Thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samana Bay every year for the breeding season, which runs from January through March. Their journey is a long and slow trek spanning from the polar regions of the North Atlantic to the warm and clear waters of the Caribbean. Regrettably, over the centuries, whale hunters have decimated the population of these magnificent creatures to the point of near extinction. But, thanks to the efforts of organizations such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC), humpback whales along with other species, have received world protection since 1966. However, there is still a long way to go for full recovery. The world population of humpbacks has reached approximately 40,000 or about 30-35% of its original levels. Humpbacks can be easily observed, either at their feeding or breeding grounds. Whale watching has become an increasingly popular worldwide activity, and the Dominican Republic is fortunate to have one of the largest and best humpback breeding sanctuaries in the world. The Dominican government enforces strict whale protection laws and guidelines to ensure the safety and conservation of these wonderful animals. Whale watching can be a thrilling experience for anyone interested in nature and the preservation of our natural resources. We must continue to respect and protect these incredibly gentle giants so we can enjoy them for a long time to come. The following photos are images of what one would see on a typical whale-watching tour in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic.
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