Whales of Silver Bank - Mar 28
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) *prices estimated for 2028 and not confirmed yet
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.
- Surcharge Deluxe Cabin $100 per person
- Surcharge Master Cabin $400 per person
- 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.
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
French Polynesia - Tuamotus and the Fakarava Atoll
French Polynesia
+++ Tuamotus and Fakarava Atoll +++
10 nights on the Aquatiki III 🇵🇫
If you like the following, this trip might be for you:
Channel Madness 🌪️
Located in the atolls between lagoons and islands, stunning channel or drift dives are a common trait of French Polynesia. Typically, at the entrances of these channels, big fish are lurking during incoming currents. This makes for a splash of adventure and wildlife encounter that is nothing short of spectacular.
Wall of Sharks 🦈
Fakarava's "Wall of Sharks" is much like a highway at rush hour, only this tine hundreds of grey reef sharks patrol the Corso in the South wall! This vertical drop off is a world renowned dive site, with stunning visibility and sharks effortlessly gliding into the current. While every diver in the world wants to have a shot at this site, only a few get it.
Large Pelagics 🫧
The waters of French Polynesia are remote, and uninterrupted. As a consequence its marine life offers an abundance of large fish such as manta and eagle rays, sharks of various species and sizes, stingrays, tunas, dolphins and even swordfish. Most divesites are entirely unfrequented, so we forget about bubbles from other dive groups!
Aquatiki III ⛵
Zipping through French Polynesia by catamaran has so much advantages: it's spacious, agile and just so comfortable. Overcrowded diving doesn't really exist in this place, and the Aquatiki III tops the other vessels in these waters by quite a distance. Get on, enjoy the ride and dive those shark walls!
Paradise Islands 🏝️
Turquoise waters, sandy beaches, palm trees as far as the horizons... French Polynesia is the closest to heaven people on earth will ever get. And the sunsets, don't even get us started. In French Polynesia, the term "paradise" is not an exaggeration but an underestimation.
Manta Mania 〰️
Once In a Lifetime
French Polynesia by Catamaran is so remote, so aesthetically pleasing and wildlife heavy that it's just one of these experiences that only happen a few times in life.
About Aquatiki
Excursions are proposed on board the Aquatiki III, a luxurious 18-meter catamaran specially equipped for diving on the 2 main archipelagos (Tuamotu, Marquesas). In order to keep the best chance of approaching an abundant wildlife and to respect a certain conviviality on board, the number of divers has deliberately been limited to 10!
French Polynesia
"I had been in French Polynesia before, but not yet on the Aquatiki III. The whole experience changed from splendid to simply unbelievable. To dive in this godlike place from the comfort of a catamaran is close to perfection. Sharks, whales, large pelagics and those incredible turquoise waters.. Wish I could go there every month."
- Marcel Wilpernig, BTM Travel GM -
Meet your BTM Trip Leader
Peter Löseke
BTM Underwater Videographer
French Polynesia - Tuamotos and Fakarava Atoll
Oct 18 - 28, 2028
Trip price:
- per person (see details below for what is included in this price)
Included:
- 10 nights on board the fabulous Aquatiki III catamaran
- Starts/ends in Fakarava
- Airport transfer from to Fakarava airport or hotel/guesthouse
- Full board incl. water
- 2 dives per day incl. tank, weights, guides and nitrox
Not included:
- Int. and domestic flights
- Eventual pre-program or stopover overnights
- Diving insurance & trip insurances
- Equipment rental
- Local taxes approx. 1 € / day
- VIP cabin double bed, sea view 600 € per person / trip
- Crew tips
The exact route is flexible and dates can be shifted forwards or backwards by 1-2 days due to domestic flights. The routing itself remains generally open. The best diving spots of the Tuamotus will be visited depending on the weather conditions. For further extensions in French Polynesia, we are always happy to assist!
Important: min. 4 bookings to confirm this group.
We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance which also covers force majeure and single missed days of diving due to sickness.
Our terms & conditions apply!
Schedule
Start / end Fakarava – Best of Tuamotus
Your Dive cruise starts and ends in Fakarava, an hour’s flight from Tahiti.
The 11 nights trip includes the best dive sites in the Tuamoto archipelago. Fakarava is one of the most famous diving areas in French Polynesia, as it holds probably the richest and most spectacular underwater scenery.
Depending on the weather and conditions, you can expect 11 diving days with up to a maximum of 2 dives daily.
Dive cruises on Aqua Tiki III are not “hard core” diving cruises but rather as a very successful symbiosis of diving relaxing and island experiences. You will explore the best dive sites, channels, reefs and lagoons along the route through the atolls of Fakarava, Tetamanu, Kauehi and Toau.
For those who have not planned a connection program, the trip on Aquatiki III ends on 18th of August. For those jointing on the Rurutu Whale Extension the trip will end on the 24th of August.
