aggregation : year round

DOMINICA SPERM WHALES

SPERM WHALE SOCIALIZATION, FORAGING AND FAMILY UNITS IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN

IN BRIEF

In the deep Caribbean waters off Dominica, family groups of sperm whales live year-round; one of the few places where these giants can be reliably encountered. These matrilineal pods of females and young have made the island’s steep underwater canyons their permanent home, surfacing between long foraging dives that can reach hundreds of meters into the dark.

From our private chartered vessel, you will spend days listening for whale clicks with hydrophones, watching the surface for blows, and slipping quietly into the water. Encounters unfold on the whales’ terms, from the stillness of calves resting at the surface to the awe of a full pod passing slowly by.

DAILY

MORNINGS: After breakfast and a quick briefing at our accommodation in Portsmouth, we head down to the port to meet our crew and board the boat. Our days on the water begin with the anticipation of listening for clicks through the hydrophone and scanning the horizon for blows, the telltale signs of sperm whales surfacing between their deep foraging dives. We use a unidirectional hydrophone system to not only locate the presence of whales, but also hone in on their general location.

MIDDAY: We spend most of the day at sea, usually from mid-morning until mid-afternoon (between 6-8 hours), tracking and encountering whales on their own terms. When conditions align, we quietly slip into the water for in-water encounters, always under strict local permit and with an emphasis on respect. Between encounters, there’s time to rest, share stories, and enjoy the view of Dominica’s tree-covered peaks rising from the sea. We have about 50/50 odds everyday of encountering sperm whales. In addition to sperm whales, we have also found pilot whales, dolphins, beaked whales, and false killer whales.

On one day each week, instead of heading out, we stay on land to explore waterfalls, hot springs, and hidden corners of the island.

EVENINGS: By late afternoon we return to shore, rinse off, and regroup. Evenings are relaxed — dinners at local restaurants, optional talks or workshops on photography and whale behavior, or simply unwinding with new friends.

ON WATER

Each morning we board our 36-foot vessel in Portsmouth, equipped with a second-level viewing platform and space to keep comfortable during long days at sea. Guided by Captain Andrew, a local whale guide and captain (he’s been working with the sperm whales since 1990), and our team leader, we use hydrophones to track the whales’ vocalizations and position the boat for respectful encounters.

Only three guests enter the water at a time with one guide, keeping the experience intimate and low-impact. With just six participants per trip, and only a few other permitted boats in the area, encounters remain quiet and on the whales’ terms.

ACCOMMODATION

We base all trips at PBH and the adjacent Picard Beach Cottages—locally owned, beachfront properties with a laid-back, no-frills vibe. Rooms are basic but comfortable: no TVs or fancy extras, but you’ll have reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning, hot water showers, and in-room coffee/tea facilities. Daily cleaning is provided, and everything you need for a simple, restful stay is in place. Our days are packed and we don’t spend much time in the rooms.

Since COVID, the rooms we use have seen decent upgrades, and we’ve grown to really appreciate this area—for its quiet mornings, direct access to the water, and proximity to our boat launch. It’s not luxury, but it’s not uncomfortable either—just a grounded place to rest between days on the sea.

Upgrade options to beach cottages may be available upon request for guests looking for a little more space.

MAR 2026 DATES

Click on the session you want to join to sign up.

COSTS

CORE PROGRAM COSTS

Main Program: $5500 (single supplement included).

DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

  • -$200 early bird for bookings made before Nov 1st.

  • -$250 per person if sharing a room with a significant other.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

  • +$950 upgrade to a villa (two beds).

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights accommodation in Portsmouth (single rooms).

  • 5 full on-water expedition days.

  • Boat snacks and drinks.

  • Swim-with permit issued by the Dominica Ministry of Fisheries ($4000 USD permit fee).

  • All in-water guiding, photography, and safety support.

  • Airport transfers and transfers between the accommodation and dock

  • 5 breakfasts and lunches (on all water days).

  • 1 land day to explore a bit of Dominica.

EXCLUDED

  • Flights to/from Dominica.

  • Gear (must bring your own, some rentals are available but quality and sizes are very limited). You need a mask, snorkel, fins, rash guard, swim suit and weight belt.

  • Travel/cancellation insurance.

  • Personal spending and gratuities (optional).

  • Dinners

  • All meals on the land day.

FAQ

    • Six full days on the water (~6–7 hours per day) aboard a private 36-ft vessel with second-level viewing platform

    • Licensed Dominican whale guide, Captain Andrew, deckhand, and one of our team leaders

    • Accommodation in Portsmouth at PBH or Picard Beach Cottages or similar property (air-conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, daily cleaning, in-room tea/coffee)

    • Breakfasts and lunches on boat days (5)

    • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)

    • One flexible land day exploring Dominica’s waterfalls, hot springs, rainforest, and cultural highlights

    • International flights to Dominica (Douglas–Charles Airport, code DOM)

    • Gear (except for dive weights).

    • Personal travel insurance (required)

    • Alcohol and personal snacks

    • Tips/gratuities for crew and guides

    • Optional room upgrades if available

  • Dominica’s sea temperatures average 26–29°C (79–84°F) year-round. A swim suit and rash guard are sufficient for most people. We also recommend using a light hood and full length rash guard top (bottom optional) to protect from UV, as the sun is very strong.

  • Guests are housed in rooms along the beach in Portsmouth. Rooms are simple but comfortable; single supplements are already included as all the rooms we reserve only have one bed in them.

  • Typically 5–8 hours per day on the water, depending on whale activity, conditions and what we are hearing over the hydrophone. The boat has a covered section to help you get out of the sun.

  • All in-water activity is conducted under Dominica’s government permit system. Rules include:

    • Only three guests in the water at one time with one guide

    • Boat standoff distance of at least 50 m

    • Total group capped at six participants

    • Strictly no chasing or pressuring the whales

  • Yes. Our in-water guides carry cameras and document encounters when possible. We do not guarantee coverage, as their priority is safety and leading the group. However, when photos or video are captured, they are shared with all guests at no extra cost. These are for personal use and sharing only—not for commercial publishing or resale.

  • Swimming with sperm whales is a safe activity. The boat is run by an experienced captain and crew, with a licensed whale guide and your team leader on board. In-water groups are small, encounters are respectful, and guidelines are strictly followed. Sperm whales themselves are very docile around humans.

  • No, we can never guarantee wildlife encounters. Dominica has one of the world’s only year-round resident sperm whale populations, but whale sightings and in-water encounters always depend on luck, weather, and animal behaviour. Based on the last three years of running this trip, you have about 50/50 odds of encountering sperm whales on any given day. You also have about 4/10 odds of encountering another whale species like pilot whales, dolphins and pseudo orcas.

  • This is a snorkeling/freediving trip—no scuba. You need to be comfortable swimming at least 100 metres unaided in open water and able to pull yourself back onto the boat (flat platform on the back). Freediving experience is welcome but not required. The focus is slow, quiet encounters at the surface.

  • Packed breakfasts and lunches are included on all boat days (5 out of the 6 days). For dinners, we will bring you to local restaurants (optional, no pressure, but you’re welcome to join) where you can order island-style cuisine (not included, but it’s not expensive, think 10-25 USD a meal). Please inform us of dietary needs in advance so we can accommodate.