Celebration Week

Offre publiée le : 13-12-2011

Individual Cabins Available: 16 February – 15 March 2012

Normally Necker Belle, Sir Richard Branson’s stunning 105ft luxury catamaran, is hired exclusively by an individual or group, but during ‘Celebration Weeks’, held on selected weeks throughout the year, couples or singles can book one of 4 cabins individually and share a unique whale watching experience along the Silver Bank.

What’s it all about? No one knows quite why, but during the winter months the North Atlantic Humpback whale starts a long annual migration from North to South.

The exact route they take can vary, but one area they’re sure to visit is the Silver Bank, now famous as a breeding and calving zone for these magnificent mammals, attracting more humpback whales per year than anywhere else on earth – anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 each season. As you might expect, the Silver Bank is now a protected sanctuary.

While they’re performing elaborate courtship rituals humpback whales spend a lot of time on the surface, often as a group of males strutting their stuff as they try to impress the females. This behaviour often turns to aggression as the whales ram and flop over each other to get the best position – a truly stunning spectacle usually accompanied by whale song!

The experience: A visit to the Silver Bank doesn’t just mean you get to watch from the deck of Necker Belle, you’ll also have the opportunity to get into the water - known as a ‘soft in-water encounter’ - to get even closer to these magnificent creatures. The contact is passive floating in snorkelling gear allowing the whales to develop an interest and approach as they feel comfortable.

Our expert: With over 20 years of experience with whales in the Silver Bank, expert Tom Conlin of Aquatic Adventures will be your guide on-board and in the water.

Where is it? The Silver Bank is situated approximately 100km north of the town of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, with sailing times of about 6-7 hours. From the north the Silver Bank is 250km southeast of Providenciales, the location of the main international airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

How do I get there? We will begin our tour from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, so the main airport to arrive into would be Puerto Plata Gregorio Luperon (POP) or Providenciales Airport (Turks and Caicos), with an island hopper flight to Puerto Plata.

Where will I sail? You will set sail in Puerto Plata before heading to the Silver Banks to begin 2.5 days of whale watching. During this time you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling, diving and taking part in a selection of watersport activities – you’ll have a whale of a time! From here, we will sail downwind to the secluded Turks and Caicos islands to catch some sunrays and beach time and sail further up to Grand Turk to see the ‘Big City’ before returning to Puerto Plata.

Rates and Dates: The rates shown below are in US Dollars and are priced per couple, per week during a Celebration Week. Please note these rates include the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). There must be a minimum of 2 cabins booked to go ahead and this will be confirmed 10 weeks prior to sailing. Necker Belle is available for 7-night charters including 2.5 days in the Silver Bank plus Puerto Plata, Big Sand Cay, Grand Turk and Luperon (please note that destinations are subject to change).

Rates per cabin (based on two people) - 7 Night Charter
Small Double Room: $25,925
Suite (Double): $27,925
Suite (Twin): $27,925
Master Suite: $29,925

Rates include :

- 7 nights’ accommodation
- All meals and drinks (including all alcoholic beverages)
- An experienced crew with whale specialist Tom Conlin as your tutor and guide
- Use of onboard sporting equipment including water-skiing, game fishing, scuba diving (not permitted in the Silver Bank area) and a speed boat capable of 40 knots


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