We’re just back from our first Silver Bank humpback whale watching expedition of the 2023 season with Conscious Breath Adventures!
Photos and account from the Captain’s log of Captain Gene:
After a challenging crossing that tested our sea legs somewhat, we were delighted to set up our mooring for the season in our usual spot behind the reef. After some instruction on proper techniques and procedures, we headed out into the water for our practice snorkel and gear check. Then, we were ready to begin! We were surrounded by the familiar sight of whales breaching on the horizon hither and yon – we were almost too distracted to find the sweet mum and calf pair hanging out not 200m off our bow. As we edged closer, the calf seemed to sense our presence and promptly decided there was some serious showing off to do. We watched a beautiful show of baby breaches as it showed off its ventral pleats, turning tummy to the sky, practicing its dance moves beautifully.
The Sea Hunter preparing for our next expedition in the Dominican Republic
On Monday we found another mother and calf cruising through the coral reef. As many of our readers will know, we never get in the water with a moving or cruising whale. But we will track them at a respectful distance for a little while and these two led us right to a gathering of competitive males, one of the famous “rowdy groups’ of the Silver Bank. We tracked this high-energy display for almost an hour. We estimate it was a group of five whales with the escort blowing some serious bubble trails, swimming and bubbling along for 30m or more at a time. Experiencing that kind of power was definitely the highlight of our day. It is such a humbling experience to watch this large-scale, megaton action up close and personal.
Photo by Captain Gene, Conscious Breath Adventures
On Tuesday and Wednesday we got even busier in the water, with each of our boats having very different interactions. From curious calves to an even bigger rowdy group (we think perhaps eight whales). But nothing prepared us for the magic that was to happen on Wednesday afternoon when we found three resting adult whales. After spending considerable time lining up the situation perfectly, we were able to slip quietly into the water without disturbing them. When we got in there was one whale that made it very clear she did not mind our presence in the slightest. She was hovering vertically in the water column, head straight down, beautiful white fluke facing up towards us, hanging for about 15 minutes at a time.
Then, when her breath cycle had finished, she would surface by spy hopping towards us in the water, slowly surfacing while facing us. Sometimes she surfaced tail first, sticking her tail fluke 3-4m up in the air before she and her two companions would swim a short distance where we could give the group the opportunity for another swim. This continued right until our time out on the water was up, and we headed home delighted to have had several remarkable swims with these three beautiful leviathans… Every night is different but my two favorite nights on the Silver Bank are the full moon, when the silver moonlight helps give the Bank its name; and the new moon, when there is no moonlight at all, the darkness painted by the Milky Way and a million brilliant stars.
Photo by Captain Gene, Conscious Breath Adventures
Back in daylight, somehow, it seemed that the breaching baby from earlier in the week heard that we had had an encounter that might top the first. Mummy and baby came back to find us, with an escort in tow, and spent a very active morning swimming beside the boat and playing on mum’s nose. They were decidedly too active for us to get in with them, so we enjoyed our time with them before heading in to lunch. But oh, no, no, that simply wouldn’t do for this pair. We found them again in the afternoon, and this time they were nice and sleepy. Momma whale was peaceful but attentive and let us in the water for a nice encounter, maintaining her distance so her little one was safe, but close enough to have an incredible look. The escort, too, was lovely and calm and we had another afternoon where both boats were able to get in a few mind-blowing swims. There is nothing like swimming with whales, especially when done with care and respect. There were happy tears, hoots of joy, and then a long journey back to the marina as that was, sadly, the end of our trip.
It was an amazing start to what we hope will be an amazing season- and we can’t wait to update you on what happens next week!
Thanks for following the action,
Capt Gene, Jeff & Cat
Loved the whales! Lots around the boat and near the skiffs. Food was good – Chef works hard to keep everyone well fed. Maintenance on boat great – things were repaired quickly when reported as an issue. Good layout on the boat, essy to get to gear. Crew very friendly and helpful. Great experience overall. Highly recommend
Snorkeling with the Humpback Whales and seeing & experiencing them up close was an amazing adventure. The crew on board of the sea hunter was great and added to this once in a lifetime experience.
It has been a great experience to snorkle with humpback whales and watch the their behavior below and above surface. Nothing to complain about. A very professionel and skilled crew in either seamanship and hosting. Always helpfull and friendly. We felt at home on board.
My friend & I were swimming with humpbacks in the Silver Banks. This was my second time on Sea Hunter & there is nothing like it. It is a spiritual experience. The staff was amazing and the food was more than any of us could eat. Hot bkfast, lunch, & dinners. I like the size of the ship. I will be back
Seeing the group of three male resting whales! One remained vertical when resting…amazing. The staff were all incredibly helpful and couteous. The variety of food offered at each meal was excellent and the food was delicious. I will definately recommend this experience to others! It was worth every dollar paid.
I am amazed how knowledgable and skilled the professional dive masters are. To find a resting giant whale on the bottom of the ocean is incomprensible! The trip in its entirety allowed opportunity to appreciate the humpback whales behaviour on many excursions. The power of the males in the rowdy groups trumpeting and blowing bubble streams is quite memorable. I would definitely do this trip again and highly recommend this staff and crew.