Patrick Dykstra
Patrick Dykstra is a TV presenter, BAFTA award-winning wildlife cameraman, and one of our specialist leaders.
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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 safari offers rare access to swim alongside resident sperm whales in the only location where they live year-round. Led by world-renowned marine guides and photographers including Patrick Dykstra—star of the Emmy-nominated Patrick and the Whale—you’ll spend seven days immersed in the waters of this Caribbean paradise. Our team’s unrivalled understanding of whale behaviour ensures close, respectful encounters, while our Destination Specialists use first-hand knowledge of Dominica to craft seamless itineraries that combine marine adventure with local culture, natural hot springs, and exceptional accommodation. This is more than a wildlife trip—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of the wild ocean.
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.
Day 1 - Arrive 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.
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.
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!
Sperm Whales
Dominica is the best place to swim with Sperm Whales. Staring down into the bright blue waters of the Caribbean from your small boat, you wait, engine off. Under the surface emerges a huge mass of grey, and that is it, time to delve under the surface as swimming just beneath, awaiting your visit, is the largest toothed carnivore on earth. Easy and calm to approach, they pose no danger as you’re dwarfed in their presence. Taking time to photograph them, and be photographed alongside them, you bathe in the warm waters of Dominica together.
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Follow Patrick on Instagram"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."
Ocean's Edge
Ocean’s Edge Hotel, a hidden gem in Dominica’s heart, caters to adventurers and business travelers. This cosy hotel offers an authentic Caribbean experience with breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The spacious rooms at Ocean's Edge Hotel are furnished with all the contemporary conveniences required for an enjoyable stay, and they are designed to maximise comfort and relaxation. The ocean-view rooms offer breathtaking views of the ocean and the lush tropical surrounds, and they are attractively designed in island-themed colours. The Ocean's Edge Hotel is proud of its superior service and meticulous attention to every last detail. Whether guests need assistance with arranging tours or want suggestions for the top spots to visit on the island, the helpful staff is always on hand to make sure their stays are relaxing and stress-free.
The hotel has a number of features designed to improve the overall stay for guests, including a restaurant and bar that look out over the water. Ocean's Edge Hotel is the ideal starting point for experiencing all that Dominica has to offer because it is close to the island's finest attractions, including famous diving locations and natural hot springs.
Families, groups of friends, whale watchers, hikers, divers, business travellers, and explorers all love to visit Ocean's Edge Hotel. It offers possibilities to discover the island's beauty and charm while also accommodating those who need to be close to the commercial district.
Dates & Prices swimming-with-sperm-whales-in-dominica
| Date | Guests | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31st Jan - 6th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 5th - 11th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 10th - 16th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 15th - 21st Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 20th - 26th Feb 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 | |
| 25th Feb - 3rd Mar 2026 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group with Patrick Dykstra | 10230 |
Talk to a Dominica Destination Specialist today
Client Reviews
Rated 4.8/5 based on 6 customer 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.