Swim alongside the largest toothed predator on Earth—Dominica’s resident sperm whales—in a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean adventure. In the crystal-clear waters of this pristine island nation, guests on Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris came face-to-face with these awe-inspiring marine giants, gaining a rare and intimate glimpse into their underwater world.

Why the Caribbean is a Whale-Watching Paradise

The Caribbean Sea is a global hotspot for marine megafauna, offering year-round whale watching in some of the most biologically rich waters on the planet. Dominica, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales reside year-round, while nearby Silver Bank—a shallow underwater plateau north of the Dominican Republic—hosts migrating humpback whales each winter.

While Dominica provides encounters with sperm whales in their natural family pods, Silver Bank offers the chance to float quietly as massive humpbacks swim past, often singing their haunting songs. Both destinations highlight the Caribbean’s extraordinary marine biodiversity and make the region a must-visit for eco-travelers and ocean lovers alike.

Trip Highlights:

In the heart of Arctic Norway, where icy fjords slice through dramatic coastlines and the Aurora Borealis dances across the sky, Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris offers an unforgettable winter expedition. Guests embark on a small-ship adventure, cruising through pristine waters in search of orcas and humpbacks, while immersing themselves in the stark beauty of Norway’s frozen wilderness.

This journey is more than just wildlife viewing—it’s an exploration of Arctic culture, photography, and thrilling winter activities that leave travelers with memories etched in frost and fire.

Trip Highlights:

Dive into the rich marine world of Palau, experiencing vibrant coral gardens, awe-inspiring spawning events, and mesmerizing blackwater dives with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.

Discovering Marine Wonders on a Palau Diving Expedition

Palau is a diver’s paradise, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, thrilling currents, and unique dive experiences like blackwater dives and snapper spawning events. Embarking on a Palau Diving Expedition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. In May 2024, a lucky group of divers took part in a one-of-a-kind expedition to Palau, an underwater wonderland in the western Pacific Ocean. Guided by our expert leaders Scott Davis, Richard Barnden, and Macstyl Sasao, they explored the unique Palau National Marine Reserve. Here, science and art intertwine to create a symphony of marine life that few have the chance to experience up close. From sunrise dives with thousands of spawning red snapper to nighttime blackwater dives where 100 million tons of biomass rise from the depths, Palau proved to be an enchanting destination like no other.

If you’re interested, we’d be happy to develop a private group trip to Palau for you and your friends! And Cheesemans’ has several thrilling aquatic trips lined up, capturing the same sense of wonder and excitement. Experience your next adventure with our Snorkel with Humpback Whales tour in March 2026. Discover more here! Or, in August 2025, explore Komodo Island’s incredible marine biodiversity on our Sulawesi and Komodo tour.

Key Experiences from Our Palau Diving Journey

1. A Dance of Life: The Snapper Spawning Event
   On the mornings around the full moon, divers descended before sunrise to witness one of nature’s most rhythmic spectacles—the spawning ritual of the red snapper. The waters filled with thousands of fish moving in unison, creating a swirling dance. It was a heart-pounding experience for everyone on board, as blacktip reef sharks joined in, adding an extra thrill to the scene.
2. Blackwater Dives: A Journey into the Abyss
   At night, the Palau Siren anchored in the open ocean for an unforgettable blackwater dive. With lights lowered to 15 meters, divers hovered in the darkness, watching as microscopic zooplankton rose from the mesopelagic layers. This incredible migration brings with it an array of mysterious, translucent creatures. Divers were treated to close encounters with jellyfish, comb jellies, and various other species that rarely meet the human eye.
3. Learning the History of Palau
   While Palau is renowned for its stunning underwater landscapes, its military history adds a fascinating layer to its story.

Imagine swimming eye-to-eye with one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures—the humpback whale—while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. This incredible encounter is a reality at the Silver Bank, where Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris offers an exclusive, intimate snorkeling expedition with these gentle giants. Our journey to the Silver Bank is more than just an adventure; it’s an immersion into one of nature’s grandest spectacles.

A Dive into Paradise: Exploring the Silver Bank

The Silver Bank, located off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, is part of the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic, one of the few places in the world where humans can snorkel with humpback whales. Every year, from January to April, these whales migrate here to mate, give birth, and nurse their young in the warm, shallow waters.

This trip is an unforgettable opportunity to witness the complex social behaviors of humpback whales. The journey unfolds over seven days and six nights aboard the spacious M/V Turks & Caicos Explorer II, our floating base for exploration and discovery.

Highlights

1. Unmatched Whale Encounters: With expert guides and whale researchers on board, guests had the chance to swim and snorkel alongside humpback whales, observing their fascinating behaviors up close. The Silver Bank’s shallow waters (20 to 100 feet deep) provided an ideal setting for in-water interactions, maximizing both visibility and safety. Participants often witnessed everything from mother-calf pairs bonding to the acrobatic breaching displays of courting males. Many described these moments as life-changing, with mother whales sometimes gliding just feet away, calves nestled beside them.
2. Small Group Advantage: The trip’s intimacy was unparalleled, with a maximum of just 19 guests. This allowed for personalized opportunities for in-water interactions. Cheesemans’ guides maintained small groups and ensured respectful encounters to protect the safety and well-being of both travelers and whales.
3. Daily Snorkeling Expeditions: Each day consisted of two excursions in smaller tenders, designed to bring participants closer to the whales. The dedicated guides facilitated encounters with minimal disturbance, often leading to curious whales approaching swimmers.