Samana Full-Day Whale Watching, Horseback Ride & Cayo Levantado Excursion
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11–12 hours
Fitness Level
Good for travelers who can handle a long day with short hikes, a horseback ride over uneven jungle trails, and time on a boat.
Overview
An all‑in day that stitches together jungle, waterfall, horseback riding and whale-watching in Samaná, capped by lunch and swimming at the iconic Cayo Levantado. Expect a full day of motion—land and sea—best timed for winter humpback season.
Samana Full-Day Whale Watching, Horseback Ride & Cayo Levantado Excursion
Select participants and date
The morning opens on the Atlantic with a low, salt-scented horizon. A safari truck rumbles over rutted coastal roads, palms flicking past like the pages of a travel journal; the group disembarks at a criollo house where the air is thick with the roast of coffee beans and the bittersweet fragrance of cacao. Later the ocean will take center stage—glassy bay, a motor hum, and the sudden, theatrical blow of a humpback—yet the day’s motion is a braided route of land, river and sea that shows Samaná in full.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book for whale season
If whale watching is the goal, reserve between Dec 15 and Mar 30 when humpbacks are present in Samaná Bay.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Cayo Levantado and the boat stop require sun protection that won’t harm coral—use reef-safe formulations.
Wear sturdy shoes for the waterfall
Trails to Salto El Limón are muddy and rocky; closed-toe shoes with grip make the ride and approach safer.
Protect electronics from spray
Use a waterproof pouch or dry bag on the boat and near the falls to prevent saltwater damage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Humpback whale
- Tropical seabirds (frigatebirds, pelicans)
History
Samaná’s bay has long been a migratory refuge for humpbacks; the town also has layers of Taíno and colonial history and received immigrants in the 19th century who shaped local culture.
Conservation
Operators adhere to seasonal whale-watching rules to limit disturbance; visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid littering on beaches.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Santa Bárbara de Samaná
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof phone pouch
Keeps electronics dry during boat crossings and near Salto El Limón.
Closed-toe trail shoes
Provides traction and protection on muddy jungle trails and near the waterfall.
Binoculars
Handy for distant whale behavior and birdwatching from the boat.
winter specific
Reef-safe sunscreen & hat
Protects skin during long beach and boat segments without damaging coral reef ecosystems.
summer specific