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Swimming with Sperm Whales
Dominica
Recognised by Travel + Leisure as one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and responsible wildlife experiences, our Dominica sperm whale safari offers rare opportunities to swim alongside resident sperm whales in the only place on Earth where they live year-round. The experience is led by an expert team of marine guides and photographers, including Patrick Dykstra, the Emmy-nominated filmmaker behind Patrick and the Whale, whose work has helped redefine ethical whale encounters. Over seven days in Dominica’s warm Caribbean waters, guests benefit from an unrivalled understanding of sperm whale behaviour, ensuring respectful, in-water encounters at close range. Carefully designed by our destination specialists, each itinerary combines world-class whale experiences with Dominica’s rainforest landscapes, volcanic hot springs, and exceptional accommodation, creating a deeply immersive marine adventure.
WHY BOOK THIS TRIP
- Our top-level guides know how to read whale behavior, how to place you in the best possible water-side moments, and—and most importantly—how to do it all with empathy and care.
- Find out why Travel + Leisure featured our trip as the top way to swim with whales in Dominica ethically and responsibly and an “adventure of a lifetime.”
- Become one of the very few people in the world permitted each year to enter the water with Dominica’s resident sperm whale population—an extraordinary, humbling privilege.
- True Access. No Greenwashing. This is the real thing: a permitted, ethical experience with wild whales—no enclosures, no feeding, no mass tourism.
- From rainforest waterfalls and natural hot springs to vibrant local culture, Dominica is a nature lover’s paradise—home to more inland freshwater than any other Caribbean island.
Your Example Day by Day:
Day 1 - Arrive in Dominica
Today you arrive in to Dominica and you will need to hail a local taxi (payable direct) to take you to your accommodation where you can settle in and prepare yourself for the adventures of the coming days. Depending on what time you arrive you may have chance to relax on the beach after your journey.
Accommodation: Fort Young Hotel
Days 2 - 6 - Swimming with Sperm Whales
For the next few days your skipper and guide will analyse the weather and movements of the sperm whales to get you in the right place at the right time to see these magnificent creatures and if the conditions allow it, swim with them too. These gentle giants reach over 20 metres in length but despite their size, pose no threat to humans. Combine your time photographing these whales, swimming with them and observing them from the boat but don’t forget to take a moment just comprehending the incredible experience you are witnessing! In your spare time you can choose to relax around the hotel or visit hot springs.
Accommodation: Fort Young Hotel
Day 7 - Depart Dominica
Say goodbye to your guides, as you bid farewell to the island of Dominica and to the families of sperm whales you have come to know and love over the past week. Relax on your flight home as you’ll have hours of work trawling through your photographs when you get home!
"Working with NWS really changed my life. Knowing that you can fill basically any trip that I can dream up and run is incredibly liberating. I probably wouldn't have been able to work on Blue Planet 2 or other projects if it wasn't for this support. NWS are awesome. I look forward to more great trips going forward."
Fort Young
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is a picturesque retreat nestled along the tranquil shores of the Caribbean Sea in Roseau, Dominica’s lively capital city. This hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. While the comfortable accommodations are certainly a highlight, they serve as a base for guests to explore Dominica’s pristine landscapes and vibrant culture. From the bustling Saturday markets in the nearby French Quarter to the awe-inspiring adventures awaiting in the surrounding areas, such as waterfall hikes, relaxing hot springs, invigorating rainforest strolls, and world-class diving experiences, Fort Young Hotel offers a wide array of opportunities for unforgettable encounters with both the land and sea. It’s the perfect launchpad for immersing yourself in Dominica’s beauty and charm.”
Dates & Prices Swimming with Sperm Whales
| Date | Guests | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 5th - 11th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 10th - 16th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 15th - 21st Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 20th - 26th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 25th Feb - 3rd Mar 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 8250 | |
| 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 8250 | |
| 5th - 11th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 8250 | |
| 10th - 16th Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 8250 | |
| 15th - 21st Feb 2027 | 6 | 7 Days | Small Group with Joshua Barton | 8250 |
Talk to a Dominica Destination Specialist today
Client Reviews
- —Celeste H, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales, Feb 2024
I was astounded by Patrick Dykstra’s generosity with his time and knowledge…and even photographs! We were extremely lucky to have encountered unique experiences that do not happen often: a male visiting the female pods, the female pods hanging around on the surface and socializing, several calves that were super curious, a sighting of some very rare Couvier whales. In addition, the folks that Patrick surrounds himself with (the captain of the boat, the mates) are just super. We had some horrible weather the first few days which worked to our advantage because other boats did not go out and we had the whales all to ourselves. Anyway, I am now convinced that I will never book a wildlife trip again unless through Natural World Safari’s. I am really that impressed.
- —Gero H, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
Gemma, Becca, and Chloe were outstanding. We were thoroughly prepared and ready to go for this spectacular trip. Gemma was just a joy to be around since she joined us on this trip. Overall, it was a great trip, we got to swim with the sperm whales and even short-fin pilot whales. I have travelled extensively throughout the world for wildlife/nature adventures over the past two decades and browsing through NWS' catalog and website, you just offer unique opportunities not found anywhere else.
- —Deirdre S, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
This trip was great and we saw some incredible wildlife sightings including the sperm whales and other marine species!
- —Alfredo R, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
This trip was incredible! The whole process of booking was easy, and all my questions were promptly answered. Our destination specialist Gemma even joined us on the trip which made the experience even better!
- —Eric B, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
The NWS team were very flexible with our trip which was much appreciated. We would love to travel again as the destinations offered and the experiences received are unique and unusual.
- —Maarten D, Dominica: Swimming with Sperm Whales
Patrick was awesome, a stunning expert, he knew everything with high respect for nature and animals. His good sense of humour was well-received as he paid equal attention to each of us.