Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris: Humpbacks of the Silver Bank, March 2011

In the warm waters of the Dominican Republic, the world's largest concentration of Humpback Whales converges to calve and mate on the Silver Bank. We travel at the peak of the breeding season to provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience of whale watching and in-water encounters. Your experienced guides and the crew of the MV Turks and Caicos Explorer II will provide you with comfort, safety, and excellent service. Witness males vying for the enviable "escort" role and even hear them as they sing their famous songs. Slip into the water to see curious calves as they follow their mothers and drink their rich milk. By the end of week, you will have a comprehensive knowledge of the behaviors, anatomy, and temperaments of the North Atlantic Humpback Whales in their breeding and calving grounds. If the weather cooperates, and it normally does at this time of year, we will get you very close for amazing shots of surface activity and mind-boggling, eye-to-eye, "soft-in-water" encounters. There is simply nothing that compares to being in the water with a whale!

At a Glance

Cost: $3,545 to $3,945 per person double occupancy, depending on cabin choice. Not including airfare. Review cost details.

Conditions: A non-smoking for people interested in close-up views of Humpback Whales and their extraordinary behavior both above and below the ocean surface.

Update: This itinerary was updated in March 2010. View the plain text version, great for printing!

March 12	Arrive in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and board the M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II by late this afternoon.
March 13	Mid-morning arrival at our mooring on the Silver Bank; afternoon whale watching.
March 14 - 17	Spend five days living with the whales, as you experience soft-in-water encounters and learn about whale behavior, anatomy, conservation, and even individual personalities.
March 18	Spend the morning whale watching and cruising the bank over lunch; leave the Silver Bank this afternoon, watching for whales en route to Puerto Plata.
March 19	Disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Detailed Itinerary

March 12, Saturday: Fly to Puerto Plata; embark on the MV Turks and Caicos Explorer II
Fly to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to arrive by mid-afternoon for transfer to the dock. You will have the opportunity to board after 4:00 p.m. on the day of departure. If you arrive earlier, you may drop off your luggage and gear at the ship while the crew is making preparations, leaving you free to tour the area until boarding time. Arrive at the ship by 7:00 p.m. to enjoy dinner onboard. We will depart in the late evening and head for the Silver Bank.

March 13, Sunday: Arrive on the Silver Bank
We will arrive at our mooring on the Silver Bank mid-morning. We are likely to see whales from the ship's deck early on Sunday morning while en route to our anchorage. After arrival, we will be briefed about soft-in-water encounters, a profoundly new experience for all (except repeat travelers)! Our ship will remain anchored here while we go in search for whales each day in our two tenders - maneuverable and fast 25-foot boats (see more about our tenders at the end of this itinerary). There will be plenty of time for a full afternoon outing by tender this first day.

March 14 - 17, Monday - Thursday: Experience the whales in their world
We will be nestled in the northeast corner of the Silver Bank, a shallow area protected by coral heads and host to the numerous female Humpback Whales that have chosen the Silver Bank as their nursery for their newborn calves. The entire Silver Bank is thick with coral heads, but the northeast corner has extensive coral that breaks the surface during low tides, giving protection to newborn calves (and us!). The only point of reference is a rusting shipwreck, perched on top of the barrier reef.

Each day at 8:30 a.m., the tenders depart the mooring area fully stocked and prepared for a day of whale observations both above and below water. Activity on the Silver Bank runs in cycles. Everyday there is a slack period and these periods will vary from day to day. Typically the tenders return to the ship everyday around 12:30 p.m. for lunch. If we are experiencing extraordinary activity, we may eat our lunch on the tenders since we carry plenty of sandwiches and other food. If we return to the ship for lunch, we go back out in the tenders at about 2:00 p.m. for the afternoon action. We don't want to miss any opportunity to intermingle with the gentle giants. We plan to return to the ship each evening around 6:00 p.m.

