Dominica Sperm Whales
Discovering the hidden lives of Sperm Whales in Dominica
Sperm whales spend most of their lives in the deep ocean, far beyond our reach.
But when they return to the surface, we get a glimpse of something instantly recognizable: family.
Seeing mothers and calves, sisters and grandmothers playing, touching, and resting together is one the most profound experiences on Earth.
2026 Expedition Dates
April 29th - May 5th, 2026
May 4th - May 10th, 2026
May 10th - May 16th, 2026
May 15th - May 21st, 2026
What makes this expedition worthwhile
A thoughtful approach for better encounters
Respectful encounters unfold on the whales' terms, leading to better moments
Our outstanding captain
Our captain is a hydrophone expert who knows these whales as individuals.
Fewer crowds in May
Quieter seas mean more intimate encounters and unique behaviors.
Excursions into Dominica's wild beauty
Visits to rainforest waterfalls, mangrove rivers, and red rock cliffs.
Whale talks
Learn about what makes sperm whales so unique — how they live, communicate, and raise their families.
Discovering the hidden lives of Sperm Whales
Our 6-night expedition in Dominica is built around observing sperm whale families with respect and care.
From our timing in the season to the captain we partner with and the way we enter the water, every choice is designed to let encounters unfold naturally on the whales’ terms.
This leads (we believe) to more meaningful moments and a greater chance of unique behaviors.
When we are not in the water, we will have whale talks to better understand the hidden lives of sperm whales and explore the wild beauty of Dominica’s rainforest waterfalls, mangrove rivers, and red rock cliffs.
This is an experience that stays with you. Many of our guests finish the week already planning to return.
What you will experience
5 days on the water searching for Sperm Whales
Feeling the rush of a rainforest waterfall hitting you at Syndicate Falls
Canoeing down the protected mangrove forests of the Indian River
Whale talks to understand the unfathomable lives of sperm whales
Sunset dinners at local restaurants
Trip Essentials
How much does the trip cost?
$5,900 per person in a shared room. Single room upgrades are available.
What is the chance of seeing whales?
Sperm whales live here year-round and on average we see them 3 out of 5 days.
What are interactions like?
Calm and respectful. Mostly close pass-bys. If we are lucky the whales stop to click, look, socialize, or sleep.
What makes this trip unique?
We have whale talks, extra land excursions, our captain is the best hydrophone operator in finding sperm whales, and we take a thoughtful approach to encounters.
What experience is needed?
You must know how to swim, but no advanced skills are required. We are here to help get you prepared.
Trip Plan
Dates
April 29th - May 5th, 2026
May 4th - May 10th, 2026
May 10th - May 16th, 2026
May 15th - May 21st, 2026
Pricing
$5,900 twin sharing, single room upgrade.
Group Size
Maximum 6 guests
Included
Water and land activities, whale talks, accommodation, breakfast & lunch
Day 1 — Arrival in Dominica
Book flights into Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM). You’ll be picked up for the one-hour drive to our base in Portsmouth. After settling in, we’ll gather for a trip briefing on what to expect, how we’ll approach interactions with the whales, and the plan for our week.
Days 2–6 — On the water searching for Sperm Whales
Five full days searching for sperm whales, usually 8am–2pm with lunch aboard. Afternoons are free to relax, join optional land excursions, or take part in whale talks.
Afternoon Land Activities
To round out the week, we’ll explore Dominica’s wild landscapes:
Hike to Syndicate Falls in lush rainforest
Canoe down the Indian River with a local guide
Walk the dramatic red rock cliffs of Calibishie at sunset
Dine at Keepin’ It Real, a beachside restaurant with great views
(Activities may vary depending on weather and group preferences.)
Whale Talks
There are optional talks in the evenings on sperm whale communication, culture, social dynamics, and the evolution and future of whales.
Day 7 — Departure
After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to the airport for flights home.
Accommodation
Our base in Dominica is a boutique hillside hotel overlooking Portsmouth, with just a handful of rooms, an intimate atmosphere, and sweeping views from the dining terrace.
Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, each with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, fridge, and a private balcony or terrace facing the sea.
The on-site restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes (with vegetarian options), and afternoons often end with a swim in the pool or pizza on the terrace as we share stories from our day on the water.
