Silver Banks Whale Swimming February 2026

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Trip overview

Trip Overview

Embarking on a journey to the Silver Bank in the Dominican Republic promises an extraordinary adventure in the world of humpback whales. This magical marine sanctuary, spanning twenty square miles, offers a haven for these majestic creatures during their winter months of courtship, mating, calving, and nurturing their young. Aboard the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II, visitors are granted two distinct encounters that provide an intimate insight into the lives of these magnificent beings.

From the vessel's deck, witness the awe-inspiring social behaviors of humpback whales as they breach, tail slap, and communicate through the water's surface. Experience the captivating rivalry of male "rowdy groups" vying for the attention of a female in heat, an incredible display of power and determination. Submerging into the azure waters wearing snorkeling gear, a soft in-water encounter awaits, where you calmly float in the company of cooperative whales, letting their curiosity draw them near. Mothers, calves, male escort trios, solitary females, and even sleeping whales might become your companions in this tranquil realm. The profound resonance of a male humpback whale's song may reach you, a haunting melody that resonates for miles underwater. This journey not only grants you a front-row seat to nature's spectacular show but also instills a profound appreciation for the wild beauty of the Silver Bank and its extraordinary inhabitants.

Kindly note that the regulations set by the Whale Commission state that no scuba diving is allowed to ensure harmony between visitors and the marine environment.

Check out this amazing video from Aggressor to learn more!

Marine Life To Photograph

As you can tell, Silver Bank is all about the whales. This underwater haven becomes a stage of wonder and awe from January to April as these colossal creatures grace its waters. The Silver Bank's tranquil expanse serves as a vital winter refuge for the North Atlantic humpback whale population, where they gather in the thousands for courtship, mating, calving, and nurturing their young. Amidst the turquoise currents, one can witness a mesmerizing symphony of behaviors, from the exhilarating breaches and resounding tail slaps to the graceful waving of pectoral fins.

Learn more about swimming in Silver Bank here.

Sample Itinerary

During the week, guests of the Dominican Republic Humpback Whale Watching itinerary may have the opportunity to observe the whales at close range which includes above-the-water and soft-in-water encounters. It can include seeing them spin and play, hearing their haunting songs resonating through the water while seeing the power and grace of some of the most intelligent mammals on earth - its a life-changing experience!

SATURDAY - Boarding is at 4 p.m. with a 9:30 p.m. departure to Silver Bank.
SUNDAY - Arrival in Silver Bank is around 8:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m. Sunday, weather permitting. Brunch/late breakfast while crew prepares mooring and assembly of the tenders. The first tender runs begins at 2:00 p.m. (2 tenders running). Afternoon tenders return to the yacht at approximately 5:00 p.m.
MONDAY -THURSDAY - First tender runs will commence after breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Whale runs are throughout the day. Sundowner cocktail parties are hosted on the sun deck every afternoon following whale runs. Nightly presentations and videos will be after dinner.
FRIDAY - The yacht returns to the Ocean World Marina in Puerto Plata late Friday afternoon. Friday night, dinner is not served onboard; however, the crew will recommend a restaurant in the marina.
SATURDAY - Check-out is between 7 8 a.m.

Topside Conditions In February

The peak season for seeing humpback whales is from January to April. As the water temperature ranges from 78 - 80F, 26 - 27C, a 3mm wetsuit and full foot fins for free diving are recommended.

Learn more about Diving in the Dominican Republic.