This remarkable excursion begins when you board your whale-watching boat wherein your guide will brief you on what to expect when you get up close and personal with the whales. Humpbacks have wintered near Samaná for centuries and are depicted in ancient cave drawings. These whales from the North Atlantic migrate south to enjoy the warm waters and to mate. As many as 300 may be present at any time. Get ready to take spectacular photos as you learn about their habits.

Depart from the pier aboard a speedboat for a truly unique ecological experience. Los Haitises National Park is a protected virgin forest accessible by water and represents a growing destination for ecotourism. Explore numerous caverns adorned with pictographs and petroglyphs. Circle the small cay known as Bird Island while your expert guide explains the importance of the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the mangroves and island.

Experience the jewel of the Caribbean, Soana, a pristine island of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, swaying palms and virtually no development. Board the Catamaran Shiraz at the small fishing town of Bayahibe and head for “Happy Hour” at Palmilla, a yacht anchoring spot with a magnificent “natural swimming pool” less than 3-feet deep. Walk and swim in the shallow waters of the sand bank and admire the starfish resting on the sea floor. Then re-board for more fun in the sun or shade on Soana Island. A champagne cocktail welcomes you ashore. Relax. Sunbathe. Swim.

From cocktails to live entertainment, La Romana’s bar scene is as active as any other place in the Dominican Republic—this is the third largest city in the country! From mojitos to martinis, you can indulge in the tipple of your choice at the lively La Caña Bar with its indoor and outdoor seating in the heart of the Casa de Campo Resort. Here in a trendy lounge setting, enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing to sizzling Latin music and live entertainment.

Visit the incredible Cueva de las Maravillas (cave of wonders), an enormous cavern complex covered with ancient Taino paintings. The cave's 800-foot path takes you on a fascinating journey 25 feet underground, where stalagmites and stalactites appear like the notes of an orchestra playing on the grand stage of an enormous theatre hall. This cave boasts a collection of approximately 500 pictographs and petroglyphs by the Taino Indians who lived on the island at the time of the arrival of Columbus.

Indulge in the calm, clear waters of the Caribbean combined with the exclusive, all-inclusive amenities of the five-star Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus. Located in the fishing village of Bayahibe on a long, sandy beach, the resort resembles a quaint Caribbean village on the outside and an opulent hacienda within. The vistas of sand and sea are magnificent and the resort offers a host of facilities. Along with separate pools for children and adults, options include tennis, table tennis, beach volleyball and non-motorized aquatic sports.

Altos de Chavón is an architectural wonder, a place of inspiration, learning and artistic expression in a breathtaking setting. Perched high above the Chavón River with jaw-dropping views of the ocean in the distance, this exquisite La Romana landmark is a replica of a16th-century Mediterranean village in stone. It was meticulously designed by Dominican architect, Jose Antonio Caro, and Italian master designer and cinematographer, Roberto Coppa, and every detail was handcrafted by local artisans.

This small island only 6 miles long is renowned for its crystal clear waters, diverse marine ecosystems and impressive coral reefs, and the snorkeling here is simply fantastic. Journey by Zodiac to the top spots around the island where you may spot a wide selection of corals and sponges of all different shapes, colors and sizes such as vase sponge, fire coral, sea pen, sea cucumber, sea fan coral, Elkhorn coral and leather coral.

Spend a morning relaxing on the sun decks or shady lounge areas of a catamaran as you sail along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic to the prestigious Casa de Campo Resort Marina, admiring the lush coastal scenery along the way.

Bordering the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic is among the top five fishing areas in the world — especially off the coast of Catalina Island where waters teem with big game fish. Cruise out into the open ocean aboard a late-model 47-ft. Bertram, an exceptionally able and well- equipped sport fishing boat. Angle for a Blue Marlin or Sailfish under the warm Caribbean sun, trolling the lure while sipping a cold brew and taking in views of the open sea.