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
A unique opportunity to swim with some of the most relaxed marine mammals in the world as they traverse the coastline of rugged Dominica. Travel to the idyllic island of Dominica with one of NWS’s specialist guides and world-renowned photographers – Patrick Dykstra, Joshua Barton, Rita Messing or Sarah Conner – for an unforgettable wildlife experience. Spend seven days on and around Dominica swimming with sperm whales. During your time off, discover the local food and culture or just relax in the Caribbean surroundings.
WHY BOOK THIS TRIP
- Experience the ultimate adventure with our exclusive trip and be one of few people to swim with sperm whales.
- Guided by one of our expert marine specialist team, Patrick Dykstra, become a savant on whale sharks and conservation.
- Our "Swimming with Sperm Whales" expedition is carefully curated and specialist-led, ensuring you have the best possible experience.
- By choosing our trip, you actively support efforts to protect Dominican sperm whales and other marine life.
- 10% from each booking goes towards buying “whale safe” ocean markers that lead to less whale entanglement and death, yearly trips to take local school children whale watching, contributions to marine science education and other charitable causes on the ground in Dominica.
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, visiting hot springs or dine of the local culinary delights.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 January - 6 February 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | ONE SPOT LEFT | 9130 | |
| 5 - 11 February 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | SOLD OUT | 9130 | |
| 15 - 21 February 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | SOLD OUT | 9130 | |
| 20 - 26 February 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | SOLD OUT | 9130 | |
| 25 Feb - 3 March 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | ONE SPOT LEFT | 9130 | |
| 31st May – 6th June 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group Safari with Joshua Barton | 9130 | |
| 5th June – 11th June 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group Safari with Joshua Barton | 9130 | |
| 10th June – 16th June 2025 | 5 | 7 Days | Small Group Safari with Joshua Barton | 9130 | |
| 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.