Aquatiki III
The Aquatiki III is a catamaran, from the Fountaine Pajot range built in La Rochelle, France.
The comfort on board is worthy of a hotel: a vast square very comfortable, with video corner, lounge library and cocktail bar. An American kitchen, a vast cockpit sheltered from the sun by a canopy where meals are served, a large sundeck, a front salon and 2 trampolines generally very coveted and a plancha for the grills.
The catamaran measures 20 meters long by 9.8 meters wide and has 5 cabins for a total of 10 guests: 2 cabins with double or twin beds, 1 cabin with bunk beds for 2 people, and 2 VIP double cabins equipped with TV/Hifi/DVD. They have individually controlled air-conditioning, a sound system and a private bathroom with toilet.
The propulsion is ensured by 230 m² of sail and by 2 motors of 150 HP, with a more than 1000 liters large fuel tank.
A powerful generator and inverter ensure the electrical production, delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.
The Aquatiki is autonomous in fresh water: more than 800 liters of reserve, with 2 desalinators of 190 liters / hour.
Of course, for maximum safety, this ship is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, standard C weather, beacon of distress Sarsat.
The catamaran is also equipped with all comforts: a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library. A library where you will find amongst others documentations concerning the underwater fauna, Polynesia, Navigation, etc and many games to animate your evenings.
A telephone, WIFI and a fax by satellite make it possible to stay connected in all circumstances and even on the other side of the world!
French Polynesia: A Pacific Paradise
French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, is a stunning archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 118 islands and atolls spread across five groups, with famous names like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Known for its volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons, and lush landscapes, it has become a dream destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
The region’s rich culture combines ancient Polynesian traditions with French influences. Traditional dance, music, and tattooing are central to its identity, while the cuisine blends fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and French techniques. Visitors often immerse themselves in this vibrant heritage through festivals and local hospitality.
French Polynesia is also renowned for its underwater wonders. Its coral reefs are home to diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkeling and diving. Spots like Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago attract divers from around the globe.
Tourism is the backbone of the economy, supported by pearl farming and agriculture. Though remote and reliant on imports, French Polynesia’s breathtaking beauty and cultural charm make it a unique jewel in the Pacific.
8 Places Available
Top Rated Operator
French Polynesia - Grouper Spawning June 2028
+++ French Polynesia Grouper Spawning +++
12 nights on the Aquatiki III 🇵🇫
If you like the following, this trip might be for you:
Channel Madness 🌪️
Located in the atolls between lagoons and islands, stunning channel or drift dives are a common trait of French Polynesia. Typically, at the entrances of these channels, big fish are lurking during incoming currents. This makes for a splash of adventure and wildlife encounter that is nothing short of spectacular.
Wall of Sharks 🦈
Fakarava's "Wall of Sharks" is much like a highway at rush hour, only this tine hundreds of grey reef sharks patrol the Corso in the South wall! This vertical drop off is a world renowned dive site, with stunning visibility and sharks effortlessly gliding into the current. While every diver in the world wants to have a shot at this site, only a few get it.
Large Pelagics 🫧
The waters of French Polynesia are remote, and uninterrupted. As a consequence its marine life offers an abundance of large fish such as manta and eagle rays, sharks of various species and sizes, stingrays, tunas, dolphins and even swordfish. Most divesites are entirely unfrequented, so we forget about bubbles from other dive groups!
Aquatiki III ⛵
Zipping through French Polynesia by catamaran has so much advantages: it's spacious, agile and just so comfortable. Overcrowded diving doesn't really exist in this place, and the Aquatiki III tops the other vessels in these waters by quite a distance. Get on, enjoy the ride and dive those shark walls!
Paradise Islands 🏝️
Turquoise waters, sandy beaches, palm trees as far as the horizons... French Polynesia is the closest to heaven people on earth will ever get. And the sunsets, don't even get us started. In French Polynesia, the term "paradise" is not an exaggeration but an underestimation.
Grouper Spawning 🗺️
This timing is famous for one of the biggest ocean spectacles in the region: the grouper spawning. Female groupers release millions of eggs and the males release clouds of sperm to ensure fertilisation and the future of grouper populations. This rare and fascinating behaviour can only be seen here.
Once In a Lifetime
French Polynesia by Catamaran is so remote, so aesthetically pleasing and wildlife heavy that it's just one of these experiences that only happen a few times in life.
About Aquatiki
Excursions are proposed on board the Aquatiki III, a luxurious 18-meter catamaran specially equipped for diving on the 2 main archipelagos (Tuamotu, Marquesas). In order to keep the best chance of approaching an abundant wildlife and to respect a certain conviviality on board, the number of divers has deliberately been limited to 10!
