Dominican Republic (Runs mid January to mid March)

Dominican Republic Humpback Whale Snorkel Adventures - The beautiful TURKS & CAICOS AGGRESSOR II™ offers an exciting itinerary from January - April to the Dominican Republic to snorkel with Humpback Whales at the Silver Bank. This area, twenty square miles in size, is located north of the Dominican Republic and approximately the same distance from the Turks & Caicos Islands.

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. Humpback whales find the area ideal for mating and giving birth. The banks offer safety and protection to females and their calves until the young are strong enough to make the trip back to the North Eastern U.S. coast. This sanctuary, also known as the “Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic” is one of three places intheworldwhere humans can swim and snorkel among the whales.

During the week, guests of our Dominican Republic Humpback Whale Watching itinerary will observe the whales at close range which includes above the water and soft in water encounters. You'll see them spin and play, hear their haunting songs resonating through the water and sense the power and grace of some of the most intelligent mammals on earth - it’s a life-changing experience! All whale charters depart from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The Turks and Caicos Aggressor II™ is one of the few yachts permitted access to the Silver Bank during the Humpback mating and breeding season.

Getting There, Passports & Visa Documentation:

The major airlines that service Puerto Plata (POP) International Airport are: American, Delta, Jet Blue, Westjet and United. There are direct flights from several USA gateways.

Visitors must have a current passport, adequate funds to support themselves, and a return airline ticket. US citizens require a passport that must be valid for 6 months from date of entry. It is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper visa to travel into each country on his or her itinerary as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country for the requirement.

Arrival/Boarding/Departure:

The TURKS & CAICOS AGGRESSOR II™ docks at the Ocean World Marina in Puerto Plata. Guests may board Saturday at 4:00 pm with a 9:30 pm departure for the Silver Bank.

The yacht returns from Dominican Republic Humpback whale watching to Ocean World Marina Friday at 5 pm. Friday evening the yacht hosts a sunset cocktail party then dinner ashore. Check-out is Saturday morning from 7 am - 8 am. Transportation is not included in the price of your trip.

The Chase Boats:

The TURKS & CAICOS AGGRESSOR II™ has two 17 ft. long by 7 ft. wide, aluminum V-hull boats with 18 “ pontoons that hold 11 people in each one. They are fitted with a dive ladder for easy exiting, a full-length bimini top for sun protection, 2 50 hp 4-stroke Yamaha engines for extra safety and a VHF radio. Inflatable’s (with bimini tops) are launched several times daily and are solely used to bring you closer to the whales. Inflatable runs last one and a half to three hours depending on the proximity of whale activity and time of day.

Snorkel Environment:

• All snorkeling activity is from the chase boats. Most guests make 2 whale runs each day which last 1 1/2 - 3 hours each depending on the proximity of whale activity and time of day.
• Water temperature: 78 - 80F.
• 3mm wetsuit and full foot fins for free diving are recommended.