Budget Fare, Meal Included

Overview

This six-hour outing from Shelting Tours combines the two things most visitors come to Samana for: humpback whales in the Santuario de Ballenas Jorobadas and time on Cayo Levantado. You meet at the Samana dock, board with a professional guide, and spend about two hours in the whale sanctuary watching from the boat. Admission to the sanctuary is free, so there is no entry fee to sort out on the day.

After the whale watching, the boat heads to Cayo Levantado for another two hours. One reviewer praised the included lunch and a pina colada served in a pineapple, though the same traveller noted the beach can get crowded when a cruise ship is in port. Lunch is included in the tour price, along with the guide.

The trip suits travellers who are happy making their own way to the dock and joining a group of up to 40 people. It starts at 09:00, and you are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before. Hotel pickup is not included, so factor in transport to the ferry point at Cayo Levantado pier in Samana. The tour ends back where it began.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Samana dockArrive at the ferry point towards Cayo Levantado in Samana at least 15 minutes before the 09:00 start.
2. Whale sanctuary watchingSpend 2 hours in the Santuario de Ballenas Jorobadas with a professional guide. Admission is free.
3. Cayo Levantado island stopSpend 2 hours on Cayo Levantado. Admission is free, and lunch is included in the tour.
4. Return to the dockThe activity ends back at the original meeting point in Samana.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what the ticket covers to how the island stop can feel.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point is the ferry towards Cayo Levantado in Samana. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the 09:00 start.
• Food and drink. Lunch is included, along with a professional guide. One reviewer praised the meal and also mentioned a pina colada served in a pineapple.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 40 travellers. That is a group outing rather than a private charter.
• Island crowds. One reviewer found the island crowded when a cruise ship was in port, leaving little space to enjoy the spot. Crowding can vary with conditions on the day.
• Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Families and mobility. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can participate.

Common issues. Some honest drawbacks come up. One reviewer reported long waits at the port, including more than 90 minutes held on the boat before departure and a further delay on the return. Another said the island felt overcrowded because of a cruise ship, leaving little space to enjoy the beach. The group can reach 40 travellers, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to the Samana dock.

Common Questions