Sperm Whale, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

Beneath the Waves: Swim with Sperm Whales in Dominica

Max group size of 8 for a respectful & tranquil experience for both you & the whales.

  • EXPERT-LED
Start date End date Days
Prices from
ex. flights
Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
06/07/24 06/14/24 8 days $0 $2,903 $581 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
06/30/24 07/07/24 8 days $0 $2,903 $581 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
07/05/24 07/12/24 8 days $0 $2,903 $581 Local Guides 8 Max FULL

Make 2024 the year you swim with the largest toothed predator on the planet. With an expert guide, five days are dedicated to swimming with sperm whales, observing these gentle giants as they grace the waters around Dominica – soon to become the world’s first sperm whale reserve.

We asked our partners in Dominica why sightings are almost always guaranteed; this was their response: “with a population of 200-strong that are seen all year round, combined with the use of a hydrophone to track their clicks, you’ve got to be pretty unlucky not to encounter a whale”. They also told us “fast forward to 2025 and this exact trip will come with a significantly higher price tag”. It’s our intel and close relationship with our partners in Dominica that has enabled us to source the best guides, the best value and an unparalleled travel experience that brochures cannot match.

Departing in June or December, this trip includes seven nights at the Fort Young Hotel which offers unlimited shore dives to see the vibrant underwater ecosystems preserved by the hotel’s Shore Diving Project. You’ll also hike to Titou Gorge and bathe in sulphur spring pools at Trafalgar Falls, the only twin waterfall on the island.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Sperm Whales, Dominica, Caribbean 1

Swim with Sperm Whales

Guided by experts, join the whales in the water listening for the distinct “codas” (clicks) of the whales communicating.

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean 2

Unlimited Shore Diving

See how shipwrecks and cannons are now a haven for marine growth and tropical fish, thanks to the hotel’s Shore Diving Project.

Trafalgar Falls, Dominica, Caribbean 3

Waterfalls, Gorges & Spring Pools

Hike to the twin cascades of Trafalgar Falls and plunge into deep canyon pools hugged by vine-clad rocks at Titou Gorge, all included in the trip.

Fort Young Hotel, Wine and Rum Cellar, Dominica 4

Fort Young Hotel

Sample rum and wine in former prison cells and sip a cocktail in the old troops barracks – a nod to the hotel’s historic roots as a 17th-century military fortification.

Sperm Whales, Dominica, Caribbean
Sperm Whales, Dominica

Swimming with Sperm Whales

Dominica boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of sperm whales, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures. Growing up to 18 metres long, their distinctive bulbous foreheads make them easily recognisable. Guided by marine experts, who know how to respectfully approach the whales, you’ll spend five days searching for these whales and joining them in the water. With a maximum group size of eight, your interactions will be entirely dictated by their behaviour – these highly intelligent cetaceans may choose to play or dive deep to feed, resurfacing 45 minutes later. Patience is key, both with the wildlife and sea conditions, but the unparalleled experience is worth it. Some snorkelling experience, confidence in water, and reasonable swimming skills are prerequisites.

Trafalgar Falls, Dominica, Caribbean
Trafalgar Falls
Dominica
Dominica
Underwater shot, bright blue water with turtle swimming.
Hawksbill turtle
Dominica
Dominica
Dominica
Dominica
Leatherback Turtle on the Caribbean Coast
Leatherback Turtle on the Caribbean Coast

Waterfalls, shore diving, canyoning & turtle watching

In addition to your encounters with sperm whales, your itinerary also includes an excursion to Trafalgar twin falls, one of 12 cascades located within the island’s lush interior. Unlimited shore diving awaits, allowing ample time to explore the hotels Shore Diving project, dedicated to nurturing coral reefs directly off the hotel’s coastline. Other optional experiences include turtle watching and fishing to canyoning, birding, and island hopping. The shopping is pretty good too, including a lively Saturday market in the neighbouring French Quarter of the city.

Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica, Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel, Dominica

Your Waterfront Accommodation

Located along the waterfront of Roseau, Dominica’s vibrant capital, Fort Young Hotel combines a sense of heritage from within its original 1699 fort walls, with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere – the perfect base to return to after time spend at sea with the whales. Its 40 rooms offer vistas of either the mountains or the ocean, all with a balcony from which to enjoy the view. Meals are served in a choice of restaurants and when not exploring the city, oceans or rainforest interiors, the infinity pool beckons.

Includes / Excludes

Important Information

Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Must be at least 13 years of age and a confident swimmer.
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Single Supplement

Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

Flexibility

To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.

What is included

  • 7 nights at Fort Young Hotel with daily breakfast & lunch
  • 5 days swimming with sperm whales
  • Trafalgar Falls & Titou Gorge excursion
  • Unlimited shore diving
  • Engaging presentation on sperm whales
  • Marine park fees & swimming with whales permits
  • Return airport transfers

What is excluded

  • International flights to and from Dominica
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

Other available dates

For further information about any of these tours please call 1 800 571 2985

Start date End date Days
Prices from
ex. flights
Tour Expert Group Size Status
06/07/24 06/14/24 8 days $0 $2,903 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
06/30/24 07/07/24 8 days $0 $2,903 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
07/05/24 07/12/24 8 days $0 $2,903 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
12/10/24 12/17/24 8 days $0 $2,903 Local Guides 8 Max FULL
12/15/24 12/22/24 8 days $0 $2,903 Local Guides 8 Max FULL

Reserve your place on this group tour

Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.

01285 880 980

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