Dominican Republic, Silver Banks April 2026
April 4 - 11, 2026
Designated as a Marine Sanctuary, the Silver Bank provides a safe wintering haven for the entire North Atlantic Humpback Whale population who gather here from January through April by the thousands to court, mate, calve, and rear their young.
Availability: In Stock
Skill Level: All Experience Levels (Snorkeling trip)
Turks & Caicos Agressor II Silver Banks, Dominican Republic
Trip Leader: Amy Christopher
Located about 90 km north of the Dominican Republic, the Silver Bank is one of the few breeding and calving zones of the North Atlantic Humpback Whale. The Silver Bank and surroundings play host to thousands of migrating North Atlantic humpback whales. In 2005, NOAA humpback whales researchers aboard the R/V Gordon Gunther conducted an extensive population count in the region. The results indicate that between 5000-7000 humpbacks pass through this oddly shaped forty square mile sanctuary each winter. Pregnant female humpbacks calve during this time, and estrous females seek to mate; competition is high. Surface activity is frequent during this time: breaching, lob tailing, and fin slapping are some of the behaviors that can be seen on a daily basis. Rowdy, competitive groups form frequently and are an exciting behavior to observe, unique to the mating grounds. Males become more vocal during this time as well, and the seas are filled with their plaintive song.
Inclusions:
- 7 nights Deluxe Cabin accommodations on-board Turks & Caicos Aggressor II (in the Dominican Republic)
- All activities (please note this is a snorkel only trip, no scuba diving)
- All meals (except Friday evening dinner)
- Snacks, all coffee, tea, juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Ocean First escort
Not included:
- International airfare
- Transfers from international airport (Puerto Plata) to vessel
- Meals & beverages not mentioned above
- Port & sancutuary fees $625 (Subject to change)
- Gratuities
- Excess baggage fees
- Any unforeseen cost at the time of booking
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Trip Cost:
- $5,745 Deluxe Cabin, Double Occupancy
Payment Schedule:
- Nonrefundable deposit to reserve space $750
- $750 due by July 1, 2025
- $750 due by October 1, 2025
- Final balance due by January 1, 2026
- Passport must be valid for 6 months after departure date
Cancellation Policy:
- Changes made to the reservation may result in additional fees.
- Cancellation 180 days or more: refund given based on reselling the space, minus the initial deposit.
- 179 - 120 days: original deposit is forfeited as well as any vendor fees.
- 119 days or less or a no-show: no refunds given.
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. Ocean First recommends Allianz Travel Insurance
