Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank is one of the only places on Earth where you can get in the water with humpback whales during their winter breeding season — a bucket-list wildlife encounter rather than a scuba trip.

Best Time to Travel: January – March (Whale Season). Activity: In-Water Snorkeling with Humpback Whales. Unique Marine Life: Humpback Whales (mothers and calves), Dolphins. Level: All (snorkeling only, no scuba certification required). Sea Temps: Average 78°F. Accommodations: Liveaboard.

Turks & Caicos Aggressor II — Silver Bank

During whale season, Turks & Caicos Aggressor II relocates to the Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank, one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel alongside humpback whales during their winter breeding season. This is an in-water encounter trip, not scuba — guests slip into the water with mothers and calves under strict, whale-safe guidelines.

The same comfortable yacht that dives Turks and Caicos reefs the rest of the year becomes a floating base for one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the Caribbean.