Silver Bank's Humpbacks
Whales of the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
If you like the following, this trip might be for you:
Humpback whales 🐋
Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic is one of only a handful of places in the world where you are allowed to swim with one of our ocean's most interactive and fascinating whale species: humpback whales. Our encounters here have been simply spectacular: intimate, wild and respectful.
Best Timing ⏱️
March is one of the best months at Silver Bank to observe mothers with young calves. By this time, many calves are already born and strong enough to interact, rest, and swim calmly near snorkelers. This often allows long, gentle encounters unlike any other whale experience in the world.
Small Group Encounter
Nothing worse than big groups encircling wild animals. That's why Sea Hunter operates with limited guest numbers, maximizing water time and minimizing disturbance. This creates calmer whales, safer snorkeling, and a far more personal, premium experience. Snorkelling only!
Incredible Vis 🎯
This snorkeling trip offers one of the best visibility levels we have ever witnessed out in the blue. On some days you can see as far as 20 to 30 meters, and on exceptional days up to even 80!
Unknown territory 🌅
Silver Bank lies far offshore, away from mass tourism. The result is unspoiled waters, high visibility, and a true expedition feel—an experience designed for serious nature lovers, not cruise-ship crowds.
Dynamic Operator 🎆
Operating with small groups and strict conservation protocols, Sea Hunter provides safe, respectful, and intimate encounters. The boat has been through different oceans and adventures, and is built to last.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and captivating destinations. Beyond its white-sand beaches and lush mountains, the country protects unique natural treasures such as the Silver Bank Marine Sanctuary, a globally important breeding ground for North Atlantic humpback whales.
Fantastic Whale Diving
"Silver Bank stands in a league of its own. The whale encounters are extraordinary, but what truly elevates the experience is the Sea Hunter itself—an impeccably run vessel with a crew that knows these waters, the whales, and the rhythm of the place inside out. Everything is handled with precision, respect, and passion. It’s simply top-notch."
- Marcel Wilpernig, BTM Travel -
A Top Filming Location
“Filming whales is what I live for, and Silver Bank is pure magic. Every trip delivers moments you simply can’t script: calves drifting by the lens, singers below us, total calm. And yes, travelling with Marcel is always more fun!”
- Peter Löseke, BTM Travel filmmaker -
Meet your BTM Trip Leaders
Peter Löseke
BTM Travel Filmmaker
Marcel Wilpernig
BTM Travel Founder
Silver Bank's Humpbacks
25 Mar - 1 Apr, 2028
Trip price:
- per person (see details below for what is included in this price)
Included:
- Seven nights accommodations aboard, starting with guests boarding Saturday evening approximately 5:00 pm; and disembarking the following Saturday morning at approximately 8:00 am.
- The excursion is seven nights and six days. Your arrival/departure days are included in those six.
- You will have five days on the Silver Bank with up to four and one half (4.5) days of tender time to look for whales (up to nine tender excursions), weather permitting as per Sanctuary rules.
- Three meals a day aboard the vessel, except for the last (Friday) night, which will be ashore.
- Morning and afternoon snack.
- All beverages, including carbonated, non-carbonated, and alcoholic (a limited selection of beer (local) and wine) are provided. Hard alcoholic beverages will not be provided, but may be brought on board the vessel if desired.
- Fresh towel service upon request.
- Entertainment library.
Not included:
- Airfare and any airfare-related expenses.
- Tourist Card required upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.
- Transfers to/from or between airports, hotels, vessels, bus stations, or tours; all ground transportation.
- Sanctuary & Port Fees (currently $700 per person; subject to change).
- Insurance Surcharge (currently $250 per person; subject to change).
- Any Fuel Surcharges (currently estimated at $150 per person; subject to change).
- Gratuity for the crew (10% of fare suggested).
- Additional permit fees for professional photography or videography in the Sanctuary.
- Dinner on the last night (Friday), which will be ashore.
Important: min. 4 bookings to confirm this group.
Our terms & conditions apply!
We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance, which covers force majeure cases and single missed days of diving due to sickness. 
Dates: Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1, 2028
Location: Silver Bank, Dominican Republic (Departure/Arrival: Puerto Plata – Ocean World Marina)
Saturday, March 25, 2028 (Arrival Day):
5:00 PM: Boarding at Ocean World Marina
6:00 PM: Safety briefing
7:00 PM: Welcome dinner
11:00 PM: Departure for Silver Bank (overnight crossing)
Sunday–Thursday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:30–11:30 AM: Tender excursions to the whales
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:30–5:30 PM: Afternoon excursions
6:00 PM: Sundowner
7:00 PM: Dinner
8:30 PM: Lectures, films, discussions
Friday, March 31, 2028:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
7:30 AM: Return journey to Puerto Plata
6:00 PM: Farewell dinner on land
Saturday, April 1, 2028:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Disembarkation
Sea Hunter
Your home away from home on the Silver Bank is the M/V Sea Hunter. She is a superbly stable and robust craft. In her former life she was a commercial dive-support vessel built to serve the oil industry in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Sea Hunter combines the functionality, and powerful machinery of a work boat with the comfortable interior of a modern yacht. She has 115 feet of flexible capacity, specifically designed and built for long-range expeditions.
Sea Hunter offers 10 guest cabins with private baths, providing live-aboard comfort for up to 20 passengers.
This spacious boat is everything a serious diver or photographer could wish for. Features include individual gear storage, private camera/strobe storage shelves with 110 & 220-volt AC power, zero-speed stabilizers and even a private washer and dryer for your towels and bathing suits. Her roominess and user-friendliness will introduce you to a new level of live-aboard comfort.
Caribbean Whale Wonders
Every winter, humpback whales gather here to mate, give birth, and rest before continuing their migration. Being in the water with them is calm and controlled, guided by strict rules that put the animals first. There is no chasing or touching, only floating, observing, and letting the whales decide how close they want to be.
Diving with whales at Silver Bank is not about spectacle. It is quiet, patient, and often subtle. Sometimes it is a distant silhouette, sometimes a curious whale passes close by, but it is always an honest encounter with wildlife in its natural environment.
Spaces on Request
Top Rated Operator