There could be some "whale waiting" while we look for cooperative Humpback Whales, but the time spent searching is quickly forgotten when we are in the midst of surface activity and soft-in-water encounters. The majority of the time, we will not have to look far for whale activity. In fact, the common phrase is not, "where are the whales?" but rather, "which whale should we watch?" Our biggest obstacle to success is spending too much time with uncooperative whales, so be prepared to leave one group in search for a better one. We may approach many whales before finding a group that are interested in allowing us to join them in their element and on their terms.

March 18, Friday: Morning whale watching; cruise the Silver Bank before returning to Puerto Plata
We will spend the morning out on the tenders then return to the ship for lunch. Our ship will raise anchor and we will sail through the banks, watching for more whale activity from the decks of our ship. We will be sad to depart this wonderful place and return to Puerto Plata in the afternoon. We will arrive at the dock in Puerto Plata in the late evening for our last night onboard.

March 19, Saturday: Disembark the M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II
On Saturday morning, we will leave our cabins by 9:00 a.m after a continental breakfast onboard. If your flight departs late in the day, you will have time for a short trip via taxi and tram (not included in the trip costs) up the hill behind Puerto Plata for a scenic view, if the skies are clear. Otherwise you may stay on the top deck with your baggage and a transfer to the airport will be provided.

The Silver Bank

The Silver Bank is located about 80 miles north of the Dominican Republic, equidistant from the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is one of the most important breeding and calving grounds for Humpback Whales in the North Atlantic Ocean and 5,000 or more Humpbacks are estimated to use the Silver Bank Reserve Area from January through early April each year. The water temperature here is between 76° and 78°F. The Silver Bank Sanctuary for Humpback Whales, declared in 1986, is approximately 200 square miles.

Visibility on the Silver Bank varies from day to day, but averages from 40 to 60 feet around the mooring area with occasional particles suspended in the water. The wind, swells, and slight current that move the sea across the coral heads that surrounds the mooring area cause a run off from the coral which determines the amount of visibility in the area. As a whole, the Silver Bank is patchy in terms of visibility: 50 foot visibility may turn into 100 feet over a distance of only 400 feet. The average depth of the water is approximately 90 feet. On this voyage, the quality of activity with the whales is dependent on the weather. Rain is infrequent, but wind can impede whale watching.

Whale Encounters - What is a soft-in-water encounter? A soft-in-water encounter is not scuba diving, nor is it aggressive swimming or free diving. It is passive, non-aggressive floating at the surface, in mask, fins and snorkel, allowing the Humpback Whales to develop an interest in humans. It requires finding a cooperative, tolerant or curious whale, and meeting that whale in the water calmly and peacefully on its terms, to permit a rare and treasured encounter between human and cetacean.

This does not mean that everyone must stay glued next to each other, blocking each other's view. The first few minutes of each encounter are extremely important. Humpback Whales are acoustic, so noise is a relevant issue when preparing to enter the water, physically entering the water, and when in the water. If one person swims towards the whale as it approaches the group, more than likely it will turn its pectoral fin and propel itself out of everyone's view. However, if you follow your guide's instructions and adhere to the soft-in-water encounter techniques, you will have a high probability of turning "fly-bys" into five-minute or even multi-hour long encounters. When this happens, the context changes and your guide will instruct you on what you are and are not able to do. Each whale is different and cannot be treated the same as the one before it. For example, when a whale is infatuated with our presence in the water they may become very acrobatic, spinning around and returning to our position with no need to swim after them. This allows us the opportunity to position ourselves well for photography or videography.

Tom Conlin has worked with whales in the Silver Bank on well over a hundred voyages in twenty years. As a naturalist, Tom has learned how to interpret the behaviors of the Humpbacks and how we should react to them both above and below the water. Following instructions is key to successful interaction.

Our Ship

M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II: This ship is the best platform for whale watching on the Silver Bank. It is 124 feet long with a 22-foot beam that was recently refurbished. The vessel will be our hotel for the week on the bank, anchored in a sheltered spot on the reef while we venture out by tender to share our days with the Humpbacks.

