Whale-Watching in Dominican Republic Tops Ecotourism Activities

With a heaping 25 percent of its lush green land and pristine coastal areas protected as national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, Dominican Republic is the most bio-diverse country in the Caribbean and is a major destination for ecotourists, most notably for whale-watching in Samaná Bay.

Since 1962, Dominican Republic has led the Caribbean in preserving sensitive eco-systems through partnerships with leaders like The Nature Conservancy, the United Nations and The Smithsonian to establish powerful environmental protections. In turn, Dominican Republic offers an array of eco-friendly activities for travelers pursuing adventures that best promote conservation and preservation issues.

The DR’s reserves and sanctuaries are a vital tourism draw to Dominican Republic’s fabled lush green surroundings. The Marine Mammal Sanctuary of the Dominican Republic is one of the most renowned and at 200 mi² it surrounds the Peninsula of Samaná. Considered one of the first whale sanctuaries in the world, it was established in 1966 and has been expanded since then to ensure the best protection for whales.

Explore some of Dominican Republic’s top ecotourism activities:

• Northeast Coast Region – Whale watching tours are offered for guests to observe the humpback whales and listen to their song at a close range as 3,000 to 5,000 whales migrate to the waters of the Bay of Samana each winter. Nestled among the Caribbean mountains on the Northeast Coast of Dominican Republic, the Samaná Peninsula is an “off-the-beaten-path” destination for eco-tourists.
• North Coast – The Kiteboard Capital of the World, Cabarete Bay, is located a half an hour east of Puerto Plata and is the premiere destination for tourists seeking adventure. Cabarete Bay possesses temperate weather and perfect trade winds, making for an ideal location for water sports like kiteboarding, cascading, scuba diving, surfing, boogie-boarding and more.
• Central Region – Seasoned hikers flock to climb Pico Duarte, which at 10,560 feet, is the highest mountain in the Caribbean. Pico Duarte lies within the Central Cordillera Mountain Range in Jarabacoa. Hikers, campers and mountain bikers alike frequent this region for some of the country’s most sensational outdoor experiences and views.
• South Coast Region – Los Tres Ojos National Park, a national park of the Cave of Three Eyes, is located on the South Coast and is a perfect destination for ecotourists in search of an unparalleled caving adventure through magnificent limestone caves and fresh springs. Further east in La Romana, adventurers can uncover Cueva de las Maravillas, or Cave of Miracles, another series of brilliant caves with Taino drawings encrypted on the inner walls.
• Southwest Region – At 15 feet below sea level, Lake Enriquillo is the lowest point in the Caribbean and is just one of the many stunning areas that make up the Jaragua-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Lake Enriquillo, the Southwest region features a plethora of rich biodiversity, which includes highlands, arid deserts, mud banks and lagoons. Visitors can also spot mesmerizing crocodiles, wild iguanas, colorful flamingos and other exotic reptiles and birds.