Whale Watching, Bacardi Island

Overview

This is a full day on Samaná Bay, run by the operator Ballenas, split between time on the water whale watching and time on Cayo Levantado, the islet most people call Bacardi Island. The whole thing runs 8 hours 30 minutes, from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM, starting and finishing at the Santorino restaurant in Samaná, where you ask for Jackson.

The boat or catamaran trip across the bay comes with a guide on board, and local taxes and fees are already covered. Lunch is served on the beach on the island. The listing says swimmers can stay in the water as long as they like, and vegan food can be arranged if requested. Beverages are included, though alcoholic drinks are not, and neither are gratuities or car transfers.

It suits travellers who want both wildlife and beach time in one outing and who can commit to a long day. The group can be large, up to 39 travellers, so it is not an intimate boat. One reviewer described the whales as beautiful but was uncomfortable with how closely the boat pursued them, so anyone sensitive to that should weigh it before booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at SantorinoMeet the guide at Santorino restaurant in Samaná at the time set with the tour guide. Ask for Jackson on arrival.
2. Whale watching on the bayBoard the catamaran or boat for the whale watching trip across Samaná Bay with the tour guide.
3. Cayo Levantado beach timeContinue to Cayo Levantado, known as Bacardi Island, for lunch on the beach. Swimming is open-ended, and the listing says you can stay in the water as long as you want.
4. Return to the meeting pointThe day ends back at Santorino restaurant, with the timetable running from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from the meeting arrangements to what the island portion actually includes.

• Getting there. There is no transfer car included, so travellers need to make their own way to Santorino restaurant in Samaná. The listing says the spot is near public transportation. Ask for Jackson when you arrive.
• Food and drink. Lunch on the beach and beverages are included, along with fees and local taxes. Alcoholic drinks are not, and neither are gratuities. Vegans can be catered for, but the listing says this has to be arranged with the operator.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 39 travellers, so expect a shared boat rather than a private outing.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair accessible and that transportation is wheelchair accessible too. Pushchairs are fine, and infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can participate according to the operator.
• Whale sightings. One reviewer described the whales as beautiful and another called the experience amazing. However, one reviewer said the boat ran after the whales to please tourists and felt a respectful distance should be kept.
• Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, the operator offers a different date or a full refund, so it is worth keeping some flexibility in travel plans.

Common issues. The tour depends on both weather and minimum numbers, and either can cancel the day, with a different date or a full refund offered in those cases. Car transfer to the meeting point is not included, nor are alcoholic drinks or gratuities. With up to 39 people, the boat can feel crowded. One reviewer was also troubled by the boat chasing whales to satisfy tourists and wanted a respectful distance enforced instead.

Choosing Your Pickup Time