If you’ve ever dreamed of looking a humpback whale in the eye and having it look right back at you, this might be your moment.
Applications are now open for a fully funded citizen-science scholarship that will send one participant on a whale expedition to the Silver Bank, a remote marine sanctuary north of the Dominican Republic.
The Silver Bank hosts the world’s largest aggregation of North Atlantic humpback whales. Each winter, 5,000-plus animals migrate to these warm, tropical waters to mate, give birth and raise their young before returning north to their summer feeding grounds. For many visitors, the most unforgettable encounters are with mothers and calves, whose curiosity rivals that of the humans lucky enough to see them.
The Silver Bank is one of three places in the world where in-water encounters with mother humpback whales and calves are permitted. Access is intentionally limited to just three permit holders, preventing overcrowding and prioritizing whale well-being.
The scholarship winner will join Islamorada ocean advocate Tiffany Duong and her nonprofit Seabirds Foundation (www.theseabirds.org) on a weeklong expedition combining adventure, education and citizen science. The Seabirds is an all-women expedition team working to diversify the who and the how of science. By bringing new explorers into the field and giving them the chance to participate in real research, the organization helps transform curiosity into action. Participants don’t just learn about the world; they help study it, tell its stories and become advocates long after the expedition ends.
This opportunity is offered jointly with Re!Earth Initiative, a youth-led climate organization focused on environmental education, leadership and community action. Both nonprofits believe that anyone can create extraordinary change when given the tools, knowledge and opportunity.
Based on a liveaboard vessel with two smaller boats for encounters and research, participants will help collect ocean data through activities such as hydrophone (an underwater microphone capable of hearing for miles) deployments, temperature and salinity measurements and other monitoring efforts. Days may include snorkeling alongside humpback whales, learning from whale experts and Zooming with classrooms around the world to share the experience.
Participants will gain critical field skills, contribute to real ocean science and lead their own project.
The scholarship is open to adults who will be at least 18 by March 20, 2027. Special consideration will be given to applicants who might not otherwise have access to an opportunity like this.
Applications will be evaluated based on four criteria: belief in citizen science as a tool for conservation, comfort and experience in the water, demonstrated need for the opportunity, and quality and potential impact of applicant’s proposed project.More information is available via email to tiff@theseabirds.org.
Who: Participants must be 18 or older by March 2027.
What: Fully funded scholarship to swim with and study humpback whales.
Where: the Silver Bank, Dominican Republic.
When: March 20-27, 2027.
Apply: https://tally.so/r/7RaMYP.
Application deadline: June 15, 2026
