Humpback Whales of the Silver Banks -
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is not included in my cruise price besides departure taxes and airfare ?
Ans. Transfers to and from the airport, (unless specifically stated) alcoholic & carbonated beverages *gratuities which are optional and discretionary, and should be tendered by you to the extent warranted by service provided. As a guideline we suggest about 10% of your cruise rate. Please do not bring personal supplies of alcoholic beverages for consumption during your trip , as regulations do not permit it. *Alcoholic and carbonated beverages, photo and/or video services, shipboard purchases, and gratuity are collected on-board before the end of each trip. Payment methods include cash, personal check and travelers check. Sorry, we can not accept credit card for on-board purchases.

Q. How do I get to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic?
Ans. Your gateway airports for Puerto Plata, are Miami, Newark, JFK, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with connecting flights to Puerto Plata via, American Airlines (MIA-SJU).

Q. Do I need a passport to travel to the Dominican Republic (Silverbank)?
Ans. A passport is not required at this time to enter the Dominican Republic if you are a US citizen, Proof of citizenship is required by all US citizens traveling to the Caribbean. A passport is preferred but a certified birth certificate or naturalization papers with a picture ID (drivers license, government ID, police ID) will at this time suffice. A drivers license or birth certificate alone will not work. All non-US citizens must have a valid passport.

Q. Where do I meet the M/V Bottom Time II ?
Ans. Upon arrival in Puerto Plata you will obtain a "tourist card"($15.00) from Dominican Customs, and then proceed to the taxi area. If you have notified Bottom Time Adventures of your arrival time into Puerto Plata, we will attempt to have our taxi driver meet you at the exit (look for Bottom Time II sign). You are responsible for all transfer fees, and it is recommended you address the charges before accepting the service. If you are traveling alone from the airport to the vessel, expect to be charged a minimum of $25.00 US. Between 2-6 passengers you can expect up to $20.00 US, and for group transportation arranged by Bottom Time Adventures (6 or more) the fee will be $15.00 US (with normal baggage). If you have not made arrangements for transportation, or if there is not anyone to meet you, accept only transportation from an advertised taxi service and expect the fees to run between $20.00 and $50.00 US. Tell the driver that you need to be taken to the Commercial docks in downtown Puerto Plata (near the Navy headquarters).

Q. What time may we board the M/V Bottom Time II?
Ans. You may board the MV Bottom Time 11 , between 5 PM and midnight on the Saturday of departure.

Q. When do we depart for the Silverbank and when will we arrive at the anchorage?
Ans. The M/V Bottom Time II departs from Puerto Plata between 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM on Sunday morning, arriving late morning at the anchorage. (between 3.5 to 4 hours travel time depending upon weather)

Q. What time will we return to Puerto Plata upon completion of our Whale watching adventure?
Ans. The M/V Bottom Time II returns to port Friday afternoon between 1:30 and 3:00 PM. After Dominican Customs and Immigrations has checked our passengers and vessel into the country, you will have time to go ashore for shopping (jewelry, cigars, liquor, coffee, clothing, artifacts), beach combing, or take a land tour. You may schedule your flights to depart on Saturday morning ; departure from the vessel will be a 9 AM Saturday morning prompt, as the vessel has to be prepared for the arrival of new guests that afternoon. For guests departing later in the day , a day-room can be arranged for a small charge.

Q. Should I purchase trip insurance?
Ans. We recommend that you purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance prior to departure. Please inquire with Bottom Time Adventures for assistance.

Q. How will the Captain know who I am?
Ans. Our Florida office provides the Captain with a passenger list including any special information concerning birthdays, anniversary, or dietary information, that you may provide us.

Q. What will I need bring aboard the MV Bottom Time II, to make my adventure as comfortable as possible?
Ans. All personal items (medication, soaps, shampoos, tooth paste and brush, skincare items (sunscreen) swim suits, shorts, and clothing for warm humid weather (temp 65 to 85 F), snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkel ), snorkel vest if needed, dive skin or wet suit (optional), plenty of film for your camera, dry bag for items taken out on whale watching boats, small towel or swimmers chamois for use on tenders, wind jacket, and any other items you feel will make your adventure the most comfortable. Towels are provided for on-board use only.

Q. Will I get seasick?
Ans. Seasickness is rare aboard the twin hull catamaran, MV Bottom Time II. Built to travel the ocean, her twin hulls, aluminum construction and deep draft ensure very little movement and prevent most people from having trouble, however if you have a tendency to feel queasy around water, we recommend that you take seasickness medication and please check with your doctor.

Q. The need for, type, and exchange rates of money?
Ans. US money is always excepted aboard the MV Bottom Time II as well as travelers checks, and personal checks; sorry we do not accept credit cards (it's impossible to process the transaction aboard the vessel in a foreign country). For purchases off the vessel (in the Dominican Republic) the US dollar is accepted with a exchange rate of between 12 to 16 peso per US dollar. Most major credit cards are excepted in the Dominican Republic, and ATM machines are available at the resorts, for extra cash.

Q. Can I be contacted while aboard the MV Bottom Time II out on the Silverbank?
Ans. Communication from the vessel is possible via High Seas Marine Operators, over the single sideband radio; It is quite expensive. $18.00 for the first 3 minutes and $2.59 per minute their after. We also have state-of-the-art satellite telephone and data communications available for a cost of $5.00 per minute of connect time. As a guest with Bottom Time Adventures, we offer an emergency contact number to allow a family member to relay important information to you via our office, over a single sideband radio. The vessel communicates with its home office several times a day, (conditions permitting) and will relay emergency information.

We have tried to answer the most commonly asked questions, but if you do not see a question that you have, please do not hesitate to contact us at Bottom Time Adventures. We feel your comfort aboard our vessel is most important and the only way to be comfortable is to have everything you need. We look forward to having you aboard, and have a great adventure.