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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 our Dominica experiences
We are lucky to witness the unfathomable
Sperm whales have 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.
Yet, 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 trip is designed to give us an opportunity to observe sperm whales in their natural habitat through interactions that are as minimally invasive as possible — from our timing in the season to the boat captain we work with, every decision 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.
What makes this Thoughtful trip different
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.
Experiences
5 days of searching for sperm whales on the water
Excursions to Syndicate Falls, the Indian River, and the Calibishie Red Rocks
Sunset dinners at local restaurants
Whale talks about sperm whale lifestyles, social structures, and culture
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: $5,600 twin sharing, single room supplement available.
Group Size: 6 guests maximum
Included: All scheduled water and land activities, optional 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. The drive will take about an hour. 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 5 days on the water searching for sperm whales. Our daily schedule will be approximately 8am - 2pm Search for pods of sperm whales. We will have lunch on the boat. 2:30pm Return to our hotel 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
We put particular emphasis on getting a deeper understanding of what we are seeing and doing. During our week there will be several optional talks in the evening on topics such as 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
A Peaceful Hilltop Boutique Hotel
We will be based at The Champs, a locally owned boutique hotel located on a hillside overlooking beautiful Prince Rupert Bay in Portsmouth, Dominica. With just a handful of rooms, a quiet atmosphere, and incredible views from the restaurant, The Champs provides the perfect peaceful and convenient base for us.
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. The pool provides a cool respite in the afternoon as we relax over pizza and drinks talking about our whale experiences for the day. The hotel is located about 10 minutes from where we will board our boat, as well as other local attractions including the Indian River and Cabrits National Park. The staff is like family and the hotel operates with an ethos of environmental and community responsibility.
We love staying at The Champs because it is a simple, local, well-run place with a beautiful location overlooking Portsmouth, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere—ideal for the intimate spirit of this sperm whale expedition.
Highlights
Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas over Prince Rupert Bay and the Caribbean Sea from every room and the dining terrace.
Rooms: Comfortable, simple rooms with private balconies, A/C, smart TVs, and reliable WiFi.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Small boutique property designed for relaxation and reflection with an intimate atmosphere.
On-Site Restaurant & Bar: Local and global cuisine meals and sunset cocktails with a view.
Pool: A refreshing place to relax after our whale days with beautiful views over the bay.
Sustainable Ethos: Operated with a commitment to the local community.
Warm Hospitality: Friendly, knowledgeable team that treats you like family.
What People Are Saying
“The whales came first, which meant we got fantastic interaction on the whales’ terms. Alex is my go-to choice of any cetacean trip.”
“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.”
What People Are Saying
“The whales came first, which meant we got fantastic interaction on the whales’ terms. Alex is my go-to choice of any cetacean trip.”
“Alex is an inspirational and professional leader, passionate with a truly wide and deep knowledge of the animals he encounters.”
“Swimming with sperm whales in Dominica was a dream come true, and it wouldn't have been the same without our incredible guide, Alex.”
“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.”
Learn more about our Dominica experiences
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FAQs
How much does this trip cost?
The trip is $5,500 twin sharing. This includes all activities, accommodation, airport pickup, breakfast and lunch. Single room supplements are available for an additional charge.
How large is the group and what is required to join?
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 (3 guests + guide), so we will split into two groups and take turns with drops.
Everyone is welcome. You have to be comfortable with swimming over deep water. Reach out if you have concerns and we can discuss what makes sense for you.
What gear and clothing should I bring?
Water temperature in Dominica is around 28-29 C. Most people find it comfortable to wear a swimsuit and long sleeve rash guard to protect yourself 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 also want to bring clothing appropriate for the short hikes we may do on our land excursions.
What is included in the trip?
All scheduled water and land activities. Whale talks. Accommodation. Breakfast & Lunch. Scheduled airport pick up & drop off. Guide.
Exclusions are international flights, dinner, snacks & drinks, and gratuities.
How do I book my spot on the trip?
Click the green “Book Now” button to submit your $1,500 deposit for the trip. You can also reach out to us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or by filling out the informational form below.
You can pay by credit card or bank transfer using the currency you prefer. (The trip is quoted in USD, but it is possible to pay in EUR, GBP, and other major currencies)
What are the deposit, payment, and cancellation terms?
A $1,500 deposit will be required to secure your spot on the trip.
The remaining balance will be split over 2 payments due 90 and 60 days before the trip begins.
Our payment processor charges no fees for bank transfers, and a standard 1.5% - 2.9% fee for credit cards.
Unfortunately, there are no cancellations within 90 days of the trip starting.