Dominican Republic Humpback Whale Expedition

The Silver Bank Marine Sanctuary, just off the north coast of the Dominican Republic, provides a safe wintering haven for the entire North Atlantic Humpback Whale population who gather here from January through April. Three to five thousand humpbacks arrive here at the Silver Bank to court, mate, calve, and rear their young. Humpback whales find the area ideal for mating and giving birth as the banks offer safety and protection to females and their calves until the young are strong enough to make the trip back north. This sanctuary, also known as the "Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic" is one of three places in the world where humans can swim and snorkel among the whales.