{"id":20288,"date":"2011-12-27T06:00:36","date_gmt":"2011-12-27T12:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=20288"},"modified":"2016-12-15T05:49:42","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T11:49:42","slug":"taking-the-plunge-whale-watching-in-punta-cana-punta-cana-hotels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/taking-the-plunge-whale-watching-in-punta-cana-punta-cana-hotels\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking the plunge: whale-watching in Punta Cana"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Majestic mammals: whale-watching season arrives along the Dominican Republic\u2019s Samana Peninsula mid-January. Credit: Mike Baird.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Jennifer Olvera<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong>When the holidays become a distant memory, it\u2019s natural to look toward brighter days.\u00a0 Thankfully, around mid-January, Humpback whale season kicks off — and continues through mid-March — near the Dominican Republic\u2019s Samana Peninsula, one of the world\u2019s most fabled destinations to spot the massive, knobby-headed mammals at a time when they give birth. It\u2019s also when visitors are quite likely to see the activespecies breach out of the water.<\/p>\n

When planning a vacation to the Dominican Republic this time of year, Punta Cana hotels<\/a> are a wise choice since there are many whale-watching tour operators in the area to choose from. Victoria Marine\/Whale Samana carries 50- to-80 passengers on the Victoria II, often with whale expert and founder Kim Beddall leading the charge.\u00a0 She\u2019ll teach enthusiasts about whale behaviors — be it flippering or rolling — and she\u2019ll decode their haunting songs.<\/p>\n

Tour Samana with Terry is another solid choice for four- to-five-hour whale-watching excursions. Participants motor along the scenic, mountain-fringed bay past Cayo Levantado Island, sipping beer or soda along the way. Post whale-sighting, there\u2019s time to chill on a private-feeling beach.<\/p>\n

Another option to consider is the whale outings offered by Razor Tours, a tour operator providing ATV, ziplineand jungle excursions in addition to boat rides that set out in search of the majestic creatures. Drinks are served on board, which is nice. Even better, though, is the likelihood fod photo ops: passengers can all-but-expect to get within meters of humpbacks.<\/p>\n

Whichever you choose, consider stays at hotels like Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe<\/a> for all-inclusive luxury or\u00a0 The PUNTACANA Hotel<\/a> as a more budget-friendly, but pleasant, alternative.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n