Highlights
Stunning views — Look out over Portsmouth and the bay from your room or the open-air dining terrace
Comfortable rooms — A/C, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and private sea-view balconies
Intimate setting — A boutique property with a personal feel that’s a perfect fit for our small group
Restaurant & bar — Fresh local and global dishes, including vegetarian options
Pool with a view — A perfect spot to cool off and relax after whale days
What people are saying about Dominica
“5 Stars — An Unforgettable trip with Alex and Thoughtful. Swimming with sperm whales in Dominica was a dream come true, and it wouldn't have been the same without our incredible guide, Alex.”
— Guest on Dominica 2025
“The whales came first, which meant we got fantastic interaction on the whales’ terms. Alex is my go-to choice of any cetacean trip.”
— Guest on Dominica 2023, 2024, 2025
“From start to finish, Alex was professional, passionate, and deeply knowledgeable about the whales and the island. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can't recommend Alex and Thoughtful highly enough.”
— Guest on Dominica 2025
“Dominica is such a special island and Alex has gone out of his way to build relationships with the local community to bring together a trip that is exciting, intentional, considerate of the island and its inhabitants (by land and sea), and he has created an environment that has cultivated my love for the whales.”
— Guest on Dominica 2024, 2025
Ready to Join?
Learn more about Dominica
FAQs
What are the chances of seeing sperm whales?
On average, we encounter whales on 3 out of 5 water days. Some trips are luckier, some quieter. This is a true expedition, and there’s always a chance of no sightings, but sperm whales are resident year-round here and our captain is one of the most skilled hydrophone operators in Dominica. If the whales are there, we’ll find them.
What are the interactions like?
The whales decide the terms. Most encounters are calm pass-bys, where they swim close as we observe quietly. Sometimes they may click at us, roll to look, or even stop to interact. Rare moments like watching sperm whales sleep vertically or socialize are unforgettable, dream encounters.
Do I need experience to join?
You must know how to swim. Comfort with snorkeling helps, but we’ll support and prepare you if you’re new. Guests of all ages and backgrounds have joined us. What matters most is patience, willingness to listen, and respect for the whales.
Will we see other species?
Likely, yes. We often encounter short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, with occasional sightings of false killer whales. We may also see “Beckie,” a resident bottlenose known in the bay.
How do you approach interactions, and what makes this trip unique?
We keep encounters respectful and low-impact—observing whales on their terms, never forcing interactions. We work with a captain who has the mindset of a caretaker and schedule our trips during quieter parts of the season. Beyond the water, we explore Dominica itself, including rivers, waterfalls, and villages, so you leave with a deeper connection to both the whales and this amazing place.
What if we don’t see whales?
It’s possible. This is the wild, and there may be multiple days without sightings. The search itself is part of the experience. On slow days we may snorkel nearby reefs or spend more time on land excursions.
How big is the group?
Maximum of 6 guests. Permits allow only 4 people in the water at once (3 guests + 1 guide), so we rotate in two small teams. This is standard practice in Dominica and works well.
What gear and clothing should I bring?
In the water: Mask, snorkel, freedive fins, and a rash guard/swimsuit. The water is warm (28–29°C), so wetsuits aren’t needed for most. Weights are available for rental.
On land: Light, breathable clothing, rain jacket, and shoes for short hikes. Expect warm, humid weather with occasional showers.
How much does the trip cost?
$5,900 per person in a shared room, including all water and land activities, accommodation, breakfast and lunch, transfers, and whale talks.
Traveling solo? We’ll pair you with a same-gender roommate if possible.
Single room upgrades are available
What’s included?
Included: All water and land activities, whale talks, accommodation, breakfast, lunch on the boat, airport pickups and drop-offs.
Not included: Dinners, drinks, flights, gear rental (if needed), gratuities, and single room upgrades.
How do I book?
Secure your spot with a $1,500 deposit via the Book Now button on this page or by emailing alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
What are the payment terms?
$1,500 deposit to confirm your place.
Remaining balance due 120 days before departure.
Payments are processed through WeTravel, allowing credit card or bank transfer in your preferred currency.
What is your cancellation policy?
120+ days before trip: Refund minus $500 admin fee (waived if you transfer deposit to another trip).
90–120 days: 50% refund.
Less than 90 days: No refunds possible.
When should I book flights?
Arrival: Plan to arrive on the first scheduled day of the trip. Any time works on that day, but we especially recommend coming a day early in Dominica to buffer against delays.
Departure: Flights can be booked any time on the final scheduled day (e.g., May 5, 2026 for Week 1).
How can I learn more?
We’re always happy to connect and answer questions. Reach out at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or find us on Instagram.