Dominica Sperm Whales
Exploring the unfathomable lives of Sperm Whale families in Dominica
2026
Trip 1: April 29th - May 5th, 2026
Trip 2: May 4th - May 10th, 2026
Trip 3: May 10th - May 16th, 2026
Trip 4: May 15th - May 21st, 2026
2025
Trip 1: April 29th - May 5th, 2025 (Completed)
Trip 2: May 4th - 10th, 2025 (Completed)
Learn more about Dominica
We are lucky to witness the unfathomable
Sperm Whales lead lives that are completely alien to us. They spend the majority of their day in the deep ocean, diving in the dark and cold depths in search of squid.
But how they spend time with their families is instantly recognizable to us.
Female Sperm Whales live in close knit family pods for their entire lives. They communicate constantly, help babysit each other’s children, and socialize through touch.
Seeing a family pod of sperm whales interacting with each other is one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences you can have.
An intimate look at Sperm Whale families and culture
This expedition is designed to give us an opportunity to observe Sperm Whales in their natural habitat through interactions that are as minimally invasive as possible — every decision on this trip was made with thoughtfulness in mind.
We will also have opportunities to go deeper and learn more about context we are in — from land excursions on the island to see Syndicate Falls and the Indian River, to talks on Sperm Whale cultures and social dynamics.
This is a trip for people who want to have a chance to see sperm whales in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, while learning more about what makes them so incredible.
Experiences that make this Thoughtful trip unique
5 days of searching for Sperm Whales on the water
Excursions to Syndicate Falls, the Indian River, and other local areas to explore Dominica
Whale talks about sperm whale lifestyles, social structures, and culture
Working with an experienced boat captain who is involved with research work on Sperm Whales in Dominica
Sunset dinners at local restaurants
Itinerary
This trip is designed to maximize our experience on the incredible island of Dominica, both in and out of the water.
We will have 5 days on the water searching for sperm whales. There will be land excursions to sights around the island, such as Syndicate Falls and the Indian River.
We will also have talks during our week focused on the unique lifestyles, social structures, and cultures of sperm whales.
Dates:
Trip 1: April 29th - May 5th, 2026
Trip 2: May 4th - May 10th, 2026
Trip 3: May 10th - May 16th, 2026
Trip 4: May 15th - May 21st, 2026
Pricing: $5,900 twin sharing, single room supplement available.
Group Size: 6 guests maximum
Included: Water and land activities, whale talks, accommodation, breakfast & lunch
Day 1 — Arrival day into Dominica (DOM)
Fly into Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica, where you will be picked up and taken to our hotel in Portsmouth.
After you settle in, we will have a trip briefing covering what to expect on our trip, how we will manage interactions with the whales, and our schedule for the week.
Days 2 to 6 — Search for Sperm Whales
We will have 5 days on the water searching for sperm whales from approximately 8 am to 2 pm, with lunch on the boat. We will return to our hotel by around 3pm and relax or do optional afternoon activities and whale talks.
Afternoon Land Activities
During our week we will have a number of optional afternoon activities to give us a broader experience in Dominica:
Visiting Syndicate Falls, a secluded waterfall situated in a spectacular rainforest setting.
Going down the Indian River in a canoe with an expert guide on the area’s wildlife and history.
Walking on the red rock cliffs at Calibishie for the sunset.
Dinner at Keepin’ It Real on a peaceful beach for sunset.
(Some of these activities may be changed, swapped, or altered depending on how our week on the water goes and the preferences of the group.)
Whale Talks
At Thoughtful we put particular emphasis on getting a deeper understanding of what we are seeing and doing. There will be several optional talks in the evening on the unique social dynamics and lifestyle of sperm whales, sperm whale communication and culture, and the evolution and current state of whales.
Day 7 - Departure day from Dominica (DOM)
Time to say our goodbyes until the next adventure. You will be dropped off at the airport in time for your flight home.
