This Caribbean Destination Is One of the Best Places in the World to See Humpback Whales in Crystal-clear Waters

"As Atlantic Whales explains, each winter season in the northern hemisphere, "thousands of humpback whales from the North Atlantic Ocean migrate down to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth to their calves," meaning the best time to plan a getaway is from January to April. AKA the best time to escape the cold anyway. This, the site adds, "is the bulk of the humpback whale migration and breeding season.""

"Regulations limit whale watching to no more than three boats at a time, require waiting vessels to stay at least 820 feet away, and mandate minimum approach distances of 165 feet from adult whales and 262 feet from groups with calves. To reduce stress on the animals, boats are also restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes with a single group when others are waiting."

North Atlantic humpback whales migrate each winter to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth from January through April. Thousands of whales congregate around the Samaná Peninsula, creating near-guaranteed sightings. Observed behaviors include breaching, fin slapping, tail slapping, and mothers nurturing calves. Local conservation measures and International Whaling Commission guidelines restrict whale-watching to a maximum of three boats at a time, require waiting vessels to stay at least 820 feet away, and set minimum approach distances of 165 feet for adults and 262 feet for groups with calves. Boats are limited to 30 minutes with a single group when others wait.

Read at Travel + Leisure