The Bahía de Samaná is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales in a natural setting.  Every winter these mammals make their way down from the North Atlantic Ocean to mate and breed in the waters just off the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula in the Silver Banks Marine Sanctuary. During this time the whales are extremely playful, offering visitors a rare opportunity to listen in on male humpbacks serenading female mates, and to witness incredible leaps out of the water while the whales flap their tails and spout water into the air.

(Photos: Gilles Boudot)