Silver Bank

Best time to dive

Season varies - confirm locally

What you might see

• DolphinLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Open Water

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - this is a snorkel-only encounter (no scuba permitted in the protected sanctuary); guided soft in-water approaches to humpback whales from small tender boats

Safety notes

Long overnight open-ocean crossing (seasickness risk), no scuba diving allowed, weather-dependent trips, limited emergency access given the remote offshore location; bring extra layers for wind/cold on deck

Permits & fees

Government-restricted access - only 3 licensed liveaboard operators are permitted to run trips (fewer than ~600 total visitor slots annually, capped at roughly 60 guests per week); operators handle permit/sanctuary fees as part of the trip cost

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Puerto Plata