Each winter, the remote coral shallows of the Silver Bank become one of the most vibrant whale gatherings on Earth. Thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales migrate here to breed, raise calves, and rest in the calm Caribbean seas. It is an environment that allows for encounters that are unusually close and exceptionally moving.
In February 2026, travelers have the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle aboard Solace, the newly refit 57-metre Feadship designed for long-range exploration and comfort. During five days in this protected sanctuary, guests will follow the natural rhythms of whale behavior, entering the water when conditions allow and watching these animals from both the tender and the decks of the yacht.
Solace will also be available for charter in Dominica as part of our Camp Dominica program. This offers guests the chance to encounter sperm whales in the water under strict local guidelines. The program supports ongoing behavioral research through Project CETI, which aims to deepen understanding of sperm whale communication and social structures. Guests do not participate directly in research, but their charter helps sustain the presence of scientists working in these waters.
These voyages are also part of a larger story. In the same month, Solace will support a research-focused mission in the Silver Bank, operating without guests and providing a stable platform for marine scientists studying humpback behavior and habitat use. The charter and the scientific mission remain separate, yet together they reflect EYOS’ commitment to sharing the world’s most remarkable ecosystems while helping to preserve them.
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Five Days Among Giants
Life aboard Solace flows with the pace of the sea. Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to whale encounters, with expert guides leading tender operations into areas where mothers, calves, and escort males spend time resting or socializing. Under the sanctuary’s regulations, guests may have the chance to enter the water for in-water encounters that respect the whales’ comfort and space. Some moments are brief and vivid. Others become quiet, slow-moving interactions that last longer and allow guests to appreciate the scale and behavior of these animals.
Back on board, evenings are relaxed and unhurried. Guests review images, share impressions from the day, and enjoy dinner while the light softens across the Silver Bank. After time at sea, Solace shifts her course toward the Dominican Republic’s coastal and inland landscapes. Mangrove channels, Taino cave systems, tropical forests, and waterfalls offer a sense of place beyond the water.
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A Vessel Built for Purpose
Fresh from an extensive refit at Pendennis in 2025, Solace brings together classic Feadship craftsmanship with contemporary expedition capabilities. Interiors by Vickers Studio create a welcoming environment suited to families and private groups. A semi-custom 12-metre Windy tender supports extended exploration, whether approaching remote beaches or positioning guests in the ideal location for wildlife viewing.
Five well-appointed suites accommodate twelve guests, with additional berths available for specialists when required. A professional crew of fourteen provides attentive service informed by years of experience in remote environments.
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Supporting Science at the Silver Bank
Before the guest charter window, Solace will host a dedicated scientific team working in the Silver Bank. This mission focuses on behavior monitoring, field observations, and data collection that contribute to long-term knowledge of humpback whales in this breeding habitat. By providing logistical support, operational reach, and reliable access to remote areas, Solace allows researchers to conduct fieldwork that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.
While charter guests are not involved in this scientific work, their voyage is connected to a broader conservation-minded approach. EYOS believes that meaningful travel should help elevate understanding and awareness of the ecosystems guests come to experience.
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A Rare Moment in a Rare Place
The Silver Bank is a sanctuary that offers an unusual level of intimacy with one of the ocean’s most iconic species. Experiencing it from a purpose-built explorer yacht adds comfort and capability without interrupting the natural rhythms of the whales. Knowing that the same vessel is also supporting field research brings an additional sense of purpose to the journey. In February 2026, Solace will open this world to a limited number of guests. To learn more about chartering Solace at the Silver Bank or about EYOS’ conservation-focused missions, contact our team.