Whales

Around the first half of November each year, thousands of hump-back whales (ballenas corcovadas) make their way from the North Pole to Atlantic waters north of the Dominican Republic to practice their mating rituals. At times they also cross into the Caribbean Sea through Canal de la Mona (La Mona Channel), the deep trench that separates the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico.

The town of Rincón in the northwestern corner of Puerto Rico features a lookout area for whale-watchers. It is a frequently visited oceanside mini-park with free parking, cafeteria, souvenir shop and a few coin-operated telescopes. The park is open year-round. Admission is free. Visitors also pay a small fee to ride boats that get closer to the whales.

To listen to the songs of hump-back whales, click here