Catamaran, Beach Lunch, Bacardi

Overview

This is a full-day combination trip run by the operator Ballenas out of Samaná: a boat or catamaran run to watch whales, plus time on Cayo Levantado, the island also known as Bacardi Island. The whole thing runs about 8.5 hours and ends back where it started. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point.

The day is built around two very different experiences. One is the whale watching itself, where the boat goes out on the water in search of the animals. The other is Cayo Levantado, a beach stop where lunch on the beach is part of the package. A tour guide is included.

It suits travellers who are already in or near Samaná town and can reach the meeting point on their own. With a cap of 39 travellers, it is a group outing rather than a private charter. Anyone who wants whales plus a beach, with lunch, fees, local taxes and beverages already covered, gets most of the day in one booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at SantorinoTravellers make their own way to the Santorino restaurant in Samaná, where they ask for Jackson. The tour ends back at this same point.
2. Board the boatThe group boards a catamaran or boat with the tour guide for the trip out on the water.
3. Whale watchingThe boat spends time on the water watching for whales.
4. Sail to Cayo LevantadoThe trip continues to Cayo Levantado, also called Bacardi Island.
5. Beach time and lunchLunch on the beach is included, along with beverages. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
6. Return to SamanáThe boat returns to the mainland and the tour finishes back at the Santorino meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what is and is not included to how the whale watching actually feels on the water.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup and no transfer car, so transport to and from Samaná is each traveller's own arrangement. The meeting point is the Santorino restaurant; ask for Jackson on arrival. The spot is described as near public transportation.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 39 travellers. The total experience lasts 8.5 hours.
• Food and drink. Lunch on the beach and beverages are included, along with fees and local taxes. Alcoholic drinks are excluded, and gratuities are not covered either.
• Boat conduct. One reviewer felt the boat chased after the whales to please passengers and wanted a respectful distance enforced. Travellers sensitive to how wildlife is approached should set expectations accordingly.
• Accessibility. The tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, including the transportation, and infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can participate according to the operator.
• Weather and timing. The experience requires good weather.

Common issues. The main friction points are logistical. No hotel pickup is provided, so anyone staying outside Samaná town needs their own transport to the Santorino meeting point, and the transfer car is listed as an exclusion. Weather matters: the operator cancels for poor conditions and offers a different date or a full refund. There is also a minimum traveller number, and if it is not met the tour may be cancelled with a different date, a different experience, or a full refund offered. On the water, one reviewer was uncomfortable with the boat pursuing whales closely, so wildlife viewing is not always at a distance. Alcohol costs extra and gratuities are not included.

Common Questions