Swimming with Humpback Whales in the Dominican Republic
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Tour Details
Costs
USD 5,195
Standard Cabin · per person based on double occupancy per cabin
Group
Up to 20 people
+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guides
All dates
1 trip
2027
Saturday, March 18, 2028 – Saturday, March 25, 2028
Other data available upon request
Where
Start
On Saturday afternoon at the port of Cofresi near Puerto Plata
End
The following Saturday, after breakfast at the port of Cofresi near Puerto Plata
Price includes
What's included
All meals, accommodation on the boat, tours
What is not included
Personal expenses, insurance surcharge (USD 200), arrival and departure Puerto Plata, port and sanctuary fees (USD 700), tips, last dinner ashore, fuel surcharge (approx. USD 200)
Physical requirements
Be able to swim 100 meters with fins, a mask, and a snorkel
Be able to climb out of the water using a ladder
Allergies and intolerances can be cared for.
Notes
This tour is intended for snorkelers. No free and scuba diving. This trip is organized by a partner.
Ready for this journey?
Check availability for your desired date.
About the trip
The trip to the humpback whales in the Dominican Republic is a very special trip! For one week, we are heading about 120 kilometers away from the coast to a shallow region, the Silver Bank! A week surrounded by water, whales and sun!
The Silver Bank is located about 120 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Plata in the waters of the Dominican Republic. This reef area is between 10 and 25 meters deep. According to legend, a Spanish ship and its silver cargo sank here around 400 years ago, giving Silver Bank its name. Pure sailor's yarn? But this is certainly true: This is the watery nursery of the humpback whales. Every year, thousands of humpback whales swim from the North Atlantic to the Caribbean island to mate and give birth to their calves in the protected Silver Bank. Thanks to the many reefs, the water here is calm, even though we are far from the coast.
In terms of weather, our trip offers very pleasant temperatures. During the day, the thermometer reaches around 27 degrees, and it gets a bit cooler at night. The water temperature is 23 degrees. A thin wetsuit will keep you warm at all times.
We’ll be staying on the Sea Hunter, surrounded by humpback whales. The ship features 10 spacious cabins with bathrooms, a dining room, and a sun deck from which you can watch the whales passing by all day long.
The Animals
The humpback whales are the stars and also the absolute highlight of this unforgettable trip. In the winter months, the Atlantic humpback whales migrate to the Caribbean to mate and give birth to their calves. Then they head back to the cold, food-rich north.
Up to ten tours give us plenty of opportunity for whale-watching. The encounter with mother and calf is particularly impressive. Curious and playful, the young approach the little strangers. But the eye of the huge mother is always watchful. The mating males provide special action. When the hormones go crazy, they race after the females and fight each other in so-called "heat runs". What men don't do for love. Even from the mother ship, we can experience the powerful leaps of the marine mammals.
To swim with the animals, we get close to them in small tender boats. The benches in the boats are a clear comfort compared to sitting on the tube of a zodiac for hours. There are plenty of snacks and refreshments if you get hungry or thirsty.
Accommodation & Catering
During your time with us, the MS Sea Hunter serves as a floating hotel. The Sea Hunter is a former oil industry diving vessel. It combines the functionality of a working ship with the interior design of a modern yacht.
In addition to the 10 comfortably furnished passenger cabins, our mother ship has a dining room where we enjoy freshly prepared meals prepared by the crew. In the morning and at lunchtime we help ourselves to sumptuous buffets, and in the evening we round off the day with cozy multi-course menus. The crew will make every effort to cater for culinary requirements.
A beautiful lounge with lots of books and movies invites you to linger. Finally, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the ocean from one of the outside decks. Again and again, swimming, playing or jumping whales come into view.
Daily Programme
Our day begins around 7:30 a.m. with a hearty breakfast buffet. Shortly thereafter, we’ll get ready to head out in the tender boats in search of humpback whales. After about three hours at sea—and hopefully some amazing encounters—we’ll return to the Sea Hunter for lunch and a short break. In the afternoon, we head out again for about 3 hours in search of amazing underwater experiences!
Back on board, we treat ourselves to a well-deserved shower before wrapping up the day with a sundowner and a great dinner.
On some evenings, we also get to enjoy presentations by the guides about the Silver Bank and humpback whales.
Equipment & Photography
During the day and in the evening, we usually enjoy very pleasant temperatures that invite us to wear shorts. Depending on the wind, it can get a little chilly on the boats, especially when we get out of the water. However, the wetsuit keeps us warm.
For our ocean excursions, you’ll need goggles, a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Please bring your own gear—we can only provide a limited number of items.
Swimming with whales is not scuba diving, but snorkeling!
For photographers, we recommend lenses with a medium range above the water surface. Underwater, you can take excellent photos of blue whales with small lenses (up to 30mm). However, great photos and videos can also be taken with smaller cameras such as GoPros.
Contact us
Are you convinced yet, or do you have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form below, WhatsApp (+41765811893) or email (info@mobywildlifetours.com).