The waters of the bay of Samaná are the elected winter "sanctuary of humpback whales". Over 3 000 of these mammals come here to find refuge and a safe breeding ground. They can be observed by boat from mid-January to mid-March, when they are the main tourist attraction of the area. The courting acrobatic males parade, breaching and slapping the water, providing a sight that is both grandiose and rich in emotion.