Silver Banks Whale Swimming February 2026
Whale Encounters
Feb 7, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
Join Bluewater Travel and sail Silver Bank, a marine sanctuary that provides a safe wintering haven for North Atlantic humpback whales.
Whale Encounters
Great for Non-divers
Why Join This Trip
Explore the Silver Bank, one of only three places in the world where humans can swim and snorkel among the whales
Swim with humpback whales during the peak season of their mating
Travel aboard the luxurious Turks & Caicos Aggressor and experience the excellent Aggressor service
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
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.
Trip Inclusions
Accommodations aboard Turks & Caicos Aggressor II
All meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, local beer and wine
Whale snorkeling throughout the day, as and when whales are sighted
Trip Exclusions
Airfare (international and domestic)
Whale Sanctuary and Port Access fee of ($600 per person, paid onboard)
Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Hotel stays/day rooms
Dinner on final evening
Staff gratuity
Taxes (when applicable)
Accommodation
About The Turks & Caicos Aggressor II
Accommodations include six Deluxe Staterooms, each having a double and single berth with ensuite bath and flat-screen TV and DVD player, two Single-Share staterooms each with two single berths that share a bathroom/head between the two staterooms with flat screen TV & DVD player and one master suite for couples that have one large double bed with ensuite bath and a flat-screen TV and DVD player.
Sun Deck & Indoor Dining
Staterooms & Dive Deck
Turks & Caicos Aggressor II Cabin Details
- Master Stateroom (#1)
- Queen bed with a private head and shower, closet, port window, individual climate control, monitor with media player and hairdryer.
- Deluxe Stateroom (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- Double bed (lower) and twin bed (upper) bunk-style, private head and shower, individual climate control, monitor with media player and hairdryer.
- Twin-Share Stateroom (#8, 9)
- Two single beds (bunk-style) with head and shower (shared between two staterooms), closet, port window, individual climate control, monitor with media player and hairdryer.
Check this page to see more details and customer reviews on the Turks & Caicos Aggressor II.
Trip Price
Trip starts from $4,595 per person.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit: $800 to book your spot
- Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 August 2024
- Balance: due 1 December 2025
Extend your trip
Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the the Caribbean before or after your trip with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:
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