Dominican Republic · Jan–Mar
Samaná Whale Week
Thousands of humpbacks gather in Samaná Bay each winter. Our signature trip. Fly into Puerto Plata (about 3 hours away) or Santo Domingo (about 2½).
Where you’ll stay
Bahia Principe Escape Samaná
Adults-only, all-inclusive, in Las Galeras at the far end of the Samaná Peninsula. Whale boats leave from Samaná town.



What’s included
- Round-trip nonstop economy flights (basic economy) from JFK to Puerto Plata
- 7 nights at Bahia Principe Escape Samaná, all-inclusive: meals, drinks and resort activities
- All government taxes and supplier fees charged at booking
Sample flight as priced: JetBlue nonstop, JFK 8:40 AM to Puerto Plata 1:26 PM, then about 3 hours by road to Samaná
Not included
- Airport transfers (I’ll quote a private driver)
- Travel protection (I recommend it on every trip)
- Checked bags, seat selection and other airline fees
- Gratuities and anything charged at the destination
Add the experiences
- Whale-watching boat trip
- Cayo Levantado island day
Priced separately and booked with your trip.
Want a step up?
Same week and flights, nicer resort. I only suggest an upgrade when it’s worth it.
Upgrade: my sweet spot
Wyndham Alltra Samaná
Relaxed, with few families. Flights into Santo Domingo
From $2,040 per personUpgrade: the splurge
Cayo Levantado Resort
A private island in the bay. Flights into Santo Domingo
From $3,530 per personGood to know
The “from” price is per person for 2 adults sharing a standard room, 7 nights from Saturday, January 23 to Saturday, January 30, 2027, with the nonstop basic-economy flight shown, all-inclusive, and all government taxes and supplier fees charged at booking, as listed by my suppliers on October 20, 2026. Prices change daily and aren’t guaranteed until your trip is booked and paid in full. Airport transfers, travel protection, checked bags, seat selection, add-ons, gratuities and any fees collected at the destination are extra. Basic-economy fares generally can’t be changed or refunded. A valid passport is required. Full details. Booked through Fora Travel, Inc.; Traveling Wahoo LLC is an independent travel advisor.
Photos: Traveling Wahoo, except Wikimedia Commons: Bloody Bay, Negril by wardyboy400 (CC BY 2.0); Dickinson Bay, Antigua by Paul Kowalow (CC BY-SA 3.0); Tamarindo, Costa Rica by Tamarindowiki (CC BY-SA 3.0); the Pitons, St. Lucia by Gruepig (CC BY-SA 4.0); Eagle Beach, Aruba by SIryn (CC BY-SA 4.0); Kotor Bay by miketnorton (CC BY 2.0); Oia, Santorini by bongo vongo (CC BY-SA 2.0); Druif Beach and “Aruba bliss” by Jason Boldero (CC BY 2.0); Arikok National Park by Misty Johnson (CC BY 2.0); Our Lady of the Rocks by Alexey Komarov (CC BY 3.0); Kotor old town by Gzzz (CC BY-SA 4.0); Budva beach by Miomir Magdevski (CC BY-SA 4.0); Athens from Philopappos Hill by A.Savin (CC BY-SA 3.0); Little Venice, Mykonos by Zde (CC BY-SA 4.0); Santorini caldera boat by Gozitano (CC BY-SA 4.0). Resort photos on trip pages: Expedia listings.