French Polynesia
"I had been in French Polynesia before, but not yet on the Aquatiki III. The whole experience changed from splendid to simply unbelievable. To dive in this godlike place from the comfort of a catamaran is close to perfection. Sharks, whales, large pelagics and those incredible turquoise waters.. Wish I could go there every month."
- Marcel Wilpernig, BTM Travel GM -
Meet your BTM Trip Leader
Peter Löseke
BTM Underwater Videographer
French Polynesia Grouper Spawning
Jun 26 - Jul 8, 2028
Trip price:
- per person (see details below for what is included in this price)
Included:
- 12 nights on board the fabulous Aquatiki III catamaran
- Starts/ends in Fakarava
- Airport transfer from to Fakarava airport or hotel/guesthouse
- Full board incl. water
- 2 dives per day incl. tank, weights, guides and nitrox
Not included:
- Int. and domestic flights
- Eventual pre-program or stopover overnights
- Diving insurance & trip insurances
- Equipment rental
- Local taxes approx. 1 € / day
- VIP cabin double bed, sea view 600 € per person / trip
- Crew tips
The exact route is flexible and dates can be shifted forwards or backwards by 1-2 days due to domestic flights. The routing itself remains generally open. The best diving spots of the Tuamotus will be visited depending on the weather conditions. For further extensions in French Polynesia, we are always happy to assist!
Important: min. 4 bookings to confirm this group.
We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance which also covers force majeure and single missed days of diving due to sickness.
Our terms & conditions apply!
Schedule
Start / end Fakarava – Best of Tuamotus
Your Dive cruise starts and ends in Fakarava, an hour’s flight from Tahiti.
The 11 nights trip includes the best dive sites in the Tuamoto archipelago. Fakarava is one of the most famous diving areas in French Polynesia, as it holds probably the richest and most spectacular underwater scenery.
Depending on the weather and conditions, you can expect 11 diving days with up to a maximum of 2 dives daily.
Dive cruises on Aqua Tiki III are not “hard core” diving cruises but rather as a very successful symbiosis of diving relaxing and island experiences. You will explore the best dive sites, channels, reefs and lagoons along the route through the atolls of Fakarava, Tetamanu, Kauehi and Toau.
For those who have not planned a connection program, the trip on Aquatiki III ends on 18th of August. For those jointing on the Rurutu Whale Extension the trip will end on the 24th of August.
Aquatiki III
The Aquatiki III is a catamaran, from the Fountaine Pajot range built in La Rochelle, France.
The comfort on board is worthy of a hotel: a vast square very comfortable, with video corner, lounge library and cocktail bar. An American kitchen, a vast cockpit sheltered from the sun by a canopy where meals are served, a large sundeck, a front salon and 2 trampolines generally very coveted and a plancha for the grills.
The catamaran measures 20 meters long by 9.8 meters wide and has 5 cabins for a total of 10 guests: 2 cabins with double or twin beds, 1 cabin with bunk beds for 2 people, and 2 VIP double cabins equipped with TV/Hifi/DVD. They have individually controlled air-conditioning, a sound system and a private bathroom with toilet.
The propulsion is ensured by 230 m² of sail and by 2 motors of 150 HP, with a more than 1000 liters large fuel tank.
A powerful generator and inverter ensure the electrical production, delivering 220V continuously, with individual 220V outlets in each cabin 24/7.
The Aquatiki is autonomous in fresh water: more than 800 liters of reserve, with 2 desalinators of 190 liters / hour.
Of course, for maximum safety, this ship is equipped with the most complete modern navigation equipment and the latest technical evolutions: autopilot, GPS, BLU, VHF, computer navigation center, radar, standard C weather, beacon of distress Sarsat.
The catamaran is also equipped with all comforts: a hi-fi system with independent sound system in each cabin and CD-library, television and video recorder, DVD with video library. A library where you will find amongst others documentations concerning the underwater fauna, Polynesia, Navigation, etc and many games to animate your evenings.
A telephone, WIFI and a fax by satellite make it possible to stay connected in all circumstances and even on the other side of the world!
French Polynesia: A Pacific Paradise
French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, is a stunning archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of 118 islands and atolls spread across five groups, with famous names like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Known for its volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons, and lush landscapes, it has become a dream destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
The region’s rich culture combines ancient Polynesian traditions with French influences. Traditional dance, music, and tattooing are central to its identity, while the cuisine blends fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and French techniques. Visitors often immerse themselves in this vibrant heritage through festivals and local hospitality.
French Polynesia is also renowned for its underwater wonders. Its coral reefs are home to diverse marine life, making it a haven for snorkeling and diving. Spots like Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago attract divers from around the globe.
Tourism is the backbone of the economy, supported by pearl farming and agriculture. Though remote and reliant on imports, French Polynesia’s breathtaking beauty and cultural charm make it a unique jewel in the Pacific.
8 Places Available
Top Rated Operator