Costs

Costs, Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send trip materials and travel insurance information. Until the final payment date, payments are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the departure date of the cancelled trip.

Payment Schedule
Deposit - to reserve your space	$500
April 1, 2010 - second payment	$800
December 1, 2010 - final payment	remaining balance
Cost is per person, double occupancy. For reservations made after the second payment date, the deposit and second payment will be due with registration.

Cabin Options: All guest cabins are "outside cabins" with picture windows or large portholes, carpet, blinds, and 110V 60Hz US type electrical outlets. They all have private bathroom and shower, and individually controlled air-conditioning systems. See the deckplan.

Staterooms	Description	Cost
1, 2	Upper deck, one queen-sized bed, TV, desk, chair, large window	$3,945
3, 4	Main deck, two lower twin-sized beds, desk, chair, large window	$3,745
5, 6, 7	Main deck, queen-sized bed or two lower twin-sized beds, desk, chair, large window	$3,745
8, 9, 10	Lower deck, twin upper and lower beds, porthole window	$3,545

Single Occupancy: No single cabins are available. Double occupancy cabins may be booked on a single basis at 1.9 times the published rate. If you are willing to have a roommate assigned to your cabin, there will be no single supplement charge.

Sign-up

Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, sign it, and mail it to us with your deposit:

Other Details

Flight Information: Fly to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to arrive at the latest by mid-afternoon on March 12. We will arrange your transfer from the airport to the dock (or from your hotel if you arrive early). Plan your return flight from Puerto Plata for early afternoon or later on March 19. Please let us know if you'd like to arrive a day or two early or extend your stay after the voyage; we'd be happy to arrange hotel nights in Puerto Plata (not included in cost). There are flights from Miami (MIA) and other major US airports to Puerto Plata (POP). Round trip airfare from Miami is approximately $450, from San Francisco it is approximately $650 (quoted October 2009, subject to change).

Registration forms and releases: You will be asked to sign a reservation form with Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris and additional release forms with the ship operator, Aquatic Adventures. This paperwork must be completed and returned to us before your trip.

Leaders: grew up whale watching and traveling the world with Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris. He earned his graduate degree in conservation biology at Duke University and has been organizing and leading wildlife safaris full time ever since. His great passion is making expeditions possible for travelers to spend the maximum time possible with wildlife, believing that by coming to know wildlife and wilderness intimately, travelers will come to respect the value of wild places in their pristine state.

Tom Conlin, a veteran on the Silver Bank, is a tour operator, naturalist, licensed 1,600 Ton U.S.C.G. Master Pilot, Master Diver Trainer, professional photographer, and a leading expert in the field of whales and soft-in-water encounters. Tom has had the opportunity to contribute his work to some of the leading organizations and researchers in the cetacean community as well as film crews, leading magazines, television, newspapers, and professional photographers from around the world. Prior to the 1996 season, the Comision Rectora appointed Tom as their representative on the Silver Bank, allowing him to use his experience and knowledge to oversee all aspects of taking people into the Silver Bank (regulations, education and training, notifications, recommendations). Tom's entire focus on this voyage will be on teaching whale behavior and supplying you with incredible opportunities for whale interaction.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Seasickness: Don't let a fear of seasickness prevent you from signing up! Read our suggestions for coping with seasickness.

Conditions: We have a strict non-smoking policy. Travel to remote places is exciting, but understanding and accepting the risks, both medical and logistical, are important. Minor medical problems can be treated, but due to the fact that we will be out in the middle of the ocean, there can be no expectation for immediate medical evacuation by air or ship, even in cases of trauma. If this fact concerns you too much, do not choose this trip for your vacation. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this trip. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs, including medication or patches for seasickness. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

Humpback Whales of the Silver Bank Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic March 12 to 19, 2011