing.

Common Questions