Expertise Since 1987
Rated Excellent
FLEXIBLE PRICING
Silver Bank Highlights
6-8 hours of whale watching per day (weather permitting).
Two tender surface watching sessions daily.
Surface whale viewing from two comfortable tenders.
Opportunities for passive in-water snorkel encounters .
Informational naturalist presentations.
Happy Hour festivities.
Please be advised that whale activity is not predictable. Encounters are by swim or snorkel only. There is no scuba diving during this expedition.
Tour Itinerary
Approximately 80 miles north of the Dominican Republic, and 100 miles southeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands lie the shoals of the Silver Bank. Protected by NOAA as the “Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic” these shoals are the world’s largest mating & calving grounds for Humpback whales. The Aquatic Adventures Team collectively has over 30 seasons on the Silver Bank to date. Their experience is unparalleled and the entire team is extremely good at helping you to experience prolonged, meaningful in-water encounters with humpback whales. These expeditions are sure to provide you a safe and extraordinary experience.
Explore itineraryPackage Overview
- 8 days / 7 nights aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II
- In-water and surface whale viewing opportunities
- Expert naturalist guides from Aquatic Adventures
- Accommodation, meals, snacks, and alcohol/non-alcohol beverages
- Deck service from a friendly and experienced crew
- Excellent for all skill levels (swim & snorkel only)
- Easy access through Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)
- For pricing visit Aquatic Adventures here
*All of Aquatic Adventures expeditions are naturalist-guided with the utmost care taken in providing you with a knowledgeable guide, ensuring you an exciting, educational, and trouble-free expedition.
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About Turks & Caicos Explorer II®
Scuba diving in the Turks & Caicos Islands
The Turks & Caicos Explorer II liveaboard was designed to be the ideal dive yacht to cruise the beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands. Custom designed as a dive boat, she is equipped with Naiad stabilizers and a heavy keel. The vessel serves efficiently as a liveaboard for these remote islands and is ideal for the open-water excursions to the Silver Bank, 80 miles north of the Dominican Republic. This liveaboard is a favorite among many and carries up to 20 passengers and 8 crew. All staterooms throughout the vessel have port lights or windows, individually-controlled air-conditioning, and private ensuite bathrooms. Turks & Caicos Explorer II is also crewed by a fun, energetic, and hardworking team of divers who are devoted to personalized service and friendly camaraderie above all else. The crew is committed to safety and set a high standard having worked for many years in the liveaboard industry. They will ensure you have an unforgettable diving holiday.
A liveaboard trip is not just about diving. It’s also about relaxing surface intervals, scenic views, and of course the delicious food! The menu is a mix of locally inspired recipes, American favorites, and gourmet dishes from the chef’s imagination. While on board you will enjoy three meals a day, plus in-between dive snacks. You’ll never be hungry!
I recently spent a week aboard the Turks and Caicos Explorer II, and overall, it was a memorable and positive experience. The diving was excellent, the crew was professional and attentive, and the food was absolutely outstanding—easily among the best I’ve had on any liveaboard. - Julia G, August 17, 2025, Read more guest reviews here.
Breakfast is served from 7 to 8 am with cold breakfasts available for late risers, followed by two morning dives with an in-between dive snack (often a fresh-baked pastry or cookies). Lunch is at 12:30 pm, with two afternoon dives and an in-between dive snack. Then a delectable dinner is served around 6:30 pm with a scrumptious dessert. Hot cocoa is offered following the night dive, which divers often enjoy while lounging under the stars on deck. For the duration of your holiday, you will also have access to unlimited soda, juice, tea, coffee, and when finished diving for the day, alcohol, beer, and wine (brands depend on availability.)
Turks & Caicos Explorer II is crewed by an energetic and hardworking team of divers who are devoted to personalized service and warm camaraderie. They are always standing by to take good care of you on board and in the water. The crew is committed to safety and set a high standard having worked for many years in the liveaboard industry. They will ensure you have an unforgettable diving holiday.
Responsible Diving: Dive Green® + Green Fins
Caribbean Explorer II is part of Explorer Ventures Fleet’s long-standing Dive Green® environmental program and participates in Green Fins, the internationally recognized sustainable marine tourism initiative coordinated by The Reef-World Foundation.
Together, these programs turn responsible diving into practical onboard action, from diver briefings and reducing reef contact to waste management, environmental education and continuous improvements through Green Fins assessments and action plans.
The goal is simple: great diving with less impact on the marine environments we travel in.
Photographer Amenities Aboard Turks & Caicos Explorer II
Walls dropping into deep blue water, sharks cruising the reef and plenty of smaller life make the Turks & Caicos a great destination for photographers who don’t want to choose between wide angle and macro. Turks & Caicos Explorer II provides dedicated space for camera preparation and care between dives. The Turks & Caicos Islands are best for dramatic walls and wide-angle scenes, sharks, turtles and rays, macro finds, colourful reef structure and Caribbean sunsets.
Camera Facilities
Camera table: Dedicated 10' x 4' camera table at the back of the dive deck Charging: Four double outlets with a power bar beneath the camera table, with additional charging areas around the vessel USB charging: Two USB ports in each cabin, with additional charging near the TV and couch Camera rinse: Dedicated rinse tank Drying: Two air guns beside the camera table Storage: Shelving beneath the camera tableDrone Usage
Recreational drone use is allowed in the Turks and Caicos Islands without needing a special permit from the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (TCICAA), though commercial operations require prior authorization and insurance. Silver Bank charters require advance permit.Photography and drone information is provided for general guidance only. Photographers and drone operators are responsible for verifying and complying with all applicable local regulations and permit requirements. Regional policies and restrictions may change without notice and may vary by location, site, species, or governing authority.
What Underwater Photographers Can Shoot
Turks & Caicos is particularly good for wide-angle, with Caribbean reef sharks, turtles, rays and dramatic reef structure set against clear blue water. Macro photographers can turn their attention to pipehorses, pipefish, blennies and other small critters. Above water, keep the camera nearby at the end of the day for colorful Caribbean sunsets and the occasional chance to catch the green flash.
Turks & Caicos Explorer II at a Glance
Everything you need to know about Turks & Caicos Explorer II, from accommodations and onboard amenities to the dive deck and technical specifications.
