Dominica
Discover the hidden lives of Sperm Whales
Week 1: April 29th - May 5th, 2026
Week 2: May 4th - 10th, 2026
Week 3: May 10th - 16th, 2026
Week 4: May 15th - 21st, 2026
$5,900 per person | 7 days | 6 guests
5 days searching for whales
Captain who knows the whales
Fewer crowds & calmer seas
Syndicate Falls & Indian River
Whale talks & presentations
“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
Why you will love this trip
Glimpse into an unfathomable world — Sperm whales’ lives unfold in the deep ocean, but in Dominica you get a chance to see their rich family bonds
Captain who truly understands the whales — His hydrophone skills and deep experience create respectful encounters where we can identify individual whales
Fewer boats and calmer seas in May — We are based in the quieter north and go in May, when there are fewer boats and smoother sea conditions
A complete Dominica experience — Guests love our included excursions to Syndicate Falls, the Indian River, and evening whale talks
FAQ
How much does the trip cost?
$5,900 per person. This includes 5 whale days, land excursions, accommodation, breakfast, transfers.
What is the chance of seeing whales?
Very good. Sperm whales live in Dominica year-round, and on average we see them 3 out of 5 days.
What are interactions like?
Calm, close, and respectful. Close pass-bys, with a chance of seeing the whales click, look, socialize, or sleep.
What makes this trip unique?
We give you a complete Dominica experience. Included land excursions, evening whale talks, best-in-class captain, and a thoughtful approach to interactions.
What experience is needed?
You must know how to swim. No advanced skills are required, aside from a desire to learn and respect the animals.
What people are saying
“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
What would you like to experience?
Let’s make it happen.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Dominica
Arrive into Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM). We will pick you up for the one-hour drive to our base in Portsmouth. We will have a trip briefing on how we will interact with the whales and the plan for our week.
Days 2–6 — 5 water days searching for Sperm Whales
5 days on the water from 8am–2pm, searching for sperm whale interactions, with lunch aboard. Afternoons are free to relax, join land excursions, or take part in whale talks: (Activities may vary depending on group preferences.)
Searching for Sperm Whales
Hike to Syndicate Falls in lush rainforest
Canoe down the Indian River with a local wildlife guide
Walk the dramatic red rock cliffs of Calibishie at sunset
Dine at Keepin’ It Real, a beachside restaurant with great views
Whale talks on sperm whale culture, social dynamics, and evolution
Day 7 — Departure
After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to the airport for flights home.
Our quiet hillside hotel
Rooms with a view — Every room has a private balcony or terrace overlooking Portsmouth bay
Simple comfort — A/C, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and private sea-view balconies
Intimate atmosphere — This boutique hotel’s warm hospitality makes it a perfect fit for our small group
On-site Restaurant — Fresh dishes, including vegetarian options
Pool with a view — A perfect spot to cool off and relax after whale days
Plan Your Dominica Expedition
How can we help?
Ready to Join?
Booking Deposit
Secure your spot with a $1,500 deposit via the Book Now button on this page or by contacting us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
Payment Terms
$1,500 deposit to confirm your place.
Remaining balance due 120 days before the trip.
Payments managed through WeTravel, where you can pay by credit card or bank transfer in your preferred currency.
Cancellation Policy
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus $500 admin fee (waived if transferring deposit to another trip).
90–120 days: 50% refund.
Less than 90 days: No refunds possible.