As each year comes to a close in the Turks and Caicos, a special gift is left in its wake—and it’s kind of a big deal, weighing up to 80,000 pounds

We’re talking about humpback whales, which migrate from the northern Atlantic Ocean to the warmer waters of the Silver Bank near the Dominican Republic to breed and give birth between December and April. The whales travel in pods, so where there’s one, there are at least a few more. And nothing will make you feel quite as small as seeing a pod of humpback whales on their journey to warmth—or better yet, seeing a humpback whale breach (or “jump” out of the water).

If you’re in the Turks and Caicos during whale season, the best places to get a glimpse of these giant marine mammals are the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay because of their close proximity to the Columbus Passage. Whale sightings are not uncommon off the Caicos Islands (which includes Providenciales), but you’re more likely to see them closer to the passage. Local airline interCaribbean offers multiple daily flights from Providenciales to Grand Turk, from which Salt Cay is just a short ferry ride away.

If you’re fortunate enough to see the whales underwater, you’ll be likely hear them, too. The sounds of the humpback whales create a song that can be heard from miles away underwater. Snorkeling and scuba diving encounters are reported every year, but if you’d rather stay dry, there are plenty of boating excursions that will give you the chance to see the whales up close.

Try any of these boat operators for a chance to see humpback whales in the Turks and Caicos:

Grand Turk

Oasis Divers

http://www.oasisdivers.com/
649-946-1128

Crystal Seas Adventures

https://crystalseasadventures.com/
649-431-9585

Salt Cay

Salt Cay Divers

https://saltcaydivers.com/
649-241-1009

Providenciales

Although you’re more likely to see whales from Salt Cay or Grand Turk, sightings do happen on Providenciales, as well as North, Middle and South Caicos.

Dive Provo

https://www.diveprovo.com/
954-351-9771

Big Blue Unlimited

https://bigblueunlimited.com/
649-946-5034