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Banco de la Plata Sanctuary

Banco de la Plata Sanctuary
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Type of Attraction
Wilderness, Mountains, Trails, Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, Buildings & Monuments, City Parks & Gardens
Neighborhood
North
Interests That Apply
Photography, Outdoors
More information here...
Price: Free
Is there parking?: Limited
Wheelchair Accessible: Partial
Mobility Obstacles: Moving Walkways Dirt/off-road walking Waterways
Water/Drinks: Available at attraction or nearby.
This is a good place to get: Snacks
Restrooms: Not Available
Notes: Some boats may have restrooms.
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Banco de la Plata Sanctuary

Silver Bank Sanctuary

Named for lost silver


Expert Pick Family Time Off The Beaten Path Must See

Address:
North of Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata, Puerto Plata

Description

Situated at 66 feet below sea level, this area is a breeding ground for humpback whales. Every year between December and April these endangered giants migrate to the warm waters to mate. The Silver Bank (translated from Banco de la Plata) was declared a marine mammal sanctuary in 1986. Other marine life found in the area include sea turtles and diverse varieties of fish. The area derived its name from the shipwrecked Concepcion vessel in 1641, because the ship had a large cargo of gold and silver.


What you should know before visiting Banco de la Plata Sanctuary



Times & Dates

Open Hours: 24 hrs
Visit Time: Half day(4hr)-Full day(8hr)
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon tour
Why Best: There are fewer tour boats on the water.
Average Wait Time: 15-30min
Notes: Tour boats take approximately 30 minutes to get to the Sanctuary. Half day tours are all about the humpback whales; full day tours include a stop on Cayo Levantado, a popular island with gorgeous white sand beaches.
Price: Free

Exposure

Outdoor with some covering. Notes: Although there are some independents who take tourists out on small motorboats with no covering, most tour operators have large boats with covering on one or two decks.

Age Recommendations/Requirements

Ages Admitted: Infants/Toddlers (0-3yrs), Children (4-8yrs), Pre-teen (9-12yrs), Teen, Adult, Senior
Ages that would most enjoy this attraction: Children (4-8yrs), Pre-teen (9-12yrs), Teen, Adult, Senior
Groups that would most enjoy this attraction: Couples, Families, Friends, Groups, Solo Travelers

Transportation

Best Modes of Transportation: Automobile/Car Bus Motorbike/Scooter Taxi
Notes: Whale watching tours leave from the marina in the town of Samana. There is regular bus service from Santo Domingo that drops travelers off right in front of the marina. If travelers are already in the area, they can take a cab or motoconcho (motorscooter taxi) to Samana's pier.
Parking Availability: Limited


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