There are still berths available for a rare opportunity this February to snorkel with humpback whales in the Silver Bank whale sanctuary off the Dominican Republic.
Aquatic Adventures, a leading eco-tour operator, has partnered with the Center for Coastal Studies to help research and protect humpback whales. They are hosting a naturalist-guided expedition on their live-aboard, air-conditioned 124-foot dive boat, the M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II from February 3rd to 10th. The custom-designed dive vessel houses 20 guests in 10 well-appointed cabins. Twenty percent of the proceeds from this unique trip will be donated to the Center’s Humpback Whale Studies program.
The “Whales of the Silver Bank” trip offers participants the chance to observe humpback whales both above and below the water in what has been described as a unique and moving experience.
Every year, the Silver Bank (a 40-square-mile sanctuary established in 1986) and the surrounding area host an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 migrating humpback whales, possibly the largest seasonal population of humpbacks in the world.
Founded in 1991, Aquatic Adventures was responsible for developing the passive in-water whale encounter guidelines that all such operators are expected to follow. Passive in-water whale encounters, or PIWWE, involves peaceful floating on the ocean surface, with mask, snorkel and fins, and then calmly approaching a cooperative and curious whale for a remarkable encounter.
If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please go to the Aquatic Adventures website.