Accommodation
We will be based at a boutique hotel located on a hillside overlooking Portsmouth, with a quiet atmosphere, and incredible views from the restaurant.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge, TV, and a private terrace or balcony with sea view.
The on-site restaurant serves a wide variety of local and global food with vegetarian options. The pool provides a cool respite in the afternoon as we relax over pizza and drinks talking about our whale experiences for the day.
We love staying here because it is a quiet, well-run place with a beautiful location, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere—ideal for the intimate spirit of this expedition.
Highlights
Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas over Prince Rupert Bay and Portsmouth from the room balconies and dining terrace.
Rooms: Comfortable rooms with private balconies, A/C, smart TVs, and reliable WiFi.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Small boutique property designed for relaxation with an intimate atmosphere.
On-Site Restaurant & Bar: Local and global cuisine meals (with vegetarian options) and sunset cocktails with a view.
Pool: A refreshing place to relax after our whale days with beautiful views over the bay.
Warm Hospitality: Friendly, knowledgeable team that treats you like family.
What people are saying about this trip
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FAQs
What is the chance of seeing Sperm Whales?
On average we can expect to hopefully see Sperm Whales on 3 out of our 5 water days. Some trips will be lucky to see them on more days, some may see them on fewer days. This is the wild, so there is also a chance we do not see them at all. However, Sperm Whale family pods are resident here year-round and our boat captain is one of the most experienced hydrophone operators in Dominica — if the whales are around we will find them.
What are the interactions with Sperm Whales like?
We believe that the best in-water interactions come from being slow, thoughtful, and respectful. You cannot force something that is not there. We let the whales dictate the interaction. Most interactions will be pass-bys, where the whales slowly swim past us as we get a close view of them. Sometimes the whales may choose to “click” at us, turn to look at us, or stop and interact. If we are very lucky, we may get a chance to observe them sleeping vertically in the water or socializing with each other. Those are dream encounters and if you are lucky enough to see that it is a trip of a lifetime.
What experience is needed to participate?
The one pre-requisite is that you have to know how to swim. It is ideal if you are comfortable snorkeling and being in deep water, but we can help you prepare and get there if you are not yet. We have had a wide variety of people from all walks of life join our expeditions — the most important qualities to succeed are a willingness to learn and listen.
We will see any other species of cetaceans?
There is a good chance of seeing Short-Fin Pilot Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. Lesser seen species include False Killer Whales. Sometimes we may be lucky to see Beckie, a resident Bottlenose in the Bay.
How do you approach interactions and what makes this trip unique?
Thoughtful trips focus on observing wildlife on their terms, while going deeper to learn more. We strive to minimize impact and invasiveness, which we believe also lead to more natural and meaningful encounters. We do this by working with a boat captain who is committed to being a caretaker for the whales and going at times during the season that are less busy. Our trip also includes excursions to see more of the island so that you leave with a more complete experience and understanding of this amazing place.
What happens if we do not see Sperm Whales?
Patience is key. You should expect that there will be days we do not see any whales at all. There is a good chance there will be multiple consecutive days without whales. That is all part of the experience and why this is a true expedition — the search is an important part of the process. On the days we do not have whale encounters, we may go snorkeling on a nearby reef or go in early to do an afternoon land activity such as going to the waterfalls or red rocks instead.
How large is the group?
There will be a maximum of 6 guests on this trip. Whale permits in Dominica allow up to 4 people to be in the water at a time with 3 guests alongside a guide, so we will split into two groups and take turns with drops. We usually find a way to get everyone involved during the best encounters.
What gear and clothing should I bring?
The water temperature in Dominica is around 28 to 29 celsius. Most people will be comfortable wearing a swimsuit and long sleeve rash guard to protect from the sun.
We recommend bringing your own mask, snorkel, and free diving fins that you are comfortable with.
Gear rentals are available for those who do not want to bring their own mask, snorkel, or fins.
Rental weights are available for a small fee.
The weather in Dominica is warm, humid, and rain is a frequent possibility.
You may want to bring clothing appropriate for the short hikes and walks we may do on our land excursions.