how to get to cayo levantado & other options?

[chel2thec]

We will be arriving in Samana via the NCL Pearl on March 15th. We were going to book the "Cayo Levantado Beach Escape" through NCL, but when I went to book it today, it wasn't showing up. I'm assuming they are sold out (I am planning on calling tomorrow for sure). If they are, is it accessable to the general public? I have read a few posts saying there are many private boats that can take you there, but are these reliable?

 

Otherwise, we are looking at the catamaran. Has anyone done this?

 

Whale watching is another option for us-I have always wanted to go whale watching. The issue I have with this is that the last day of whale watching season is March 15th-the day we'll be there, so I'm not sure how many whales we'd be seeing.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[4kids]

Book the cayo beach was great just there last week NCL