Dominican Republic - Events

Round Hispaniola

Whale Season
Samana, Dominican Republic is known for its humpback whale season. If you are here between January 15th to March 25th, which is the peak of season, a must-see are the humpback whales of Samana that have traveled some 3000 miles. Samana is considered one of best spots in the world to see these gentle giants and their young. With about 300 whales reported in previous years, it’s a matter of patience, not luck, to spot them. They come down off the Silver Banks and transit the North coast from approx. the middle of December to head for the NE coast of Samana. Often swimmers in Cofresi, Puerto Plata and down towards Samana encounter them. If you enter or leave Samana Bay then keep your eyes peeled. Over the years cruisers anchored in Samana and in Puerto Bahia Marina have reported that they can hear the whale songs from afar whilst inside their boats . If you want to get up close then there are many approved tour operators to choose from.

Carnival
The whole month of February on the weekends is Carnival in the DR, with the big Carnival Dominicano - which is the the oldest carnival in the Caribbean region. Each city or province has its main Carnival character: a limping devil or diablo cojuelo with respective masks. Why is it limping? The legend says that this devil was so mischievous that it was banished and pushed down to Earth, and left with an injured leg turned lame. Parades kick off on the first Sunday of February. They continue every Sunday of the month, culminating with Independence Day festivities on February 27.

[Information shared by Denise Simpson]