24. Samana, Bálnales and Bacardi Island

Detail

After about 1.5 hours by bus from the hotel, we arrive at the port. On the way, we pass through local villages, giving us an insight into the life of the island's inhabitants. We sail by catamaran to Samana, directly to the whales. The Samana Peninsula is located in the north-east of the country, in the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors come here mainly for the waterfalls, the beautiful beaches and the whales in January - April. We are targeting the part of Samana Bay where whales have just been reported. At this time of year, for conservation reasons, only a limited number of boats are allowed on the water and their captains keep each other informed of where the whales have been sighted. As they come to the bay at this time of year to give birth to their calves, it is most common for the calf to swim alongside the mother. After the whales, the other highlight of the day is the so-called Bacardi Island, officially known as Cayo Levantado. Why is the island named after the popular drink? Try to recall a Bacardi commercial! Tropical surroundings, incredibly clear and turquoise waters, a palm-fringed beach, as this is where many a Bacardi commercial has been filmed. That's why the island is also known as Bacardi Island. We arrive at the beautiful Bacardi Island, where we are served a delicious cocktail and then we can enjoy the island's fantastic beach.