Dominican Republic, Silver Banks April 2026

April 4 - 11, 2026 Skill Level: All Experience Levels (Snorkeling trip) Turks & Caicos Agressor II Silver Banks, Dominican Republic Trip Leader: Amy Christopher Located about 90 km north of the Dominican Republic, the Silver Bank is one of the few breeding and calving zones of the North Atlantic Humpback Whale. The Silver Bank and surroundings play host to thousands of migrating North Atlantic humpback whales. In 2005, NOAA humpback whales researchers aboard the R/V Gordon Gunther conducted an extensive population count in the region. The results indicate that between 5000-7000 humpbacks pass through this oddly shaped forty square mile sanctuary each winter. Pregnant female humpbacks calve during this time, and estrous females seek to mate; competition is high. Surface activity is frequent during this time: breaching, lob tailing, and fin slapping are some of the behaviors that can be seen on a daily basis. Rowdy, competitive groups form frequently and are an exciting behavior to observe, unique to the mating grounds. Males become more vocal during this time as well, and the seas are filled with their plaintive song.