Dominica is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales reside year round. These gentle giants feed and grow by hunting squid in the deep waters along Dominica’s western slope, a habitat that serves as both feeding and nursing grounds. This rare environment offers the once in a lifetime chance to observe natural behaviors and interactions with these majestic whales in their own home
This experience is a, high end group service limited to 6 persons . The activity requires a government issued permit and adherence to strict guidelines to protect the animals.
Must be booked at least 5 months in advance
Availability
February 2026
✓ 5-10 Days
✓ Fresh Fruit
✓ Permit
✓ Beverages
✓ Snorkeling Gear
March 2026
✓ 5-10 Days
✓ Fresh Fruit
✓ Permit
✓ Beverages
✓ Snorkeling Gear
April 2026
✓ 5-10 Days
✓ Fresh Fruit
✓ Permit
✓ Beverages
✓ Snorkeling Gear
May 2026
✓ 5-10 Days
✓ Fresh Fruit
✓ Permit
✓ Beverages
✓ Snorkeling Gear
Other
✓ 5-10 Days
✓ Fresh Fruit
✓ Permit
✓ Beverages
✓ Snorkeling Gear
Regulations & Guidelines
Rules for Responsible Interaction
Approach Zones
. Watching Zone 500m–50m : Boats may observe whales within this zone however engines should d in neutral or turned off to reduce noise and disturbance on the water surface . Whales should be approached from the rear for observation.
Restricted Zone < 50m : No vessels are allowed within this zone unless holding a government permit. While in this zone vessels should advise caution, In water guide should lead the guests to the whale and remain at least 6ft/2m away from the animal for observation. Movement should be kept at a minimum. If a vessel accidentally enters this zone, engines must be disengaged immediately to let whales move away safely
- Only 3 participants will be allowed in the water with the animals at any given time
- A Local guide must be in the water with guests at all times
- No in-water activity is permitted in sea state 5 or worse
- No in-water activity is allowed in areas outside of the designated reserve.
- All participants must attend an orientation session led by a trained local guide before entering the water
- All interaction should be controlled by the animals behaviour, heed the instruction of your captain and guide
- Swimmers must maintain a respectful distance of 6ft/2m
- All swimmers should remain as a group and follow all instructions given by the captain and the guide
- Boats must carefully and slowly move away after dropping swimmers and remain in neutral in the watch zone until swimmers are ready to be recovered.
- Touching, chasing, or feeding with whales is prohibited
- During the Encounter swimmers must remain on one side of the animal to avoid confusion or distress.
- Once the animal has swam past all swimmers should retreat and heed the instruction given by their guide in order to minimize stress on the animals.
Extra caution is required around calves; avoid separating mothers and calves.
Distress Signs
If a whale shows signs of disturbance, such as abrupt dives or changes in behavior, swimmers should not enter the water if simmers have already entered the water, swimmers should then seek the instruction of their guide.
Join Us in Protecting Dominica’s Marine Treasures