Each winter, thousands of North Atlantic humpbacks migrate to the warm waters of the Dominican Republic. The Silver Bank, a known aggregation point, is located on an underwater volcanic plateau that has been protected by the Dominican government, with strict rules that ban SCUBA diving and limit visitor numbers to 600 per season. Despite these regulations (and also perhaps thanks to these regulations), it’s possible to have incredible in-water interactions with whales via a mask and snorkel. Anchored in the middle of the sea, you’re right in the heart of the cetacean action.
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My Silver Bank experience was on board the yacht Tiara, owned by Guy Laliberté (co-founder of Cirque du Soleil). My whale imagery has appeared in various editorials including Conde Nast Traveler and Boat International.
Words and images by Todd Thimios
All images (c) Todd Thimios. I kindly ask that you do not download my photos or use my photos for commercial purposes.
