Horseback Riding in Samaná: Whale Watching & Waterfall

Dive into crystal-clear Caribbean waters and hidden jungle trails in a single day

This full-day tour from Punta Cana combines whale watching in Samaná Bay with a choice of two land adventures: a horseback ride to El Limón Waterfall or a beach afternoon at Playa Rincón, plus lunch and swimming on Bacardí Island. A certified guide leads the 2.5-hour boat excursion to see humpback whales in their natural habitat (January to March), then the group moves to the island for a buffet lunch and relaxation before splitting into the chosen itinerary.

The experience

Samaná Bay hosts humpback whales between January and March, and this tour puts you on a boat for about 2.5 hours to watch them breach, slap their tails, and care for their calves in the warm water. The boat is comfortable and the guides are certified, so the experience stays safe and educational even as the whales move around you. After the bay, the route heads to Bacardí Island (Cayo Levantado), a white-sand spot with turquoise water where you swim and eat a Dominican buffet lunch with a drink included.

From there, you choose: Option 1 takes you on horseback through jungle trails to El Limón Waterfall, where you can swim in the pool at its base. Option 2 keeps you on the water and sand at Playa Rincón, a beach on the peninsula's far side. Both options fill the afternoon and bring you back to Punta Cana by evening. The whole day runs about 10 hours from pickup at your resort to drop-off, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language.

Hotel pickup from Punta Cana is included in the tour price. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, and you'll need at least a moderate level of fitness, especially if you choose the horseback option.

What’s included

• Whale watching in Samaná Bay for approximately 2.5 hours aboard a comfortable boat.
• swimming in the Caribbean at Bacardí Island.
• a traditional Dominican buffet lunch with a drink on the island.
• hotel pickup and transportation from your Punta Cana resort.
• a certified guide throughout the day.
• your choice of either a horseback ride to El Limón Waterfall with a swim in the waterfall pool, or an afternoon at Playa Rincón beach.

Options for this experience

2 options

Whale watching with Rincón and CayoGuide in 5 languages · Available from 16 Jan 2027Option 2 – Rincón Beach: a safari truck ride to Rincón, a pristine Caribbean beach with white sands and crystal-clear water, ideal for relaxing or swimming. Pickup is included.

Whale watching with Limón and CayoGuide in 5 languages · Available from 16 Jan 2027Option 1 – El Limón Waterfall: a safari truck ride plus a short horseback ride to the 60m Salto El Limón waterfall, with time for a refreshing swim. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Jan 2027

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (11 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Somos Viaje

Is this one for you?Choose the El Limón option if you want the horseback ride and waterfall swim. Pick Playa Rincón if you prefer to stay on the beach and avoid the jungle trail. Both combine whale watching and island time in the same 10-hour day, so the choice depends on whether you'd rather ride or relax on sand after the morning boat excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

When do humpback whales visit Samaná Bay?

Humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay between January and March each year. The tour runs during this window, so whale sightings are the centerpiece of the day.

What's the difference between the El Limón and Playa Rincón options?

El Limón (Option 1) includes a horseback ride through jungle to a waterfall where you can swim in the pool beneath it. Playa Rincón (Option 2) keeps you on the beach at a remote peninsula spot with no horseback riding involved. Both happen after lunch on Bacardí Island.

How long do you spend watching the whales?

The boat stays in the Whale Sanctuary for about 2.5 hours, giving you time to watch the whales in their natural habitat as they move and feed in the bay.

Is lunch included, and what does it consist of?

Yes, a traditional Dominican buffet lunch is included on Bacardí Island, along with a refreshing drink. You'll have about 1.5 hours to eat and swim before moving to your chosen afternoon activity.