2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Snorkeling with the Humpbacks of the Silver Bank EXTRAORDINARY IN-THE-WATER WHALE ENCOUNTERS

The warm waters of the Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank provide a winter haven for thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales. This is one of the few places in the world where humans can swim right among them! On this adventure, we bring you incredible daily encounters with the whales, and the expertise of a phenomenal marine biologist Trip Leader. Topside, we’ll witness spectacular behaviors, including mother and calf interactions. When we slip into the sea and snorkel among the whales, we 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. No other trip gives you as much time with the humpbacks and such up-close encounters. Day 1 Puerto Plata / Silver Bank We head 70 miles off the Dominican coast to our 124-foot “mother ship” awaiting us in the shallow waters of the Silver Bank. This submerged limestone plateau was named for the valuable cargo lost here by shipwrecked Spanish galleons. It provides warm waters and shelter for thousands of migrating humpback whales who arrive each winter to mate, calve, and rear their young.

Days 2-6 Whales of the Silver Bank Our anchorage is the perfect base—just a quick ride in the tender and we are right among the whales. Our spacious 25-foot tenders offer a stable ride and quiet motors, and they’re configured so that everyone gets great views (and awesome photos). Once we spot a group of whales, our group dons snorkeling gear and slips quietly into the sea to wait for curious whales and calves to approach us—an encounter in their environment and on their terms, not ours. With twice-daily encounters with the whales, witness underwater behaviors including mother and calf nurturing as well as elaborate courtship dances. At the end of each day, we celebrate with sundowners and a delicious dinner, then enjoy fascinating presentations on cetacean evolution, biology, and humpback behavior by our marine biologist Trip Leader. Humpback whales have unusually long, wing-like pectoral fins and we should see some spectacular displays along with lots of pec slaps. We may see lobtailing (slapping their flukes on the water), huge breaches—humpbacks are among the most dramatic breachers of all the whale species, spyhopping (a kind of peek- a-boo—humpbacks are quite inquisitive), and peduncle throws (a crack-the-whip motion that throws their tail in the air). Days 7-8 Silver Bank / Cofresi / Puerto Plata Departing our anchorage on the Silver Bank, we motor back to the marina in Cofresi, spend a final night aboard, then depart on Day 8 via Puerto Plata.

HIGHLIGHTS • Learn firsthand about whales and their behaviors from our expert marine biologist Trip Leader • Swim and snorkel with humpback whales—one of nature’s most amazing experiences! • Enjoy the comforts and amenities of our “mother ship,” with specialized tenders for whale encounters

DETAILS • 8-day trip begins and ends in Puerto Plata

• 7 nights aboard ship in air-conditioned cabins with private bath and ocean views • All meals included

DATE Mar 16-23, 2019

TRIP COST From $5295, depending on cabin category

Cruising and Sanctuary fees: $350 Port fees and fuel surcharge: $350

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Swimming and snorkeling in open waters, whale watching excursions aboard tenders

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thrill to snorkel with a humpback whale!

117 WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM