Conscious Breath Adventures | Whale & Dolphin Watching      Swim with humpback whales on the Silver Bank, in the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic, the ultimate whale experience! Live your dream when you spend a week in harmony with the humpback whales of the Silver Bank. Journey to the Sanctuary for the Marine Mammals of the Dominican Republic with Conscious Breath Adventures, operating under limited permit from the government of the DR . Our cruises take you to experience the largest gathering of North Atlantic humpback whales on the planet, where 3,000+ whales gather every January-April to court, mate and give birth. Thrill to spectacular displays of breaching, pec slapping, lobtailing and spyhopping. Experience the ultimate wildlife interaction when you enter the warm tropical waters with our experienced staff to encounter the humpback whales eye to eye, on their terms, in their natural environment. See playful calves, swim in bone-shaking song, witness courtship dances and more. Travel aboard our 138' luxury vessel, the finest to visit the Silver Bank and gain a deeper understanding through our educational and conservation presentations. Conscious Breath Adventures supports conservation and research efforts as part of our philosphy that everyone who meets the humpback whales should come away with a deeper appreciation of the whales and understanding of the threats they face. MonthsJanuary • February • March • April DurationMulti-day Vessel typesLive-aboard boat Times and pricesTen week season in 2013 from January 26 through April 6. Each cruise is one week in duration, Saturday to Saturday. Costs are $3,350 per person in a Deluxe Stateroom, $3,495 pp in a Master Stateroom, plus a $250 pp Sanctuary Access & Port Fee and Fuel Surcharge (currently $95, subject to change). All onboard accomodations, meals and beverages (including beer and wine) are included. All cruises begin and end at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. About our skippers and naturalist guidesCapt. Gene Flipse is president of Conscious Breath Adventures, and has 11 years experience swimming with the humpback whales of the Silver Bank, and more than a decade of experience taking people to swim with wild spotted dolphins in the Bahamas. Gene has also supported numerous top marine mammal researchers, international conservationists, top level photographers and award-winning film makers in the U.S., Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Australia, Japan, Tonga and other locations. Capt. Jeff Pantukhoff is founder and president of the Whaleman Foundation (www.WhaleMan.org), a non-profit marine mammal conservation and education organization with global reach. His influential short films have been presented before the UN, IWC, the US Congress and other policy makers and his presence brings a true conservation element to the Silver Bank. FacilitiesAccess to wheelhouse • Deck with 360?vision • Naturalist guide(s) as well as skipper • On board hydrophone • On board video • Onboard research • PA system • Public participation in research • Reading material available • Restrooms / toilets on board • Snacks / drinks • Support conservation • Swim / snorkel included • Use a code of conduct We frequentlyListen to whale song • Listen to whales and dolphins • See a whale's tail • See leaping whales • Showered by whale blows • Swim with them in the wild • Watch whales and dolphins Baleen WhalesHumpback Whale Ocean DolphinsAtlantic Spotted Dolphin • Bottlenose Dolphin • Pantropical Spotted Dolphin Other wildlife and points of interestA variety of seabirds including Brown Footed Boobies and Frigates; sea turtles; snorkeling on shallow tropical coral reefs; snorkeling the wreck of the freighter Polyxeni. Address2432 Lake Ave
Town / CityNaples
State / CountyFlorida, USA
Zip / Postcode34112
CountryUnited States
WebsiteTel
 David Bricker Utterly Fantastic Traveled: 2013-03-30, Reviewed: 2013-04-08
Safe approach to whales / dolphins
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Living in a whale sanctuary for a week and swimming with whales is life-changing. After following a whale until she settles on the bottom, the swimmers gently and quietly enter the water. Not only are humpbacks BIG, they're completely aware of your presence. Though strong, they're gentle. When a large mother humpback circled us and then kicked off in front of us, I expected to be tossed like a feather in her wake. Instead, she directed the water flow in such a way that I felt no current at all. By the end of the trip, my 7-year-old daughter was completely comfortable swimming with the whales.
Captain Gene and his crew are all experienced and knowledgeable about whales (and seamanship; Gene is a licensed Captain and also a certified dive master). We had ample opportunities to find, follow, and photograph whales as they exhibited various social behaviors such as pec slapping and breaching. Each day's excursion was followed by a brief but informative presentation about whale biology, conservation, and similar topics. Though he's been doing this for years, few cheer as loudly as Captain Gene when whales breach next to your boat or a rowdy group dives beneath the tender; he clearly loves introducing people to the whales and he inspired his capable crew with his enthusiasm. This cruise attracts visitors who are not your average tourist. Though I can't speak for other groups, we all enjoyed the camaraderie as we explored the whale sanctuary and enjoyed first-rate meals aboard the Sundancer. I should mention that my wife is diabetic and the only animals I eat are seafood. On top of that, I'm allergic to milk products. Jerry and the kitchen staff fed me well and had no problems accommodating our dietary idiosyncrasies. Good conversation among intelligent, conservation-minded people on what is obviously the Silver Bank's finest whale vessel made for an especially grand experience. If you're an experienced diver, jump in. If you lack experience with a mask and snorkel and have concerns that the deep water (about 80 feet) and waves will be too much for you, rest assured that you'll be an ace by the end of the trip. As joyful as it was to interact with the humpbacks, it was just as thrilling to watch my wife and daughter grow confident and comfortable in the water. Is it worth it to spend a lot of money to go anchor for a week in one place 80 miles from land? Unquestionably yes. By day 4, you'll wish you could stay out for at least one more. You'll see a lot and learn a lot and have an astoundingly good time. Put Conscious Breath Adventures on your bucket list.  Stephen Baker A wonderful experience Traveled: 2013-03-09, Reviewed: 2013-03-29
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Swimming with whales has always been an ambition. To actually be in the water and swim with these amazing and beautiful creatures in their environment has been a privilege and a wonderful experience.
I can now die happy, but not just yet I hope. One comment I would make is that people in the water should be kept in check a little better; one of our party just had to be first most of the time, and in my opinion compromised some of the encounters.  Katherine Runciman Not enough words to describe how amazing this trip was! I'll be back next year! Traveled: 2013-03-16, Reviewed: 2013-03-26
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What an amazing and life changing experience with Captain Gene and the crew of the Sundancer 2!
I had no previous experience snorkeling or swimming with marine mammals, but after a quick lesson from Captain Gene, I was well on my way! I thoroughly enjoyed each and every second we spent with the whales, and with two 4 hour excursions per day, there is plenty of time to be spent observing and interacting with whales. Beyond the amazing in-water encounters with humpback whales, I learned a great deal from Captain Gene and Elisa Buller (guide) on humpback whale behaviour. Informative and interesting presentations were given nightly on humpback whales, other marine life, and conservation efforts to protect these beautiful creatures. Captain Gene's passion and enthusiasm towards whales and marine life in general is so evident throughout the whole trip, and I felt lucky to have someone as conscientious, and eminently capable as him leading our trip. The rest of the crew aboard the Sundancer 2 were amazing....5 stars all the way! The crew was attentive to the needs of every guest, and very quickly made you feel as though the Sundancer 2 was your home, and that you were part of a family. I never waited for anything I asked for, my room was always clean and tidy (thanks to our amazing "house mother" Barbara), and the food was out of this world! I felt privileged and spoiled while living aboard the Sundancer 2. I highly recommend taking this trip....even if you have no previous experience snorkeling or have never done something like this before! Just do it! The encounters with the humpback whales and their calves are incredible and unforgettable. You will leave a different person than when you came! Can't wait to return next year! carolyn AWESOME & MAGICAL Traveled: 2013-02-16, Reviewed: 2013-03-01
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If you have any interest in whales you NEED to take this trip. There are no words to describe what it is like to be in the water with a mother humback and her baby. Overwhelmingly magical , spiritual and awesome are the closest descriptives I can find.
I have wanted to swim with whales since I was a child, this trip fullfilled my childhood wish above and beyond my wildest dreams and expectations. I loved the crew and everyone onboard, they felt like family. This is the vacation of a life time and the experience of a life time , not to be missed. You won't find a more knowledgable, caring, helpful and fun crew anywhere!!!!! I felt safe and secure the entire trip! The food was awesome:) Who would have thought you could have fine dining in the middle of the ocean!!! The staff willingness to help was impecable and genine. Gene and Jeff were incredible! All the info I needed was provided prior to the trip and Cloe helped arrange coupling me with another passenger arriving at the airport the same time as I did, saving us a little money getting to the marina! Above and beyond! It was fabulous, wonderful, fantastic, excellent and every other positive word in the dictionary. If the world were full of people like this it would be Eutopia. Go see for yourself & ENJOY:)  Cindy Pellas Keep me coming back for more! Traveled: 2013-02-02, Reviewed: 2013-02-18
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This was a life changing experience for me and no words can truly describe how I felt to be swimming with such magnificent creatures of the ocean. Gene, Jeff, the crew on board Sundancer II provided exceptional service and you can tell they all enjoy what they do. I live in Australia and it took 4 flights to get on board Sundancer II and I would do it again and again. For those that are thinking about doing this trip...think no more.....just do it!
Sonja Ray Whales are amazing! Traveled: 2011-04-02, Reviewed: 2012-10-08
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I had seen many of Gene's photos and videos from these trips, and finally last year we had the opportunity to go to the Silver Bank with Conscious Breath Adventures. It was an experience never to be forgotten!
The in-water encounters with the whales were awe-inspiring. Previously, I had never seen a whale in the wild.... but I quickly developed the habit of constantly scanning the waters around the ship, because whales were everywhere. It was like whale soup out there! And then we went out in the tenders every day and and actually got in the water with them! The well-being of the whales and the safety of the guests were of paramount importance. Capt. Gene and his staff obviously care deeply about the health and well-being the whales, as well as that of all marine mammals and other sea creatures. The educational presentations in the evenings were interesting. The crew was outstanding -- friendly, gracious, and helpful in every way. The food was comparable to the best five-star restaurants. The "mother ship" and both of the whale-watching tenders were well-equipped and comfortable. Our cabin was surprisingly spacious, and we had a lovely view upon arising each morning of the sunrise, the Polyxeni wreck, and whales outside our window. The sheer variety of whale behaviors that we observed during the week was nothing short of astonishing. From resting mothers with playful calves to breaching, pec-slapping and spyhopping, to the competitive "rowdy groups" that were the whale equivalent of a bunch of teen-age boys trying to impress the girls. Tom Ray Great Trip! Traveled: 2011-04-02, Reviewed: 2012-10-07
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Full disclosure on this review is in order: Capt. Gene of Conscious Breath Adventures has been a close friend of mine since we went to high school together, so I might be a bit biased.
I'm very proud of my friend and was delighted to have the experience of a lifetime: watching a whale the size of a bus swim right by me along with her calf! Gene is very dedicated to his work with whales and the crew of the boat did a fantastic job of feeding us and making us feel at home out on the Silver Bank. A complete account of our trip can be found on my website, Tropical Boating. http://www.tropicalboating.com/2011/04/swimming-with-humpback-whales-on-the-silver-bank Anne Puffett Unbelievable! Traveled: 2012-02-18, Reviewed: 2012-04-19
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This trip was recommended by friends who blew us away with their photos and account of swimming with humpbacks with Gene and his team on the Silverbanks in 2011 so we joined them this year and it exceeded all expectations. Neither of us are strong, fit and experienced in snorkelling but the lure of being in the water with humpbacks called us and Gene, Jeff and the team made us feel safe at all times allowing us to immerse completely in the mind blowing experience in total confidence.
The Sundancer is comfortable, spacious and the crew looked after us very well. Gerry the chef and assistant produced wonderful fool consistently served with graciousness and smiles throughout the trip and nothing was too much trouble. The expertise and constant but unobtrusive support and knowledge of the bank and it's humpbacks underpinned every trip out on the tenders. We went with friends so camaderadie and humour enhanced every day and Gene just got it; I declare him an honorary Brit on this alone! Overall it was all amazing and I would highly recommend this trip to anyone with an interest in fully immersive, ethical whale watching trips. Would we return? Oh yes, already booking the annual leave for 2014 ! Jodi Frediani The very best! Traveled: 1901-12-13, Reviewed: 2011-10-09
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I've been out with 3 different operators on the Silver Bank over a number of years and Captain Gene, by far provides the very best trips. Wouldn't think of going with anyone else now. Not only is his enthusiasm for the whales contagious, his knowledge is tremendous, and his concern for the welfare of whales and the marine environment is genuine and generously shared. I have begun to understand the complex behavior of these wonderful humpbacks, largely through the education I have received on each trip. Not only do Gene and his great guides provide evening presentations on whale behavior, their natural history and conservation issues, we are taught lots about what we are seeing when out with the whales each day. Our approach is always thoughtful and considerate of the whales and guests. And did I mention that the encounters are absolutely amazing? Gene makes a point of trying to find us a variety of whales to spend time with from mother-calf pairs, to dancers and singers, as well as competitive groups and lots of surface action from topside. The Sun Dancer II is a class act with a super crew and wonderful food. Excellent accommodations are made on board and in the tenders not only for the people (picture windows in the cabins!), but also for camera equipment. Can't wait to get back out with the whales and my friends at CBA this coming season!
Eric Rebstock Great Traveled: 2011-02-12, Reviewed: 2011-09-12
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ernest stoecklin incredible trips Traveled: 1901-12-13, Reviewed: 2011-09-10
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what a great trip always heard about it and since i live now in the dom rep partially during the wintermonths i found capt gene and had the pleasure of spending a week with him and jeff aboard the sundancer. it was such a special treat to learn observe and be part of their enviroment during calfing, mating, fighting nursing etc. i am going back this year for a third time end febr to beg march. ernest stoecklin
Cindy Vance Great Experience Traveled: 2011-01-28, Reviewed: 2011-09-07
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This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. Captain Gene was wonderful, the crew was wonderful and the other passengers were wonderful. The most amazng adventure.
Alvin Rosenfeld Terrific Traveled: 2011-03-19, Reviewed: 2011-09-07
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This was a terrific trip and Gene Flipse is the perfect trip leader -- my son Michael (Cornell, 2015) and I couldn't have been happier with it! I can recommend it without reservations!
 Jim Hodges Once is not enough! Traveled: 2011-03-05, Reviewed: 2011-09-06
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Serendipity led us to this fantastic family of loving individuals. The word "family" is by no means used out of context. Once you meet, encounter, and experience the phenom that is Captain Gene and all the crew of Conscious Breath Adventures, you'll feel at home just by reading the contiuing promise of a better tomorrow that is the goal of this fine organization. Virginia and I have given great gratitude to the powers of the universe that gave us the chance of our lives, viewing in their habitat, the most wonderous of vocal performers on our planet.
Accomodations are more than adequate aboard the Sun Dancer II and the tenders are set to be better than ever for the short transport into the Humpback's playground. The enthusiasm of the crew coupled with the expert knowledge of Captain Gene and Claire as to the proclivitives of the Cetacean population are the perfect combination for learning and enjoyment. The actions of the staff on the water were never less than courteous to both the whales and the guests of Conscious Breath. The largest "footprint" evident upon leaving the Silverbank was the one made by a Fluke of a diving whale! I was more than a little surprised to learn that the expertise of our host was not a primary course of study as Captain Gene gives the undeniable impression that this effort has been a lifelong endeavor. Now that we are Family..... Virginia and I will be returning, at first chance, to relive this Adventure of our Lives! tanya g burnett Annual event! Traveled: 2011-02-19, Reviewed: 2011-09-05
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I have chartered CBA trips a few times and have never been disappointed! Gene is a very professional conscientious guide. He obviously loves what he does and it shows when giving his guests an experience of a lifetime. I would recommend Gene and Conscious Breath Adventures to everyone.
Amanda family trip of a lifetime Traveled: 2011-02-25, Reviewed: 2011-09-05
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Cpt. Gene was a little concerned when we proposed to bring 4 teenagers aboard- there is no digital world with the whales...But it did not matter, our kids were so overwhelmed by the experience that they went onto to organize a fundraiser for the Whaleman foundation this summer. If this is what motivates the next generation, I am all for it! Thanks to Gene and his crew for our number one best ever trip! Amanda
Diane Brown Can't praise CBA and Capt. Gene enouh Traveled: 2011-02-19, Reviewed: 2011-09-04
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I agree whole heartedly with the previous reviews. An adventure of a lifetime! There is nothing I can suggest which would make the trip more enjoyable and a better all round experience. Kudos to Capt. Gene and his marvelous Crew!
Nina I've sailed 5 times with Capt. Gene Traveled: 2011-02-26, Reviewed: 2011-09-04
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Every time I sail with Capt. Gene Flipse the trip is better than the one before. In large part that is because of Gene's enthusiasm and ability (and his crew's enthusiasm and ability) to share a great deal of knowledge about the whales in general. But because the whales themselves are more comfortable around the boats and humans, the encounters in the Silver Bank are becoming more frequent and the whales are engaging with humans more. This means that Gene and his crew sometimes recognize the same whales from week to week or season to season and can provide personal information about some of the whales. In addition, the evenings are spent sharing information about the Silver Bank, the history of whales and the biology and physiology of whales so that our daytime encounters are more meaningful. The "mother" ship is clean, with many amenities and the food is five star! The crew is personable and helpful, very gracious. Perhaps most important, however, is Capt. Gene's ability to keep everyone safe. He is ever vigilant, cool, calm and collected if there is any trouble on the boat or in the water. He is a great teacher, leader and Captain. I would trust him with my life.
 Sally Walton We are returning next year! Traveled: 2011-03-26, Reviewed: 2011-08-26
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Nothing can compare with seeing these beautiful animals underwater. On one special day we spent several hours in the water with a boisterous, curious and playful young whale and his calm mother. He would come right up close and we could look him in the eye. His mother frequently surfaced very near us. On other days we got in the water with a singing whale, watched rowdy behaviour on the surface, saw breaching and tail slapping, and every day we were in the water with the whales. I loved being in the water with a singing whale, and feeling the vibrations in my whole body. The trip is very well run by Gene, who cares very much about the plight of whales worldwide. The whole crew are wonderful. We immediately rebooked for next year and we are taking some whale friends we met in Baja. I've done a lot of whale watching all over the world, but never anything like this. Only 3 boats with about 20 people on each boat are allowed to moor in the Silverbank and there are thousands of whales there. As a side comment, The Dominican Republic is a beautiful island and it is well worth tagging on a week or two on the island. There are a host of small family run bed ad breakfasts on beautiful beaches.
 Judith Scott Absolutely AMAZING! Traveled: 2010-03-01, Reviewed: 2011-08-01
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I saved up for 2 years to go on this week long trip to swim with humpback whales after doing some research on the impact these trips have. I spent many hours looking at the websites of the different companies that run these trips and Conscious Breath Adventures seemed to me to have the most educational website, so therefore I hoped the most educational trips. I was not disappointed.
The boat, staff and whole experience was amazing, let alone the experience of being in the water with an adult humpback whale. Gene who runs the trips gace educational talks each day along with the other guide, Geoff, who runs his own campaign charity trying to fight to save whales around the world. For this reason alone you are helping out conservation when you go with CBA. The boat and crew make you feel like you are in a 5 star hotel. And as for the whales, well there is nothing quite like it. I heard singing males in the water, swam with a humpback calf that had been entangled in fishing gear despite only being a few weeks old and met an individual whale I had seen in the feeding grounds off Massachusetts, named Spoon. She was about 50 feet long! She was identified by the pattern on her tail and so the company is also contributing to science by taking photos of the whales to find out what they do throughout the year. I was not lucky enough to see a dancing pair of adults, but this just means I will have to go back again.
Replied: 2011-08-23
Thanks Judith! We appreciate your kind words of support. Conscious Breath Adventures strives to educate and inspire our guests through the power of the connection they develop while encountering wild and free humpback whales combined with educational presentations. We are also fortunate to have Jeff Pantukhoff of the non-profit WhaleMan Foundation (www.Whaleman.org) as one of our top guides. If we can ever be of service again, please get in touch, we'd love to have you back aboard!
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